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Displaying items by tag: Beneteau

French boatbuilder Beneteau has restarted production at three of its sites as it announced half-year earnings that showed a 4.7% rise in consolidated revenues by the end of February.

International Boat Industry reports that this was thanks to sustained business in both its boat and housing divisions — though it represents a period before the impact of coronavirus on the economy worldwide.

In response to the current crisis, Beneteau’s CEO has taken a salary reduction and a new strategic plan will follow in July to reflect significant changes in global markets.

Beneteau’s Irish agents are BJ Marine, who recently delivered a new Beneteau 27 sports cruiser — the first in the UK and Ireland — to an Irish Sea customer in Cardiff.

Published in BJ Marine

The first Beneteau 27 in the UK and Ireland was delivered by BJ Marine to a new Irish Sea customer last week. As regular Afloat readers will recall, the deal on the new design was done at January's Boot Dusseldorf boat show by BJ's Cardiff brokerage office. 

The First 27 is a small towable sports cruiser packed with potential. She is certified in the CE B category (Offshore) and ISAF OSR Category 3 and is designed for offshore racing by naval architect Sam Manuard, taking inspiration from his own racing experience.

Featuring a hard chine as far as the stem, vertical sides, a good beam on the waterline and twin rudders, she has all the makings of a robust competitive boat. Her hull shape, carbon rig, and deep draught lead keel combine to make here remarkably stable. With her keel taking up 50% of her weight, she is a powerful little yacht. A manually operated hydraulic jack lifts the keel making the First 27 is easy to tow. 

The First 27 is also pitched as a boat that is ideal for a few days cruising with a crew of four. The fore cabin has a large double berth while two berths sliding below the cockpit double the length of the saloon seats. The style of the interior is simple yet boldly contemporary, featuring many clever details that everyone will love: folding doors held by magnets, shelves that double up as bags to embark/disembark everyone’s personal effects, a large table on keel casing leg, and the companionway steps housing storage with a bottom compartment the perfect size for a fridge.

Published in BJ Marine
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The third edition of the Drheam Cup, from 18 to 27 July, starting in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin and finishing in La Trinité-sur-Mer, has been opened up to more competitors, as the Open De France De Course au Large-labelled race will welcome a Figaro Bénéteau 3 fleet. It is an opportunity for the solo sailing experts to warm up on the Drheam Cup 400 course, one month before the start of the Solitaire du Figaro.

As Afloat reported previously, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many organisers are having to postpone or cancel races, including the Solo Maître CoQ, the Solo Guy Cotten and the Transat AG2R, the last three races in the Figaro Bénéteau class season. This had implications for the first Irish selection trial for three trialists vying for the single berth at this year's mixed offshore world championships. 

When he launched the Drheam Cup in 2016, its founder Jacques Civilise dreamt of an Open race, taking place in the summer, open to all boats, formats and sailors, enabling everyone to enjoy a real high-level competition in a sharing and celebratory atmosphere. This openness, which led to it being awarded the Open De France De Course label, allowed the two first editions to welcome a multi-class fleet, from Ultimes to Classic Yachts, including Imocas, Class40, Multi50, Multi 2000, IRC, Osiris and Mini 6.50 boats.

In the run-up to the third edition, this quest for openness continues, since the Figaro Bénéteau class has accepted the organiser's invitation to include the Drheam Cup in its official 2020 calendar. "When Jacques Civilise told me that he wanted to welcome Figaro skippers, I immediately loved the idea and I submitted it to the board members, who agreed, explains Yvon Breton, Chairman of the Figaro Bénéteau class. First, because it takes place at an ideal time for the Solitaire du Figaro, which starts just over a month later, and because participating in a multi-class race is an opportunity for our class to open up. This challenge can encourage other participating sailors to join us, we always aim to grow. Finally, it is important for our partners, as the Drheam Cup is well-covered by the media, offering them more visibility.”

Cherbourg skipper Alexis Loison has jumped on the chance to be the first Figaro sailor to enter. "I just had to take part in a race that starts in my home town and has the backing of my sponsor, Région Normandie. The timing is perfect as well, five weeks before the start of the Solitaire du Figaro, it isn't too early or too late, and the Drheam Cup 400 course could be a leg of the Figaro. For us it is a good rehearsal, a warm-up that will enable us to make sure everything is working onboard.”

Published in Solo Sailing
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Immediately following last month's Dusseldorf Boat Show, French giant boatbuilder Beneteau has been swift to maket two important launches both particularly relevant for the Irish sailing market writes James Kirwan of Irish agents BJ Marine.

We had a successful outing at the German show with this year’s boat of the year winner in the Family Cruiser category being the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1, one of the stars of last autumn’s Southampton International Boat Show and the Beneteau stand at boot Düsseldorf alike. 

Now, in February, the news of these two Oceanis models is another boost for the brand.

Oceanis 40.1

Oceanis40.1Oceanis40.1 - taller rig option as well as the usual in-mast furling or traditional mainsail with lazy bag

The Oceanis 40.1 replaces the Oceanis 41.1 which BJ Marine sold in great numbers both at home and overseas. The 40.1 offers 3 excellent cabins, made possible by the max beam carried all the way aft, giving two huge aft cabins and providing a massive cockpit on deck. As ever, the Oceanis 40.1 will offer excellent sailing performance in whichever configuration the client wants, noting we offer a taller rig option as well as the usual in-mast furling or traditional mainsail with lazy bag. With a self-tacking jib too, we can really customise the boat for every client. The boat will also come with a choice of the wood interior which can really personalize your boat.

Oceanis Yacht 54

Oceanis Yacht 54Oceanis Yacht 54 - redesign of the cockpit will set her apart, offering great comfort and making handling the 54 very manageable

The new Oceanis Yacht 54, is very much the little sister of the multi-award-winning Oceanis Yacht 62. Finished to an incredibly high standard, the 62 and now the 54, offers something completely different to the market. The level of detailing in the interior, with endless options, ensures that the owner will have a boat exactly as they want it. The redesign of the cockpit will set her apart, offering great comfort and making handling the 54 very manageable for all those that step aboard. Again, with the different rig and keel options, Beneteau really are staying true to their values of designing and building an excellent sailing boat first and foremost and then building the interior and luxuries around that principle.

I will be sailing both boats at the end of April, with clients already booked for sea trials at our sea trial base in Port Ginesta near Barcelona, and we will report back in full to Afloat.ie

The full Beneteau press release on the new models is downloadable below

Published in BJ Marine
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Beneteau and X-Yachts were the big winners in the cruiser categories in this year’s European Yacht of the Year awards presented on the flagship night of boot Düsseldorf, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.

This year’s winner in the Family Cruiser category was the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1, one of the stars of last autumn’s Southampton International Boat Show and the Beneteau stand at boot Düsseldorf alike.

BJ Marine are the Irish dealers for this touring yacht, which is built by Beneteau subsidiary Delphia Yachts in Poland and offers a remarkable degree of luxury and comfort despite its compact dimensions, as the jury determined.

X-Yacht’s new X4⁰ was picked by European Yacht of the Year judges as the best of the Performance CruisersX-Yachts‘ new X4⁰ was picked by European Yacht of the Year judges as the best of the Performance Cruisers

In the Performance Cruiser category, meanwhile, the winner was X-Yachts’ new X4⁰ which had its first media appearance at last year’s show. Judges liked the Danish boat’s readily available power alongside tasteful and comfortable furnishings.

European Yacht of the Year 2020 also recognised the ClubSwan 36 with the Winner Innovation Award, the Amel 60 as the best Luxury Cruiser and the Dealer 30 OD as top of the Regatta Yachts.

Published in Boot Düsseldorf

Greystones Harbour and Irish Sea dealer BJ Marine is showcasing an extensive range of sailing yachts at the 2020 boot Düsseldorf Boat Show (18th – 26th Jan). Potential owners will be able to explore the award-winning Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 (2019 European Yacht of the Year Winner in the “Best Yacht” category) as well as the award-nominated Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 (2020 European Yacht of the Year in “Family Cruiser” category).

Making her show debut the Beneteau First 53 (2020 European Yacht of the Year nominee in the “Performance Cruiser” category) is a must for anyone wanting to experience high-performance cruising.

Published in BJ Marine
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Beneteau has officially unveiled the Antares 11, the French sail and motor boat builder’s largest ever outboard vessel.

And considering the huge popularity and affordability of outboard boats in recent years, it’s being touted by Irish Beneteau dealer BJ Marine as a very exciting launch.

Seaworthy, luxurious, spacious and versatile are words that the Antares 11 brings to life.

Three cabins, one of which is a true owner’s cabin; two x300hp engines; a foldout cockpit and huge amounts of natural light make it so much more than a weekender.

Antares 11 interior 2

The Antares outboard range has been BJ Marine’s fastest growing range in Ireland since 2016 with more new models coming to Ireland year on year.

The growth started with the Antares 7 and 8, based primarily on the exceptional value that the outboard configuration offered in comparison to the inboard diesel models, as well as the extra interior space that the outboards allow.

This led to the launch of the Antares 9 last winter, powered by twin Suzuki 200hp engines, which has already proven a strong seller — so much so that a brand new one is now in stock at BJ Marine’s Greystones office.

With the Antares 11, the dealer’s outboard offering can go to a whole new level.

antares11 ext 003

The boat model will be introduced and demonstrated at Nautic Paris this December and will be on display at Boot Dusseldorf in January.

The BJ Marine team will be on site for the full show at Dusseldorf to welcome people on board and discover this exciting new model — but plenty of information is already available to share with those interested.

BJ Marine also has smaller Antares models in stock with trade-ins available — easy boating getting more newcomers afloat every season.

Published in BJ Marine

Among the firsts BJ Marine have brought to the Southampton International Boat Show this week is the new Flyer 10.

The flagship of Beneteau’s dayboat range is really a powerboat under the skin, blending style and comfort — across four large living spaces — with thrills courtesy of its large outboard motor.

A distinctive feature of the the Flyer 10 is its ‘smart walkaround’ concept that combines the easy movement and safety advantages of the walkaround, but with just one asymmetric walkway to port, offering greater deck and cabin space.

The foredeck also features a vast three-place sun pad, and there is a fully fitted galley which means real meals while enjoying life on the open water.

Available to order now, the Flyer 10 is expected to be in high demand with limited build slots available during the September boat shows, both last week in Cannes and now in Southampton.

Don’t miss the Beneteau Village at the Southampton International Boat Show, open till this Sunday 22 SeptemberDon’t miss the Beneteau Village at the Southampton International Boat Show, open till this Sunday 22 September

Also at the Beneteau Village SBS is the new Antares 9, which sets the stage for an exciting future of outboard sports cruisers.

The largest and sportiest to date from Beneteau’s Antares range, the 9 is the perfect boat for the couple or family who want a life onboard, says BJ Marine’s David Hoctor.

It’s also an incredibly popular option, sold out since launch in early 2018, but next available orders are coming on January 2020.

Contact BJ Marine for more, and to secure your access to the best deals on new Beneteau models, which include the UK debuts of the Oceanis 30.1 and Monte Carlo 52 cruiser.

With a wide range of boats to see in person — along with Conor Fogarty’s new foiling Figaro 3, Raw, on display — Ireland’s Beneteau distributors are part of what they describe as a “spectacular” at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show, which continues to this Sunday 22 September.

James Kirwan  +353 877712223
Mike Caplan  +44 7979 578238
David Hoctor  +353 85 8873445
John Harkness  +44 7564 366639
George Hill  +44 7815 561554

Published in BJ Marine

Following its official launch in recent days at the Cannes Yachting Festival, Beneteau’s new Monte Carlo 52 makes its UK debut at the Southampton International Boat Show this week.

And Irish Beneteau distributors BJ Marine are on hand to show prospective buyers around the elegant, luxurious and contemporary yet spacious and bright design that ushers in Beneteau’s new ‘Smart Luxury’ generation of high-end cruisers.

The 16m Monte Carlo 52 boats a world-class design from Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard (exterior line) and Andréani Design (interior accomodation), with a V-hull designed in partnership with MICAD.

BJ Marine general manager James Kirwan got his first look at the Monte Carlo 52 this past summer, and even beforehand was convinced that “its combination of style and stability makes it ideal for Irish boaters at home or further afield”.

The dealers are part of what they describe as a Beneteau “spectacular” at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show, which continues through to this Sunday 22 September.

Contact BJ Marine now to secure your access to the best deals on new Beneteau models, which include the Antares 9 and the UK debuts of the Flyer 10 and the Oceanis 30.1.

James Kirwan  +353 877712223
Mike Caplan  +44 7979 578238
David Hoctor  +353 85 8873445
John Harkness  +44 7564 366639
George Hill  +44 7815 561554

Published in BJ Marine

Irish Beneteau dealers BJ Marine are welcoming their second day at the Southampton International Boat Show having already entertained many serious buyers interested in their latest models — particularly the Oceanis 46.1 and the brand new Oceanis 30.1.

Easy to sail but lively to helm, the Oceanis 30.1 makes a virtue of its small stature — small enough to trail, it opens up a wealth of possibilities for lake and river sailing along with coastal cruises and adventures on the high seas.

It also comes with unbeatable living space for its size, with a near two-metre headspace across its two double cabins, saloon, shower room and galley.

The Oceanis 30.1 is exclusive to BJ Marine and boat show boat is the only available for immediate delivery after the show.

The Oceanis 46.1, meanwhile, boasts all the features one comes to expect of a large cruising yacht — with a rare balance between elegance, usable space and performance.

Oceanis 46.1 at SBS

The stepped hull, retained from the Oceans 51.1, opens up an incredible amount of space inside — with room for eight guests and significant natural light right to the centre of the boat — while maintaining impressive seakeeping performance.

And clever customisable fittings make her easy to sail and comfortable to live in, appealing to a wide range of crews.

BJ Marine are proud to be part of what they describe as a Beneteau “spectacular” at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show, with their team on board throughout the show until next Sunday 22 September.

Contact BJ Marine now to secure your access to the best deals on new Beneteau models, which include the Antares 9 and the UK debuts of the Flyer 10 and ‘smart luxury’ Monte Carlo 52.

James Kirwan  +353 877712223
Mike Caplan  +44 7979 578238
David Hoctor  +353 85 8873445
John Harkness  +44 7564 366639
George Hill  +44 7815 561554

Published in BJ Marine
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General Information on using Waterways Ireland inland navigations

Safety on the Water

All users of the navigations are strongly recommended to make themselves aware of safety on the water for whatever activity they are involved in and to read the advice offered by the various governing bodies and by:

The Dept. of Transport, Ireland: www.gov.ie/transport and The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, UK, The RNLI – Water Safety Ireland for information in terms of drowning prevention and water safety.

Registration of Vessels

All vessels using the Shannon Navigation, which includes the Shannon-Erne Waterways and the Erne System must be registered with Waterways Ireland. Only open undecked boats with an engine of 15 horsepower or less on the Shannon Navigation, and vessels of 10 horsepower or less on the Erne System, are exempt. Registration is free of charge.

Craft registration should be completed online at: https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/craft-registration

Permits for use of the Grand and Royal Canals and the Barrow Navigation

All vessels using the Grand and Royal Canals and the Barrow Navigation must display appropriate valid Permit(s) i.e A Combined Mooring and Passage Permit (€126) and if not intending to move every five days, an Extended Mooring Permit (€152).

Permit applications should be completed online at: https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/canal-permits

Passage on the Royal and Grand Canals – Dublin Area

For boat passage through the locks east of Lock 12 into / out of Dublin on either the Royal or Grand Canals, Masters are requested to contact the Waterways Ireland Eastern Regional Office (M-F 9.30am-4.30pm) on tel: +353(0)1 868 0148 or email [email protected] prior to making passage in order to plan the necessary lock-keeping assistance arrangements.

On the Grand Canal a minimum of two days notice prior to the planned passage should be given, masters should note that with the exception of pre-arranged events, a maximum of 2 boats per day will be taken through the locks, travelling either east or west.

Movements in or out of the city will be organised by prior arrangement to take place as a single movement in one day. Boaters will be facilitated to travel the system if their passage is considered to be safe by Waterways Ireland and they have the valid permit(s) for mooring and passage.

Newcomen Lifting Bridge

On the Royal Canal two weeks’ notice of bridge passage (Newcomen Lifting Bridge) is required for the pre-set lift date, and lock assistance will then also be arranged. A minimum of 2 boats is required for a bridge lift to go ahead.

Waterways Ireland Eastern Regional Office (Tel: +353(0)1 868 0148 or [email protected] ) is the point of contact for the bridge lift.

A maximum number of boats passing will be implemented to keep to the times given above for the planned lifts (16 for the Sat / Sun lifts & 8 for the weekday lifts). Priority will be given on a first come first served basis.

On day of lift, boaters and passengers must follow guidance from Waterways Ireland staff about sequence of passage under bridge & through Lock 1, and must remain within signed and designated areas.

Events Held on the Waterways

All organised events taking place on the waterways must have the prior approval of Waterways Ireland. This is a twelve week process and application forms must be accompanied with the appropriate insurance, signed indemnity and risk assessment. The application should be completed on the Waterways Ireland events page at :

https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/event-approval

Time Limits on Mooring in Public Harbours

On the Shannon Navigation and the Shannon-Erne Waterway craft may berth in public harbours for five consecutive days or a total of seven days in any one month.

On the Erne System, revised Bye Laws state that: No master or owner shall permit a vessel, boat or any floating or sunken object to remain moored at or in the vicinity of any public mooring, including mooring at any other public mooring within 3 kilometres of that location, for more than 3 consecutive days and shall not moor at that same mooring or any other public mooring within 3 kilometres of that location within the following 3 consecutive days without prior permission by an authorised official.

Winter Mooring on the Shannon Navigation and Shannon Erne Waterway

Winter mooring may be availed of by owners during the period 1 Nov to 31 Mar by prior arrangement and payment of a charge of €63.50 per craft. Craft not availing of Winter Mooring must continue to comply with the “5 Day Rule”. Winter Mooring applications should be completed online at : https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/winter-moorings-booking

Owners should be aware that electricity supply and water supply to public moorings is disconnected for the winter months. This is to protect against frost damage, to reduce running costs and to minimise maintenance requirements during the winter months.

Vessel owners are advised that advance purchasing of electricity on the power bollards leading up to the disconnection date should be minimal. Electricity credit existing on the bollards will not be recoverable after the winter decommissioning date. Both services will be reinstated prior to the commencement of the next boating season.

Smart Cards

Waterways Ireland smart cards are used to operate locks on the Shannon Erne Waterway, to access the service blocks, to use the pump-outs along the navigations, to avail of electrical power at Waterways Ireland jetties.

Berthing in Public Harbours

Masters are reminded of the following:

  • Equip their vessel with mooring lines of appropriate length and strength and only secure their craft to mooring bollards and cleats provided for this purpose.
  • Ensure the available berth is suitable to the length of your vessel, do not overhang the mooring especially on finger moorings on floating pontoon moorings.
  • Ensure mooring lines, electric cables and fresh water hoses do not create a trip hazard on public jetties for others users.
  • Carry sufficient fenders to prevent damage to your own vessel, other vessels and WI property.
  • Allow sufficient space between your vessel and the vessel ahead /astern (c.1m) for fire safety purposes and /or to recover somebody from the water.
  • Do not berth more than two vessels side by side and ensure there is safe access/egress at all times between vessels and onto the harbour itself.
  • Do not berth in such a way to prevent use of harbour safety ladders, slipways or pump-outs.
  • Do not allow the bow of your vessel to overhang the walkway of a floating mooring thus creating a hazard for others with an overhanging anchor or bow fendering.
  • Animals are not allowed to be loose or stray at any time.
  • Harbour and jetty infrastructure such as railings, power pedestals, fresh water taps, electric light poles, safety bollards, ladders etc are not designed for the purpose of mooring craft , they will not bear the strain of a vessel and will be damaged.
  • At Carrybridge on the Erne System, Masters of vessels are not permitted to use stern on mooring. Masters of vessels must use the mooring fingers for mooring of vessels and for embarkation / disembarkation from vessels.

Passenger Vessel Berths

Masters of vessels should not berth on passenger vessel berths where it is indicated that an arrival is imminent. Passenger vessels plying the navigations generally only occupy the berths to embark and disembark passengers and rarely remain on the berths for extended periods or overnight.

Lock Lead-in Jetties

Lead-in jetties adjacent to the upstream and downstream gates at lock chambers are solely for the purpose of craft waiting to use the lock and should not be used for long term berthing.

Vessel Wake

Vessel wake, that is, the wave generated by the passage of the boat through the water, can sometimes be large, powerful and destructive depending on the hull shape and engine power of the vessel. This wake can be detrimental to other users of the navigation when it strikes their craft or inundates the shoreline or riverbank. Masters are requested to frequently look behind and check the effect of their wake / wash particularly when passing moored vessels, on entering harbours and approaching jetties and to be aware of people pursuing other activities such as fishing on the riverbank.

Speed Restriction

A vessel or boat shall not be navigated on the Shannon Navigation at a speed in excess of 5 kph when within 200 metres of a bridge, quay, jetty or wharf, when in a harbour or canal or when passing within 100 metres of a moored vessel or boat.

Vessels navigating the Shannon-Erne Waterway should observe the general 5 kph speed limit which applies along the waterway. This is necessary in order to prevent damage to the banks caused by excessive wash from vessels.

Vessels navigating the Erne System should observe the statutory 5kt / 6mph / 10kph speed limit areas.

A craft on the Royal and Grand canals shall not be navigated at a speed in excess of 6km per hour.

A craft on the Barrow Navigation shall not be navigated at a speed in excess of 11km per hour except as necessary for safe navigation in conditions of fast flow.

Bank Erosion

Narrow sections of all the navigations are particularly prone to bank erosion due to the large wash generated by some craft. Masters are requested to be vigilant and to slow down to a speed sufficient to maintain steerage when they observe the wash of their craft inundating the river banks.

Unusual Waterborne Activity

Unusual waterborne vessels may be encountered from time to time, such as, hovercraft or amphibious aircraft / seaplanes. Masters of such craft are reminded to apply the normal “Rule of the Road” when they meet conventional craft on the water and to allow extra room to manoeuvre in the interest of safety.

Sailing Activity

Mariners will encounter large numbers of sailing dinghies from late June to August in the vicinity of Lough Derg, Lough Ree and Lower Lough Erne. Sailing courses are marked by yellow buoys to suit weather conditions on the day. Vessels should proceed at slow speed and with due caution and observe the rules of navigation when passing these fleets, as many of the participants are junior sailors under training.

Rowing

Mariners should expect to meet canoes and vessels under oars on any part of the navigations, but more so in the vicinity of Athlone, Carrick-on-Shannon, Coleraine, Enniskillen and Limerick. Masters are reminded to proceed at slow speed and especially to reduce their wash to a minimum when passing these craft as they can be easily upset and swamped due to their very low freeboard and always be prepared to give way in any given traffic situation.

Canoeing

Canoeing is an adventure sport and participants are strongly recommended to seek the advice of the sport’s governing bodies i.e Canoeing Ireland and the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland, before venturing onto the navigations.

Persons in charge of canoes are reminded of the inherent danger to these craft associated with operating close to weirs, sluice gates, locks and other infrastructure particularly when rivers are in flood and large volumes of water are moving through the navigations due to general flood conditions or very heavy localised precipitation e.g. turbulent and broken water, stopper waves. Shooting weirs is prohibited without prior permission of Waterways Ireland.

Canoeists should check with lockkeepers prior entering a lock to ensure passage is done in a safe manner. Portage is required at all unmanned locks.

Canoe Trail Network – "Blueways"

Masters of powered craft are reminded that a canoe trail network is being developed across all navigations and to expect more organised canoeing along these trails necessitating slow speed and minimum wash when encountering canoeists, rowing boats etc

Rockingham and Drummans Island Canals – Lough Key

It is expected that work on Rockingham and Drummans Island Canals on Lough Key will be completed in 2021. Access to these canals will be for non-powered craft only, eg canoes, kayaks, rowing boats.

Fast Powerboats and Personal Watercraft (Jet Skis)

Masters of Fast Powerboats (speed greater than 17kts) and Personal Watercraft (i.e.Jet Skis) are reminded of the inherent dangers associated with high speed on the water and especially in the confines of small bays and narrow sections of the navigations. Keeping a proper look-out, making early alterations to course and /or reducing speed will avoid conflict with slower vessels using the navigation. Personal Watercraft are not permitted to be used on the canals.

Towing Waterskiers, Wakeboarders, Doughnuts etc

Masters of vessels engaged in any of these activities are reminded of the manoeuvring constraints imposed upon their vessel by the tow and of the added responsibilities that they have to the person(s) being towed. These activities should be conducted in areas which are clear of conflicting traffic. It is highly recommended that a person additional to the master be carried to act as a “look-out” to keep the tow under observation at all times.

Prohibition on Swimming

Swimming in the navigable channel, particularly at bridges, is dangerous and is prohibited due to the risk of being run over by a vessel underway in the navigation.

Age Restrictions on operating of powered craft

In the Republic of Ireland, Statutory Instrument 921 of 2005 provides the legal requirements regarding the minimum age for operating of powered craft. The Statutory Instrument contains the following requirements:

- The master or owner of a personal watercraft or a fast power craft shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 16 years does not operate or control the craft

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft powered by an engine with a rating of more than 5 horse power or 3.7 kilowatts shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 12 years does not operate or control the craft.

Lifejackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Lifejackets and PFD’s are the single most important items of personal protective equipment to be used on a vessel and should be worn especially when the vessel is being manoeuvred such as entering / departing a lock, anchoring, coming alongside or departing a jetty or quayside.

In the Republic of Ireland, Statutory Instrument 921 of 2005 provides the legal requirements regarding the wearing of Personal Flotation Devices. The Statutory Instrument contains the following requirements:

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) shall ensure, that there are, at all times on board the craft, sufficient suitable personal flotation devices for each person on board.

- A person on a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) of less than 7 metres length overall shall wear a suitable personal flotation device while on board an open craft or while on the deck of decked craft, other than when the craft is made fast to the shore or at anchor.

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 16 years complies with paragraph above.

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft), shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 16 years wears a suitable personal flotation device while on board an open craft or while on the deck of a decked craft other than when it is made fast to the shore or at anchor.

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person wears a suitable personal flotation device, at all times while – (a) being towed by the craft, (b) on board a vessel or object of any kind which is being towed by the craft.

Further information is available at: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2005/si/921/made/en/print

Firing Range Danger Area – Lough Ree

The attention of mariners is drawn to the Irish Defence Forces Firing Range situated in the vicinity of buoys No’s 2 and 3, on Lough Ree on the Shannon Navigation. This range is used regularly for live firing exercises, throughout the year, all boats and vessels should stay clear of the area marked with yellow buoys showing a yellow "X" topmark and displaying the word "Danger".

Shannon Navigation, Portumna Swing Bridge Tolls

No attempt should be made by Masters’ of vessels to pay the bridge toll while making way through the bridge opening. Payment will only be taken by the Collector from Masters when they are secured alongside the jetties north and south of the bridge.

Navigating from Killaloe to Limerick on the Shannon Navigation

The navigation from Killaloe to Limerick involves passage through Ardnacrusha locks, the associated headrace and tailrace and the Abbey River into Limerick City. Careful passage planning is required to undertake this voyage. Considerations include: lock passage at Ardnacrusha, water flow in the navigation, airdraft under bridges on Abbey River in Limerick, state of tide in Limerick

Users are advised to contact the ESB Ardnacrusha hydroelectric power station (00353 (0)87 9970131) 48 hours in advance of commencing their journey to book passage through the locks at Ardnacrusha. It is NOT advised to undertake a voyage if more than one turbine is operating (20MW), due to the increased velocity of flow in the navigation channel, which can be dangerous. To ascertain automatically in real time how many turbines are running, users can phone +353 (0)87 6477229.

For safety reasons the ESB has advised that only powered craft with a capacity in excess of 5 knots are allowed to enter Ardnacrusha Headrace and Tailrace Canals.

Passage through Sarsfield Lock should be booked on +353-87-7972998, on the day prior to travel and it should be noted also that transit is not possible two hours either side of low water.

A Hydrographic survey in 2020 of the navigation channel revealed that the approach from Shannon Bridge to Sarsfield Lock and the Dock area has silted up. Masters of vessels and water users are advised to navigate to the Lock from Shannon bridge on a rising tide one or two hours before High Tide.

Lower Bann Navigation

The attention of all users is drawn to the “Users Code for the Lower Bann”, in particular to that section covering “Flow in the River” outlining the dangers for users both on the banks and in the navigation, associated with high flow rates when the river is in spate. Canoeists should consult and carry a copy of the “Lower Bann Canoe Trail” guide issued by the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland. Users should also contact the DfI Rivers Coleraine, who is responsible for regulating the flow rates on the river, for advisory information on the flow rates to be expected on any given day.

DfI Rivers Coleraine. Tel: 0044 28 7034 2357 Email: [email protected]

Lower Bann Navigation – Newferry – No wake zone

A No Wake Zone exists on the Lower Bann Navigation at Newferry. Masters of vessels are requested to proceed at a slow speed and create no wake while passing the jetties and slipways at Newferry.

Overhead Power Lines (OHPL) and Air draft

All Masters must be aware of the dangers associated with overhead power lines, in particular sailing vessels and workboats with cranes or large air drafts. Voyage planning is a necessity in order to identify the location of overhead lines crossing the navigation.

Overhead power line heights on the River Shannon are maintained at 12.6metres (40 feet) from Normal Summer level for that section of navigation, masters of vessels with a large air draft should proceed with caution and make additional allowances when water levels are high.

If a vessel or its equipment comes into contact with an OHPL the operator should NOT attempt to move the vessel or equipment. The conductor may still be alive or re-energise automatically. Maintain a safe distance and prevent third parties from approaching due to risk of arcing. Contact the emergency services for assistance.

Anglers are also reminded that a minimum ground distance of 30 metres should be maintained from overhead power lines when using a rod and line.

Submarine Cables and Pipes

Masters of vessels are reminded not to anchor their vessels in the vicinity of submarine cables or pipes in case they foul their anchor or damage the cables or pipes. Look to the river banks for signage indicating their presence.

Water Levels - Precautions

Low Water Levels:

When water levels fall below normal summer levels masters should be aware of:

Navigation

To reduce the risk of grounding masters should navigate on or near the centreline of the channel, avoid short cutting in dog-legged channels and navigating too close to navigation markers.

Proceeding at a slow speed will also reduce “squat” effect i.e. where the vessel tends to sit lower in the water as a consequence of higher speed.

Slipways

Reduced slipway length available under the water surface and the possibility of launching trailers dropping off the end of the concrete apron.

More slipway surface susceptible to weed growth requiring care while engaged in launching boats, from slipping and sliding on the slope. Note also that launching vehicles may not be able to get sufficient traction on the slipway once the craft is launched to get up the incline.

Bank Erosion

Very dry riverbanks are more susceptible to erosion from vessel wash.

Lock Share

Maximising on the number of vessels in a lock will ensure that the total volume of water moving downstream is decreased. Lock cycles should be used for vessels travelling each way.

High Water Levels:

When water levels rise above normal summer level masters should be aware of:

Navigation

Navigation marks will have reduced height above the water level or may disappear underwater altogether making the navigable channel difficult to discern.

In narrow sections of the navigations water levels will tend to rise more quickly than in main streams and air draft at bridges will likewise be reduced.

There will also be increased flow rates particularly in the vicinity of navigation infrastructure such as bridges, weirs, locks etc where extra care in manoeuvring vessels will be required.

Harbours and Jetties

Due care is required in harbours and at slipways when levels are at or near the same level as the harbour walkways' as the edge will be difficult to discern especially in reduced light conditions. It is advised that Personal Flotation Devices be worn if tending to craft in a harbour in these conditions.

Slipways

Slipways should only be used for the purpose of launching and recovering of water craft or other objects from the water. Before using a slipway it should be examined to ensure that the surface has sufficient traction/grip for the intended purpose such as launching a craft from a trailer using a vehicle, that there is sufficient depth of water on the slipway to float the craft off the trailer before the concrete apron ends and that the wheels of the trailer do not drop off the edge of the slipway. That life-saving appliances are available in the vicinity, that the vehicle is roadworthy and capable of coping with the weight of the trailer and boat on the incline. It is recommended that slipway operations are conducted by two persons.

Caution to be Used in Reliance upon Aids to Navigation

The aids to navigation depicted on the navigation guides comprise a system of fixed and floating aids to navigation. Prudent mariners will not rely solely on any single aid to navigation, particularly a floating aid to navigation. With respect to buoys, the buoy symbol is used to indicate the approximate position of the buoy body and the ground tackle which secures it to the lake or river bed. The approximate position is used because of the practical limitations in positioning and maintaining buoys in precise geographical locations. These limitations include, but are not limited to, prevailing atmospheric and lake/river conditions, the slope of and the material making up the lake/river bed, the fact that the buoys are moored to varying lengths of chain, and the fact that the buoy body and/or ground tackle positions are not under continuous surveillance. Due to the forces of nature, the position of the buoy body can be expected to shift inside and outside the charted symbol.

Buoys and perches are also moved out of position or pulled over by those mariners who use them to moor up to instead of anchoring. To this end, mariners should always monitor their passage by relating buoy/perch positions with the published navigation guide. Furthermore, a vessel attempting to pass close by always risks collision with a yawing buoy or with the obstruction that the buoy or beacon/perch marks.

Masters of Vessels are requested to use the most up to date Navigation guides when navigating on the Inland Waterways.

Information taken from Special Marine Notice No 1 of 2023