Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

Unfortunately the winds were unusually poor for the week of the World Cup final stage held in Waterford so an official stage didn’t take place, but many of the sailors took to the Irish waters for the first time and…

After a crossing of just under 14 days in light and variable conditions, the first yacht to finish in ARC 2008 arrived at Rodney Bay, St.Lucia yesterday, Sunday 07 December. Karsten Moller's Swan 82, DreamCatcherKM, skippered by Jarrod Cripps, took…

UCD Sailing Club is marking a double this year, celebratin the arrival of a new fleet of boats and 60 years in existence. Although the college colours are blue, the varsity sailing spirit is entirely positive in Belfield as the…

From now on, we'll be giving a chosen topic from our forum a leg-up on the front page each Friday, giving you something to think about over the weekend. This week, we're looking at club membership fees in Ireland, and…

At approximately 12:30 GMT yesterday (December 1), Jonny Malbon and Artemis Ocean Racing II ploughed into a large animal under the water line, most likely a whale, whilst charging along at over 15 knots in the South Atlantic. It was…

Fine Gael Defence Spokesman, Jimmy Deenihan TD, warned yesterday (Wednesday) that the delay in raising the Asgard II is endangering the chances of the ship being salvageable. Deeinhan called on the Minister for Defence to immediately outline what advice the…

There has been initial Irish support for RORC efforts to breathe new life into the Admirals Cup (AC) even though the rekindled event is likely to draw from the professional ranks of the Mediterranean and America's Cup circuits. News of…

Taoiseach Brian Cowen has ruled out a reduction in VAT rates. The dismissal of the The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) suggestion was made yesterday in the Dail. The IMF last week called on government to immediately reduce the top rate…

The Minister of State for Transport, Noel Ahern T.D. today announced that the Government, having considered the matter fully and taken into account the various views expressed has decided to retain the present configuration for the delivery of Marine Rescue…

While Torben Grael and Ericsson 4 romped to victory with more than half a day between them and the second placed boat Telefonica Blue, things were much tighter and lighter for the remainder of the fleet including the Irish Dutch…

After a hard fought battle in the final miles, Green Dragon have crossed the finish line off Cochin, India in seventh place of Leg Two of the Volvo Ocean Race 2008/09.  It has been a very challenging leg for the…

Ian Moore of Carrickfergus, navigator on Green Dragon, is “Sailor of the Month” for November. The 37-year-old expert, who is now based in Cowes when he isn’t calling the tactical shots on some of the world's leading sailing machines, has…

The absence of a boom may be a deciding factor in the race for fourth this morning off Kochi. Green Dragon, PUMA and Delta Lloyd are caught in a tight battle. With just 70+ miles remaining, Green Dragon is sixth,…

The high point of ICRA's national conference on Saturday heard of a split decision after judges for the boat of the year award conceded they could not separate the achievements of Rosie (Roy Dickson) or Mariner's Cove (Dave Dwyer). In…

Until this summer, feeling the pinch was something you did upwind if you weren't paying attention. But nowadays, even posh yotties have to admit they're tightening their belts, so here at Afloat HQ, we're talking money. We've put a question…

We picked up on a new blog out there this last week, belonging to one Mike Perham, who's trying to become the youngest ever person to circumnavigate the globe non-stop. He's writing daily(ish) missives from his nav station, and the…

Those of us who get to look at the back-end cogs and wheels of the machine that is Afloat.ie get an interesting view of the website. One thing that certainly grabs attention is when a reader poll goes nuts all…

Irish Water Safety is warning the public about the danger of drowning as the forecasted spell of severe weather and frosts may well create some frozen ice over canals, rivers and lakes. Children are especially at risk as they are…

Mr Micheal Geary, Assistant Manager at Union Hall Fishermen’s Company Ltd. was charged on seven counts relating to the obstruction of Sea-Fisheries Protection Officers and ordered to pay fines totalling €7,000, in a case brought before Skibbereen District Court, Co…

The Irish Times breaks the news this morning that Ireland will play host to the ISAF Youth World Sailing Championships in Dun Laoghaire from 12-21 July 2012. 300 sailors from 60 nations accompanied by 50 national coaches will compete in…