Afloat – Ireland's Sailing and Boating Magazine
Inland Waterways Update: Shannon Navigation Bridge Works and Lower Bann Lock Closure
28th October 2026 Inland Waterways
Waterways Ireland confirms that Tarmonbarry Bridge on the Shannon Navigation has reopened for normal operations as of Wednesday 28 October, following its closure last week due to an electrical fault affecting the lifting mechanism. Repairs were successfully completed by Waterways…
Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels passaging the Grand Canal of a fallen tree blocking the navigation between Henry Bridge and Lock 13, which will be removed at the earliest opportunity. Following the past weekend of high winds and storm…
The concept of converting former cruise ships into residences has become increasingly popular, but the experience of those who lived aboard Villa Vie Odyssey, which left Belfast Port two years ago, has shown that it can be financially difficult, with…
Those of us whose childhoods were shaped by living in Bangor on the south shore of Belfast Lough find it sufficiently bewildering to take on board the fact that what was once a seaside borough town of perfect size has…
A temporary maritime exclusion zone covering the River Liffey and Dublin Bay will operate for three days in November as part of a major security operation requested by An Garda Síochána. The Department of Transport has issued Marine Notice No.…
An “Urban Design Vision” for Galway City’s Murrough Lands has opened to public consultation for a month. Coastal protection and flood defence, use of public space, transport infrastructure, dedicated cycleways and footpaths, and housing provision are among the elements of…
Former Naval Service Captain Marie Gleeson's Book Shortlisted for An Post Book Awards
28th October 2026 Book Review
Former Naval Service captain Marie Gleeson's book Be Like the Sea has been shortlisted for this year's An Post Irish Book Awards. Written with Orlaith Carmody, the book documents how Gleeson, a farmer's daughter from Ireland's largest landlocked county, chose…
A new Irish Times photo essay and mini-documentary offer a behind-the-scenes look at life and science aboard the Marine Institute's national research vessel, RV Tom Crean, during a recent survey in the Celtic Sea. The coverage, published on 26 October, follows scientists, technicians…
Defending Route du Rhum champion Charles Caudrelier faces a very different challenge when he lines up for Sunday's solo transatlantic race from Saint-Malo, with his new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, Gitana 18, making her competitive debut. The 52-year-old French skipper…
The fifth edition of Tomorrow. Blue Economy World Congress (TBEWC) will bring together more than 120 international speakers in Barcelona from 3 to 5 November 2026 to examine the challenges and opportunities facing the global blue economy. Held as part…
Plas Heli, the Welsh National Sailing Academy and Events Centre at Pwllheli on the Irish Sea coast of North Wales, has been recognised as one of the UK's leading sailing venues as it prepares to host the Topper World Championships…
New Agreement on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing With EFCA and Partners
28th October 2026 Fishing
Countries in the Western Indian Ocean are strengthening their collective response to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, according to the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA). It has confirmed an agreement on tackling IUU fishing with Expertise France and the…
Wexford Lifeboat Called to Assist Windsurfer in Difficulty During Storm Boelo
28th October 2026 RNLI Lifeboats
Wexford RNLI volunteers were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat by the Irish Coast Guard at 3.20pm on Saturday (24 October 2026) following reports from members of the public on the shore of a windsurfer in difficulty near Ardcavan beach…
Northabout Crew Protest at Russian Embassy Over Historian's Imprisonment
28th October 2026 News Update
Irish crew members of the Northabout expedition staged a protest outside the Russian Embassy in Dublin on Tuesday (27 October) to call for the release of historian Yury Dmitriev. The Gulag researcher, historian and human rights activist has dedicated most…
Golden Globe Race leader Damien Guillou has emerged from a severe South Atlantic storm, still leading the solo round-the-world race after diverting north to avoid the most dangerous conditions. The French skipper, sailing the Rustler 36 Solarem, encountered winds of around 40…
A sustainability business forum in Dún Laoghaire on Friday, 30 October, will explore opportunities in the blue economy, including offshore energy, coastal enterprise, and all-island collaboration. The Sustainable Business Exchange – Enterprise, Innovation & Blue Economy Dialogue, organised by Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown…
The legendary 100-foot maxi Comanche is returning to the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race under a new name, Tribeca LOYAL, with Australian skipper Anthony Bell targeting line honours and potentially another race record. Bell's campaign brings together experienced offshore sailors, including Olympic gold medallist and…
East Antrim Boat Club will celebrate Mel Morris and Ger Owens’ GP14 World Championship victory at its Champions Night in Larne on Saturday, 14 November. The club has extended an invitation to members of the GP14 class to join the…
A 2002 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 29.2 sailing cruiser, owned from new and never raced, has come onto the market in Howth, Co. Dublin, with an asking price of €24,500. The 8.8-metre (29ft) yacht lies in Howth Marina and its owner…
Thirteen skippers will set off from Saint-Malo on November 1st in the Vintage Multi class of the 2026 Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, bringing together historic multihulls that have shaped offshore racing over nearly five decades. The fleet recalls a…
