Afloat – Ireland's Sailing and Boating Magazine
While confirming a number of flood relief measures in Cork, as reported on Afloat.ie, Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran has left Leeside business people less satisfied with his statement that a tidal barrier to protect Cork City from flooding…
Ireland's Eve McMahon and Finn Lynch both hold podium positions heading into the final day of fleet racing at the San Pedro Olympic Classes Regatta in California, with Friday's Finals now within reach. With one day of fleet racing remaining,…
Howth Yacht Club Hosts Thrilling RBC Brewin Dolphin Leinster Optimist Championships
23rd July 2026 Optimist
Howth Yacht Club welcomed Ireland's best young Optimist sailors last weekend for the RBC Brewin Dolphin 2026 IODAI Leinster Championships, hosting a superb weekend of competitive racing. With a fleet of approximately 156 sailors representing clubs from across Ireland, the…
Ireland's prolonged spell of warm weather has contributed to a 25% increase in Irish Coast Guard incidents this July, prompting renewed safety warnings from the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland. Ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on…
At the Port of Sligo, there are currently no proposals to undertake any dredging of the north-west harbour, which hasn’t been cleared of silt for several years. The issue is leading to concerns of the only commercial port between Galway…
Ardoileán (High Island) off north Connemara is one of four islands for sale off the west and in Tipperary. As The Irish Times reports, High Island off Claddaghduff, Co Galway, is being advertised by Spencer Auctioneers at a guide price…
The 34th Gibney Classic returns on Saturday, 15 August, bringing together sailors from Howth Yacht Club, Malahide Yacht Club and visiting clubs for one of North Dublin's best-known late-summer regattas. The long-running event celebrates the close relationship between the neighbouring…
Dún Laoghaire has reinforced its growing reputation as a superyacht destination after the 45-metre explorer yacht Latitude departed the harbour following a two-week stay. The Dutch-built Timmerman superyacht arrived from the Mediterranean and sailed on Wednesday for Norway after using…
Trinity House Awards 'Futures Afloat' Multi-Functional Vessels Contract to VARD
23rd July 2026 Lighthouses
A contract for two new multi-functional vessels to serve Trinity House, the General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) for England, Wales, the Channel Islands, and Gibraltar, has been awarded to the VARD shipyard of Ålesund, Norway. The international shipbuilder VARD (Afloat adds, part…
Trevor Middleton's JPK 1180 Black Sheep heads to Cowes this weekend aiming to strengthen its RORC Season's Points Championship lead when the 2026 RORC Channel Race starts on Saturday. The proven campaign is among a fleet packed with offshore winners,…
Fisher’s Future Fleet Continues to Evolve with Naming Ceremony at the Pool of London
23rd July 2026 Ports & Shipping
Irish Sea-based operator James Fisher and Sons plc, a global provider of specialist marine and shipping solutions, has marked another milestone in its ‘Fleet of the Future’ investment programme with the naming of Orca Fisher, writes Jehan Ashmore. The first…
Promoted
Whether you're a new boat owner, preparing for cruising or simply want to build confidence on the water, the Irish National Sailing School's next VHF Marine Radio (SRC) course is a great opportunity to gain one of the most important…
Ireland's small craft registration system is "simply not fit for purpose", according to Fine Gael Senator Manus Boyle, the Seanad Spokesperson on Fisheries and the Marine, who has called for a simpler and more efficient process for recreational boat owners.…
Inland Fisheries Ireland Submits Planning Application for Removal of Annacotty Weir
23rd July 2026 Angling
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has submitted a planning application for the proposed removal of Annacotty Weir in Co Limerick. The man-made weir is located on the River Mulkear near Annacotty village. IFI’s proposal would remove the existing weir and reinstate…
Continued Surge in Rescue Call-Outs for RNLI Lifeboats Around Irish Coast
22nd July 2026 RNLI Lifeboats
Lifeboat launches in Bangor, Arranmore, Newcastle, Portaferry and Fethard have added to a surge in rescue call-outs for RNLI stations throughout Ireland in recent days during this extended period of warm and dry weather. On Sunday afternoon (19 July), Bangor…
26 Water Wags turned out for the AIB DBSC race on Wednesday July 22nd on yet another sunny summer’s evening in Dun Laoghaire Harbour. The Wags were racing for the Mollie Bowl (division 1A), the Alf Delany Hold Everythin' Trophy…
Finn Lynch remains second overall after the opening day of Gold Fleet racing at the Los Angeles Sailing Grand Slam, while Eve McMahon is still firmly in medal contention with two qualifying days remaining. Racing on the LA2028 Olympic sailing…
Work is due to start on the River Bride (Blackpool) flood relief scheme as one of a series of schemes approved for Co Cork. Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW) Kevin “Boxer” Moran said “the effects…
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has issued guidance on how to prevent histamine formation in certain fish, particularly in the summer months. The advice is targeted at fishermen and women, consumers and food business operators, and involves a review and…
The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) has been renamed as the River Basin Management Service. This marks a “significant milestone in the organisation’s evolution and its continued role in supporting the delivery of Ireland’s national water quality objectives”, it says.…
