Afloat.ie Team
Afloat.ie is Ireland's dedicated marine journalism team.
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An 'ugly' sea state and a gale warning in operation have led to the cancellation of the second day of racing at Kinsale Yacht Club's Axiom April League on the south coast. The league began last weekend for mixed cruisers…
SailGP has been called out by Greenpeace’s executive director in New Zealand/Aotearoa over its response to a race cancellation prompted by the presence of dolphins on the racecourse. Racing was postponed on Saturday 23 March at the second annual New…
Lifeboat Crew Frees Humpback Whale Caught in Fishing Ropes Off Cornish Coast
7th April 2024 Marine Wildlife
A humpback whale caught in fishing ropes off the coast of Cornwall in south-west England has been saved thanks to the efforts of local rescuers. According to Marine Industry News, the whale known locally as “Ivy” became entangled in Mounts…
Join the IMDO, Marine Institute, the UK’s Department for Transport and Innovate UK to look at exciting opportunities at an upcoming briefing event as they delve into initiatives shaping international green shipping corridors. The event will be examining the opportunities…
The annual Dive Ireland Expo is running this weekend at the Sport Ireland Campus near Blanchardstown in West Dublin. Organisers at Viking Sub Aqua Club promise “the biggest dive show ever”, with SCUBA diving featured along with snorkelling, free diving…
Storm Kathleen Concludes 2024 Irish Sailing Youth Nationals Early in Cork Harbour
6th April 2024 Youth Sailing
Not many were surprised when the Irish Sailing Youth National Championships, which have been taking place at the Royal Cork Yacht Club since Thursday, concluded early due to the landing of Storm Kathleen and a deteriorating forecast for the following…
As Storm Kathleen is forecast to sweep up the Atlantic seaboard, Aran Ferries has cancelled a number of sailings to the Aran islands this weekend. The company which runs its ferry service from Ros-a-Mhíl, Co Galway, says there will be…
ILCA 7 Welsh Wizard Micky Beckett Claims Sofia Hat-Trick in Mallorca
5th April 2024 Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing
Great Britain’s Micky Beckett has won ILCA 7 gold with a day to spare, on day five of the World Cup Series at the 53 Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca by Iberostar. Matching Beckett’s feat and conquering the Nacra 17 mixed…
Storm Kathleen has prompted Galway City Council to close access to roads and car parks and to distribute sandbags to areas vulnerable to potential flooding. A yellow wind warning for Ireland has already been issued by Met Éireann for the…
Friday Racing at Irish Sailing Youth National Championships is Cancelled Due To Strong Winds at Royal Cork Yacht Club
5th April 2024 Youth Sailing
The second day of racing at the 2024 Irish Sailing Youth National Championships at Crosshaven in Cork Harbour has been cancelled due to strong winds. Organisers completed a successful first day of races on Thursday for over 90 boats and…
Irish Offshore Racer Tom Dolan to Compete in a Transatlantic Race on Class40 Boat Amarris
5th April 2024 Tom Dolan
Irish offshore solo racer Tom Dolan is taking advantage of a break in the Figaro circuit to participate in a new crewed Class40 race - the Niji 40. Dolan is a key member of a three-strong international crew, skippered by…
Dubarry of Ireland Launches The Genoa Sun Hat - A Must-Have for Boaters
5th April 2024 Marine Clothing
Sailing enthusiasts know that the sun's UV rays can be particularly harsh when out on the water. That's why a reliable sun hat is an essential part of any boater's kit. But not just any hat will do. It needs…
Due to the weather forecast, both the Neptune and Commercial rowing regattas in Dublin have been cancelled. The organisers have cited strong winds of 45k/hr and gusts of 90k/ph expected to hit Islandbridge as the cause.
Due to Saturday's extreme weather forecast, ISORA's first coastal race is postponed until a date to be agreed upon amongst those skippers who entered the race. As Afloat previously reported, ISORA boss Peter Ryan issued the Sailing Instructions (downloadable below)…
Light Wind Test Sees Finn Lynch Lying 14th Overall at Trofeo Princesa Sofia in Mallorca
4th April 2024 Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing
On light-wind day four of the World Cup Series event at the 53 Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca, Irish competitors maintained their overall positions, with one day left to sail before the medal races on Saturday. The light sea-breeze condition on…
Applications Open for Active Clubs Grants From RYA Northern Ireland
5th April 2024 RYA Northern Ireland
RYA Northern Ireland has launched its Active Clubs Grants scheme, which offers funding for Northern Ireland clubs aiming to grow and retain their membership. Priority will be given to clubs who are running programmes for women and girls, people with…
Dublin Bay's Van Steenberge and Riordan Take the 29er Lead at Irish Sailing Youth Nationals in Crosshaven
5th April 2024 Youth Sailing
Over 90 boats and more than 100 sailors competed on a wet opening Thursday at the Irish Sailing Youth National Championships ahead of Storm Kathleen's expected arrival in Cork Harbour this weekend. The Royal Cork Yacht Club-hosted event saw three dinghy…
Marker Buoy From Gulf of Mexico Washes Ashore in Wexford After 17 Years Adrift
5th April 2024 Coastal Notes
A marker buoy that washed ashore in Co Wexford this week has been traced to as far away as the US state of Louisiana. The large metal buoy was found on Wednesday (3 April) on the coast at Ballymoney near…
Classic Dublin Bay 'Colleen' Class Reproduction for Sale: Perfect for a Timeless Sailing Experience
4th April 2024 Boat Sales
A classic reproduction of the early Dublin Bay "Colleen" class is up for sale at €9,750. Doyle of Kingstown - Dun Laoghaire designed this stunning GRP boat, an absolute head-turner. With a gaff rig, main and jib, and simulated clinker…
Wicklow's Codling Wind Park Confirms 25% Reduction in Number of Turbines
4th April 2024 Power From the Sea
Ireland’s largest Phase One offshore wind project, Codling Wind Park, has confirmed a 25% reduction in the number of turbines required to deliver the project. The wind park will be located off the County Wicklow coast and was initially estimated…