Afloat – Ireland's Sailing and Boating Magazine
Coulter, Kingston and Cronin Lead The Way at 2024 ILCA Connaught Championships on Lough Ree
1st May 2024 Laser
Light winds in Lough Ree did not stop the ILCA fleet from completing two days of very tight racing in 5 to 10 knots. In stereotypical lake sailing weather, the light northerly breeze kept all three fleets with their heads…
Call for 2025 & 2026 Applications for Ship Time on Ireland’s Research Vessels Now Open
1st May 2024 Marine Science
Applications are currently being accepted for ship time on Ireland’s national marine science research vessels in 2025 and 2026. In addition to the RV Tom Crean and RV Celtic Explorer, time is also offered on the ROV Holland I as…
Fishers Reminded of Safety Requirements for Use of Cranes and Lifting Equipment
1st May 2024 Fishing
The Department of Transport has issued a reminder to fishing vessel owners, skippers and crew of the safety requirements for the use of cranes and other lifting equipment on deck. In comes after a recent Marine Casualty Invesigation Board (MCIB)…
‘Layers of Dublin Port’ Mapped for First Time in New Conservation Strategy
30th April 2024 Dublin Port
Dublin Port Company (DPC) has mapped its rich natural, industrial, and cultural heritage in a new Conservation Strategy, which Minister of State Malcolm Noonan, TD, launched today. The ambitious document maps Dublin Port's layers, including findings on the floor of…
May Day used to be such a focus of seasonal celebration that it's almost unfortunate it has been collared for use as the international maritime distress call-sign. But for now, with this very recently taken photo, we'll revert to celebration…
The National Yacht Club hosted the first combined 29er and 49er events, and it proved to be a great success. There was a palpable buzz on the club platform before and after sailing and great racing. As it was reported…
Foyle Port Prepares for Record-Breaking Cruise Season with Six Inaugural Calls
30th April 2024 Foyle Port
Derry-Londonderry's Foyle Port is gearing up for a busy cruise season, with nine cruise liners expected to visit the port between May and September, including six inaugural calls. The Port is celebrating its 170th anniversary this year and is set…
Marine Institute's Explorers Education Programme Recognised for Promoting Ocean Literacy at Primary School Level
30th April 2024 Marine Science
The Marine Institute’s Explorers Education Programme has been recognised for promoting ocean literacy and driving marine education at the primary school level. The programme's annual Ocean Literacy, Engagement & Impact Report highlights a range of activities available to schools, supporting…
Stena Europe Leaves UK Waters to Return to Strait of Gibraltar with Charter to Africa Morocco Link
30th April 2024 Stena Line
Stena Europe, which left the Rosslare-Fishguard route recently, with ropax Stena Nordica resuming service, is to return to the Strait of Gibraltar, where it had been on charter last year, writes Jehan Ashmore. The Stena Europe, built in 1981, after…
Europe’s Ports Have €80 Billion Investment Needs for the Next 10 Years - ESPO Study Reveals
30th April 2024 Ports & Shipping
In the framework of its annual conference held in Paris last week, the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) launched the results of the ESPO Port Investment Study 2024 (find here). This study offers an extensive analysis of the investment pipeline…
31 Skippers to Set Sail from New York in Qualifying Race for Vendée Globe
30th April 2024 Vendee Globe
On May 29, 31 skippers from around the world will set sail from New York towards the Vendée, for the final qualifying and selection race to qualify for the Vendée Globe: the most challenging sailing race around the world. The…
Fishing opportunities have been reduced by major storms, according to one of the leading Irish fish producer organisations. “Eleven major storms since January first,” says Aodh O Donnell, Chief Executive of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation. This has left many…
Leading Transat CIC Contender Jérémie Beyou on His Way to Lorient with Forestay Damage
30th April 2024 Solo Sailing
Jérémie Beyou, one of the top hopes for the Transat CIC solo race from Lorient to New York, is returning to Lorient after his J2 forestay was damaged. The skipper of Charal made the decision to turn around after discussions…
Crossroads Community Centre in Cong in County Mayo will be the venue for a boating safety event on Wednesday, 8th May, from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The free event, organised by Safe Water Training, is open to all and…
A Surefire Cure for Seasickness and Other Tips from Former Lightkeeper Gerald Butler, Now Hosting Visitors to Galley Head For The Irish Landmark Trust
30th April 2024 Wavelength Podcast
Look for a surefire cure for seasickness, and no better person to ask than someone who worked on a lightship off the Irish coast. Lightship duty was both tough and boring, highly dangerous during wartime, and particularly hard on the…
Wicklow Sailing Club's Lift-in of Boats Signals Round Ireland Race is Fast Approaching
30th April 2024 Round Ireland
Over the weekend, Wicklow Sailing Club successfully completed their lift-in of sailing cruisers, paving the way for the much-anticipated SSE Renewables Round Ireland Yacht Race on June 22nd. More than 40 boats have already signed up, and it is expected…
Seven UK national governing bodies of water-based sports have announced they’re coming together to form an alliance calling for clean open water across the UK. The Clean Water Sports Alliance of Angling Trust, British Rowing, British Triathlon, GB Outrigger, Paddle…
From Tuesday until Saturday Irish solo skipper Tom Dolan will compete out of Les Sables d’Olonne in the Solo Maître CoQ, the second of five events counting for the 2024 French Elite Offshore Racing Championship. “The crewed transatlantic race was a…
Arranmore Lifeboat Goes to Aid of Sailor After Yacht Gets Into Difficulty
29th April 2024 RNLI Lifeboats
Arranmore RNLI’s volunteer crew were roused in the early hours of Sunday morning (28 April) by Malin Head Coast Guard to assist a sailor onboard a yacht that lost power 18 miles west of the Co Donegal island. The initial…
CalMac and Peel Ports Group in Row on Safety of Ardrossan Harbour after £15.5m Payment
29th April 2024 Ferry
Scottish government owned Caledonian McBrayne (CalMac) has condemned one of the country’s key port operators which it said has left a major ferry port harbour in an "unacceptable" condition. The situation was putting safe operations at risk despite CalMac paying…