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Displaying items by tag: Zodiac

Following on from their Sun Odyssey promotion, which began six weeks ago, MGM Boats is offering a Spring Promotion on their selection of Zodiac and Bombard RIBs. The promotion is valid until 30th April 2024.

MGM have offerings from €30k up to €120k, so there is a model to suit everyone, whether it’s for pottering around in a 5m Bombard or spending full days on the water in a 6.8m Zodiac

The promotion applies to MGM’s current stock only, but of course, they can supply any of the other models from the Zodiac and Bombard range on request.

Zodiac & Bombard are the oldest and most established RIB builders on the market, with the first-ever inflatable boat, a ‘Zodiac’, being launched in 1922. The company began supplying RIBs to the French Military in the 1930s and the name has become synonymous with any rigid hulled inflatable boat across the globe.

Original inflatable boat, made by ZodiacOriginal inflatable boat, made by Zodiac

Mr Alain Bombard founded Bombard Inflatables after crossing the Atlantic unsupported in a 4.5m Zodiac in 1952. Bombard Inflatables is now a subsidiary of Zodiac and together they are the largest producer of RIBs in the world.

Alain Bombard, founder of Bombard InflatablesAlain Bombard, founder of Bombard Inflatables

Zodiac and Bombard owners benefit hugely from the strength of the brand. Compared to lesser known and low-quality outfits, there is strong re-sale and minimal depreciation. There is also the main dealer warranty support from MGM and the long-lasting quality of the boats themselves. MGM regularly see 20-year-old Zodiacs which are still going strong with no issues and only minor wear & tear.

Some of the models featured in the promotion are as follows: Zodiac Yachtline 490, Bombard Sunrider 500, Bombard Sunrider 550, Zodiac Open 6.5 Gulfstream, and Zodiac Medline 6.8.

The Zodiac Yachtline 490 is a premium tender-style RIB with dedicated seating for 6 and plush leather upholstery. It comes with a high spec and an upmarket feel to it.

Zodiac Yachtline 490Zodiac Yachtline 490

The Bombard Sunrider 500 and 550 are a great family run-around with comfortable seating for 6 and multipurpose usability. They are easily trailerable and will do everything you ask of them during a day of boating. The 550 benefits from increased deck space.

Bombard Sunrider 550Bombard Sunrider 550

The Zodiac Open 6.5 Gulfstream is a capable package with a sports orientated layout and excellent sea-keeping characteristics. There is a lot of open deck space to facilitate activity such as water sports, fishing or swimming. This boat is still very easy to operate yet has the size and fit-out for longer journeys and more adventurous trips.

The Zodiac Open 6.5 Gulfstream’s deck space lends itself to watersports & activityThe Zodiac Open 6.5 Gulfstream’s deck space lends itself to watersports & activity

The Zodiac Medline 6.8 is the cream of the nautical crop. MGM’s best-selling RIB with over 30 units sold, this model does everything, and it does it in style. It has dedicated seating for 10 with space enough to carry 14 passengers. You will find sunbathing space, a proper table, a U-shaped cockpit, a ski mast, a fully kitted dashboard, a transom walkthrough, extended swimming platforms, a stainless steel bimini, wakeboard storage, and much more. The performance is exceptional with top speeds up to 55 knots and a solid hull keeping things comfortable in coastal sea conditions. This model allows owners to enjoy the best of boating whether with adrenaline junky friends or with kids and family.

Zodiac Medline 6.8 from MGM Boats offers everything you could need in a day boatZodiac Medline 6.8 from MGM Boats offers everything you could need in a day boat

MGM’s stock boats are available for viewing by appointment at their head office in Dun Laoghaire, and new owners can rest assured that they will be expertly guided throughout the entire sale process. MGM offers tuition and familiarisation as part of the purchase, so whether you are experienced or trying boating for the first time, you will be comfortable and confident when you take your new boat away.

The Spring Promotion is a significant cash discount on the retail price, and MGM is inviting customers to get in touch now to discuss viewing and taking the next step. Call in to the office, call 01-2802020 or email [email protected] today. It’s time to get on the water.

Published in MGM Boats
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Zodiac, a well-known international brand in RIBs with over 125 years of experience, has renewed its partnership with the Vendée Globe, one of the most renowned ocean races in the world.

As an official partner of the 2024 Vendée Globe, Zodiac will provide a safety fleet of 42 RIBs to escort the 40 solo skippers competing in this unique race. 

Zodiac RIBs are known for their exceptional speed and crossing capacity in rough seas, making them reliable and resistant.

Their low centre of gravity, deep V hull and seaworthy floats ensure the best possible safety measures for the skippers. The deep V hulled RIBs will be available to the race organisers to welcome the winner of the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe and all other competitors to the finish line. 

As part of a partnership agreement, Zodiac will produce 42 limited edition custom-built RIBs in the colours of the Vendée Globe. These RIBs will be available for sale to the public.As part of a partnership agreement, Zodiac will produce 42 limited edition custom-built RIBs in the colours of the Vendée Globe. These RIBs will be available for sale to the public.

The Irish agent for. Zodiac RIBS is Dun Laoghaire Harbour's MGM Boats

Published in Vendee Globe
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Earlier this month, MGM Boats took out the brand-new Zodiac Medline 6.8 for a spin on Dublin Bay to put the RIB through its paces.

Designed for long days on the water, the Medline 6.8 promises to delight with its exclusive comfort and onboard security.

That means room for 10 to 14 passengers, with two relaxing spaces and a rear U-lounge which can be converted to another relaxing area, with five lockers for safe stowage.

And the icing on the cake? Its signature hull, which provides high stability even on the roughest of seas.

See the MGM Boats website for more on the Zodiac Medline 6.8 and its availability.

Published in MGM Boats
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The new Zodiac all-electric rib will be in Ireland for the start of next year and in time for the 2022 Irish boating season. That's the news from the Cannes Boat Show where Irish Zodiac agents MGM Boats of Dun Laoghaire Harbour announced they would unveil the Zodiac eOPEN powered by Torqeedo outboard engines.

The eOpen is the first complete range of 100% electric boats after Zodiac's foray into the electric market with the eJET in 2017. 

The new models are being heralded as a real technological achievement and mark a new era for both Torqeedo and Zodiac.

The boats have 50 minutes of autonomy at a speed of about 12 knots for the 3.1 and 3.4 models. The ride, says MGM's Gerry Salmon, is lively and very pleasant at an average speed.

"This is an exciting day for us in MGM Boats, and a new age of boating experiences in Ireland lies ahead", Salmon told Afloat.

All electric- The new needs of customers: No maintenance, no noise, no servicing, less pollution, simple and responsive driving, and an affordable price.All-electric- The new needs of customers: No maintenance, no noise, no servicing, less pollution, simple and responsive driving, and an affordable price.

Electric mobility is gaining ground all around us, and as the market leader in RIBs, we couldn't afford to miss out! Torqeedo was the ideal partner to develop these new products," explained Fanny Revert-Ciavattini, product marketing manager of Zodiac.

eOpen - Zodiac and MGM have taken up the challenge of offering 100% electric boats at an affordable price for the Irish market. Agile and compact, these boats are easy to drive, easy to store, easy to tow. They have 4 to 6 seats, depending on the size.eOpen - Zodiac and MGM boats have taken up the challenge of offering 100% electric boats at an affordable price for the Irish market. Agile and compact, these boats are easy to drive, easy to store, easy to tow. They have four to six seats, depending on the size.

The eOPEN range in a nutshell:

  • Ideal for exploring sensitive or difficult-to-access areas
  • Easy to use and highly manoeuvrable
  • Autonomy of about one hour at maximum power
  • No noise or fumes to disturb the peaceful enjoyment
  • Very little maintenance or upkeep
  • Long-term savings
  • Unique, ecologically responsible experience
  • 2 sizes available: 3.1 / 3.4 with appropriately sized, complete Torqeedo drive systems including motor, batteries and charger.

Several options are available on these models (depending on the size): EVA floor, bimini, rear ladder, storage net, lift kit, Fusion audio system.Several options are available on these models (depending on the size): EVA floor, bimini, rear ladder, storage net, lift kit, Fusion audio system.

Published in MGM Boats
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Next month's Cannes Yachting Festival, from September 7th to 12th 2021 in Southern France sees the profiling of Zodiac’s XXL boat: the Medline 9.

This boat, which has been on the market for a year, will be available for sea trials during the show.

The XXL has all the essential features for spending long periods afloat: equipped with a cabin and removable bed (optional), it's possible to spend a few days on board.

A toilet, a shower, and a kitchen are also added to the standard equipment. The Medline 9 has a double bow and rear sundeck can accommodate up to 14 people, and its bolster can accommodate up to 3 people (two adults and a child).

To store all the equipment and essential items for a nice trip, Zodiac has designed seven optimised storage compartments.

The Medline 9 can reach a maximal speed of 55 knots with dual engines of 2x350CV.

The Irish Zodiac agents are MGM Boats, headquartered in Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

Published in MGM Boats
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Christmas is coming and MGM Boats at Dun Laoghaire Harbour is taking the opportunity to present the latest Zodiac RIB, the 'Medline 6.8 m' in detail.

As regular Afloat readers will know, the first pictures of the new marque appeared on Afloat in November 2020, and MGM's Gerry Salmon says, the launch is one of the most eagerly awaited RIB events of 2021.

The first units will be delivered in early Spring 2021.

This new boat, replacing the Medline 660, will be the little brother of the Medline 7.5 and the Medline 9. It will be the mid-range boat, Zodiac plan to deliver more than a hundred units worldwide next year.

The Medline 6.8 has been completely designed and adapted for the needs of a family in 2021.

"The needs of consumers have evolved, so Zodiac is taking these requirements into account. Clients are looking for better comfort and higher security and more ease of use", Salmon says.

Designers of the new Zodiac Medline 6.8 say it is easy to use and easy to driveDesigners of the new Zodiac Medline 6.8 say it is easy to use and easy to drive. It also comes with a large number of advantages: a large bow sundeck of more than 2 metres (with extension), a large console capable of accommodating large screens, a secure aft saloon with polyester wings, high backrests for a "cocoon" effect, and an ergonomic and comfortable helm station.

"With this new product, we are addressing all water leisure enthusiasts: men and women, children, sailors or not, experienced or not. It's a mistake to think that nowadays, a boat is necessarily bought by boating experts!" he adds.

Different configurations of the new Zodiac Medline 6.8mDifferent configurations of the new Zodiac Medline 6.8m 

The Medline 6.8 specs

  • - 6.88 meters in length
  • - 2.54 meters wide
  • - 200 litres tank capacity
  • - 14 people maximum
  • - 10 seats (6 seats + floats)
  • - 5 chests
  • - 250 HP in maximum power
  • - 950 Kg 
Published in MGM Boats
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2020 has been a big year for Zodiac RIBs and its Irish agent MGM Boats. The year started with a big challenge; launching the Medline 9 in the middle of the COVID crisis. 

Zodiac says its multiplied by five the sales of the new marque compared to its predecessor, the Medline 850, despite the lockdown and late deliveries.

Medline 6.8 in 2021

2021 is shaping up to be the busiest year for the French company in terms of new products in the last four years.

One of the eagerly awaited events by MGM Boats, based at Dun Laoghaire Harbour, is the launch of the Medline 6.8. The first units of which will be delivered in early Spring. This new boat, replacing the Medline 660, will be the little brother of the Medline 7.5 and the Medline 9. It will be the mid-range boat, Zodiac plan to deliver more than a hundred units worldwide next year.

Published in MGM Boats
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Dun Laoghaire Harbour's MGM Boats have taken delivery of the new Zodiac Pro 5.5 RIB this month that will be displayed at the Harbour Boatyard.

As regular Afloat readers know the top Irish boat dealer added the Zodiac Inflatable and Rigid Inflatable Boat marque to the range of boats offered last December.

The new 5.5 has a Deep V fibreglass hull and a self-bailing deck. Full spec here. 

The new arrival into the yard follows a successful Autumn for MGM. The dealership recently staged an 'Autumn Showcase' with a wide selection of new and used boats on display in the water and outdoors on the hard, featuring brands such as Jeanneau sail and motor boats, Prestige yachts, Zodiac inflatables and Lagoon catamarans.

Published in MGM Boats
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MGM Boats’ Autumn Showcase is now open to all at the MGM boatyard in Dun Laoghaire’s Coal Harbour.

The dealership has a wide selection of new and used boats on display in the water and outdoors on the hard, featuring brands such as Jeanneau sail and motor boats, Prestige yachts, Zodiac inflatables and Lagoon catamarans.

A selection of used boats is also available for viewing, and MGM’s team of professional sales personnel and yacht brokers will be available to discuss selling or buying a boat.

With the current public health emergency, the safety of all visitors is paramount — social distancing measure will apply, and face masks must be worn when viewing all boat interiors.

In addition, appointments should be made in advance by contacting [email protected] or calling the office at 01 280 2020 or 087 226 3598.

Published in MGM Boats
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The world’s first 4.5m electric tender is now the flagship of Zodiac’s electric RIB range.

Originally launched in 2017 by Z Nautic under the Avon brand, the eJET 450 will now carry the prestigious Zodiac marque as part of a company-wide rebranding strategy.

The eJET 450 is being pitched at the yachting market and “pro-innovation” customers, touting its rechargeable battery and jet drive power system that requires no fuel, oil or maintenance.

Zodiac eJET 450 diagram

With a top speed of 30 knots and 4Kw charge capacity for up to eight hours on the water, the eJET 450 is “a real revolution in the maritime world”.

Irish dealers MGM Boats — who took on the Zodiac RIB range last December — are already fielding enquires. Get in touch for more details.

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Dun Laoghaire Harbour Information

Dun Laoghaire Harbour is the second port for Dublin and is located on the south shore of Dublin Bay. Marine uses for this 200-year-old man-made harbour have changed over its lifetime. Originally built as a port of refuge for sailing ships entering the narrow channel at Dublin Port, the harbour has had a continuous ferry link with Wales, and this was the principal activity of the harbour until the service stopped in 2015. In all this time, however, one thing has remained constant, and that is the popularity of sailing and boating from the port, making it Ireland's marine leisure capital with a harbour fleet of between 1,200 -1,600 pleasure craft based at the country's largest marina (800 berths) and its four waterfront yacht clubs.

Dun Laoghaire Harbour Bye-Laws

Download the bye-laws on this link here

FAQs

A live stream Dublin Bay webcam showing Dun Laoghaire Harbour entrance and East Pier is here

Dun Laoghaire is a Dublin suburb situated on the south side of Dublin Bay, approximately, 15km from Dublin city centre.

The east and west piers of the harbour are each of 1 kilometre (0.62 miles) long.

The harbour entrance is 232 metres (761 ft) across from East to West Pier.

  • Public Boatyard
  • Public slipway
  • Public Marina

23 clubs, 14 activity providers and eight state-related organisations operate from Dun Laoghaire Harbour that facilitates a full range of sports - Sailing, Rowing, Diving, Windsurfing, Angling, Canoeing, Swimming, Triathlon, Powerboating, Kayaking and Paddleboarding. Participants include members of the public, club members, tourists, disabled, disadvantaged, event competitors, schools, youth groups and college students.

  • Commissioners of Irish Lights
  • Dun Laoghaire Marina
  • MGM Boats & Boatyard
  • Coastguard
  • Naval Service Reserve
  • Royal National Lifeboat Institution
  • Marine Activity Centre
  • Rowing clubs
  • Yachting and Sailing Clubs
  • Sailing Schools
  • Irish Olympic Sailing Team
  • Chandlery & Boat Supply Stores

The east and west granite-built piers of Dun Laoghaire harbour are each of one kilometre (0.62 mi) long and enclose an area of 250 acres (1.0 km2) with the harbour entrance being 232 metres (761 ft) in width.

In 2018, the ownership of the great granite was transferred in its entirety to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council who now operate and manage the harbour. Prior to that, the harbour was operated by The Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, a state company, dissolved in 2018 under the Ports Act.

  • 1817 - Construction of the East Pier to a design by John Rennie began in 1817 with Earl Whitworth Lord Lieutenant of Ireland laying the first stone.
  • 1820 - Rennie had concerns a single pier would be subject to silting, and by 1820 gained support for the construction of the West pier to begin shortly afterwards. When King George IV left Ireland from the harbour in 1820, Dunleary was renamed Kingstown, a name that was to remain in use for nearly 100 years. The harbour was named the Royal Harbour of George the Fourth which seems not to have remained for so long.
  • 1824 - saw over 3,000 boats shelter in the partially completed harbour, but it also saw the beginning of operations off the North Wall which alleviated many of the issues ships were having accessing Dublin Port.
  • 1826 - Kingstown harbour gained the important mail packet service which at the time was under the stewardship of the Admiralty with a wharf completed on the East Pier in the following year. The service was transferred from Howth whose harbour had suffered from silting and the need for frequent dredging.
  • 1831 - Royal Irish Yacht Club founded
  • 1837 - saw the creation of Victoria Wharf, since renamed St. Michael's Wharf with the D&KR extended and a new terminus created convenient to the wharf.[8] The extended line had cut a chord across the old harbour with the landward pool so created later filled in.
  • 1838 - Royal St George Yacht Club founded
  • 1842 - By this time the largest man-made harbour in Western Europe had been completed with the construction of the East Pier lighthouse.
  • 1855 - The harbour was further enhanced by the completion of Traders Wharf in 1855 and Carlisle Pier in 1856. The mid-1850s also saw the completion of the West Pier lighthouse. The railway was connected to Bray in 1856
  • 1871 - National Yacht Club founded
  • 1884 - Dublin Bay Sailing Club founded
  • 1918 - The Mailboat, “The RMS Leinster” sailed out of Dún Laoghaire with 685 people on board. 22 were post office workers sorting the mail; 70 were crew and the vast majority of the passengers were soldiers returning to the battlefields of World War I. The ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat near the Kish lighthouse killing many of those onboard.
  • 1920 - Kingstown reverted to the name Dún Laoghaire in 1920 and in 1924 the harbour was officially renamed "Dun Laoghaire Harbour"
  • 1944 - a diaphone fog signal was installed at the East Pier
  • 1965 - Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club founded
  • 1968 - The East Pier lighthouse station switched from vapourised paraffin to electricity, and became unmanned. The new candle-power was 226,000
  • 1977- A flying boat landed in Dun Laoghaire Harbour, one of the most unusual visitors
  • 1978 - Irish National Sailing School founded
  • 1934 - saw the Dublin and Kingstown Railway begin operations from their terminus at Westland Row to a terminus at the West Pier which began at the old harbour
  • 2001 - Dun Laoghaire Marina opens with 500 berths
  • 2015 - Ferry services cease bringing to an end a 200-year continuous link with Wales.
  • 2017- Bicentenary celebrations and time capsule laid.
  • 2018 - Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company dissolved, the harbour is transferred into the hands of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

From East pier to West Pier the waterfront clubs are:

  • National Yacht Club. Read latest NYC news here
  • Royal St. George Yacht Club. Read latest RSTGYC news here
  • Royal Irish Yacht Club. Read latest RIYC news here
  • Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club. Read latest DMYC news here

 

The umbrella organisation that organises weekly racing in summer and winter on Dublin Bay for all the yacht clubs is Dublin Bay Sailing Club. It has no clubhouse of its own but operates through the clubs with two x Committee vessels and a starters hut on the West Pier. Read the latest DBSC news here.

The sailing community is a key stakeholder in Dún Laoghaire. The clubs attract many visitors from home and abroad and attract major international sailing events to the harbour.

 

Dun Laoghaire Regatta

Dun Laoghaire's biennial town regatta was started in 2005 as a joint cooperation by the town's major yacht clubs. It was an immediate success and is now in its eighth edition and has become Ireland's biggest sailing event. The combined club's regatta is held in the first week of July.

  • Attracts 500 boats and more from overseas and around the country
  • Four-day championship involving 2,500 sailors with supporting family and friends
  • Economic study carried out by the Irish Marine Federation estimated the economic value of the 2009 Regatta at €2.5 million

The dates for the 2021 edition of Ireland's biggest sailing event on Dublin Bay is: 8-11 July 2021. More details here

Dun Laoghaire-Dingle Offshore Race

The biennial Dun Laoghaire to Dingle race is a 320-miles race down the East coast of Ireland, across the south coast and into Dingle harbour in County Kerry. The latest news on the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race can be found by clicking on the link here. The race is organised by the National Yacht Club.

The 2021 Race will start from the National Yacht Club on Wednesday 9th, June 2021.

Round Ireland Yacht Race

This is a Wicklow Sailing Club race but in 2013 the Garden County Club made an arrangement that sees see entries berthed at the RIYC in Dun Laoghaire Harbour for scrutineering prior to the biennial 704–mile race start off Wicklow harbour. Larger boats have been unable to berth in the confines of Wicklow harbour, a factor WSC believes has restricted the growth of the Round Ireland fleet. 'It means we can now encourage larger boats that have shown an interest in competing but we have been unable to cater for in Wicklow' harbour, WSC Commodore Peter Shearer told Afloat.ie here. The race also holds a pre-ace launch party at the Royal Irish Yacht Club.

Laser Masters World Championship 2018

  • 301 boats from 25 nations

Laser Radial World Championship 2016

  • 436 competitors from 48 nations

ISAF Youth Worlds 2012

  • The Youth Olympics of Sailing run on behalf of World Sailing in 2012.
  • Two-week event attracting 61 nations, 255 boats, 450 volunteers.
  • Generated 9,000 bed nights and valued at €9 million to the local economy.

The Harbour Police are authorised by the company to police the harbour and to enforce and implement bye-laws within the harbour, and all regulations made by the company in relation to the harbour.

There are four ship/ferry berths in Dun Laoghaire:

  • No 1 berth (East Pier)
  • No 2 berth (east side of Carlisle Pier)
  • No 3 berth (west side of Carlisle Pier)
  • No 4 berth  (St, Michaels Wharf)

Berthing facilities for smaller craft exist in the town's 800-berth marina and on swinging moorings.

© Afloat 2020