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Displaying items by tag: MGM Boats

Irish dealers MGM Boats were on hand this morning when the new Prestige X70 was launched at boot Dusseldorf today, the first in the new crossover range from Prestige Yachts.

The X70 has been developed with space, light and luxury in mind, and materials have been hand-selected to ensure exceptional fit and finish. Prestige Yachts and Garroni Design have been innovative in their use of space, enhancing circulation and optimising room on the main deck by moving the side decks to the flybridge.

"The X70 is the most innovative yacht of her category and her generation, enabling people to experience an entirely new way to live on the water", MGM's Gerry Salmon said at the launch today.

Greatly increasing the size of the cockpit has resulted in the redistribution and bringing together of interior and exterior living spaces, ensuring entertainment areas flow throughout the vessel.

The single-story nature of the X70 offers an infinite choice of main deck and cockpit layouts, and the interior is furnished with high-quality fabrics and designer furniture from prestigious brands including RODA and Duvivier.

There is also a Beach Club fully integrated into the aft platform providing further entertainment space and proximity to the water.

Prestige DusseldorfThe Prestige stand at Boot Dusseldorf

The X70 is the first boat to be produced in the new X-Line range from Prestige. This groundbreaking new 70-foot mini superyacht will start sea trials in early summer and then have its world debut at Cannes the following month.

This flagship yacht of the X-Line range is designed to take you where you want to go. The Volvo IPS technology provides smooth, fuel-efficient cruising with exceptional manoeuvrability.

In due course, the X70 will be joined by smaller and larger models complementing the state-of-the-art the Prestige X-Line range.

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Yacht brokers MGM Boats have the first Sun Fast 3300 order arriving into Ireland next month and it will be competing in the upcoming Round Ireland Yacht Race from Wicklow this June. The boat will be essentially set up for offshore racing but will be competing in inshore racing also while based out of Kinsale Yacht Club.

The new Sun Fast 3300 is a serious racing yacht with its light powerful hull, twin rudders and straight keel which can handle any sea conditions while maintaining its speed and stability. It is built using an infusion moulding process, therefore, giving the boat exceptional rigidity, with a considerable weight reduction. The boat is perfectly adapted for single-handed, double-handed or fully crewed racing and has proven to be a tough competitor, whether racing inshore or offshore.

Sun Fast 3300The new Sun Fast 3300 on the dock

The Sun Fast 3300 has the option of going for a symmetrical spinnaker and an asymmetrical spinnaker which will suit the inshore racers. If you find yourself short of crew you can opt for water ballast tanks which can hold 200kg which isn’t too much of penalty on IRC.

All these aspects will entice potential Double-handed Olympic offshore competitors to look seriously at this boat although nothing has been announced as to which boat will be chosen so far.

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Top Irish boat dealer MGM Boats has added the Zodiac Inflatable and Rigid Inflatable Boat marque to the range of boats offered at its Dun Laoghaire Harbour showrooms.

In announcing the new distributorship, Dublin Bay-based MGM Boats has launched a promotion on the new Open 5.5 metre RIB, a popular size model in Ireland.

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

More details from MGM Boats here.

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Irish agents MGM Boats are celebrating Jeanneau's Sun Odyssey 410 win in the “British Yachting Awards” in the category of “Cruiser of the Year” 2019 this week.

The Sun Odyssey 410 received the honours last Monday during the Awards celebration at the Royal Thames Yacht Club in London.

The prestigious award from Sailing Today and Yachts and Yachting magazines honours achievements from cruising to regattas.

For the second year in succession, internet users had the privilege of voting for and electing their favourite boats in a range of categories.

SO 410 sailingThe Sun Odyssey 410

The award, says Gerry Salmon of MGM Boats, 'highlights the significant collaborative work between Marc Lombard and Jean-Marc Piaton, [the architect and designer respectively of the Sun Odyssey 410]. We are thrilled to receive this international recognition'.

As regular Afloat readers will know, the Sun Odyssey 410 that MGM Boats showcased at Boot Dusseldorf last January is now afloat and berthed at Dun Laoghaire Marina.

The Irish debutante is the most current design from French manufacturer Jeanneau and sold out its 2019 production run.

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Jeanneau's Merry Fisher 605 Marlin represented in Ireland by MGM Boats in Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin has been named Best of Boats 2019 in the “Best for Fishing ” Category in the International Best of Boats Awards.

This prize is awarded by a jury composed of 19 European journalists from cruising magazines.

The Merry Fisher 605 Marlin was presented to the public last September at the Grand Pavois in La Rochelle, France.

The high-performance hull, the layout, and the ergonomic design for fishing make this an extremely easy to handle and safe boat. First and foremost, its design has been carefully studied for fun, sporty outings.

The large, flush aft swim platforms, the starboard side recessed side deck and excellent visibility with large windows all contribute to an exceptional level of security on board. Her tilting engine adds to the functionality of this fishing model.

The open, flush wheelhouse enables excellent access to the cockpit. In case of heavy weather, it can be fully closed.

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Following its launch last year, Dublin boat dealer MGM Boats will be displaying the new Prestige 420 F motorboat that will be making its first appearance at boot Dusseldorf 2020 in January.

The spacious, high-performance flybridge cruiser reflects the core values of the brand and offers light, open living areas and two cabins with separate entrances; a unique achievement on a 42-footer.

On show at boot on the Prestige stand will be: 

  • Prestige 680 S
  • Prestige 630 S
  • Prestige 590 S - Best Boat Awards 2019 – Finalist
  • Prestige 520 F

More on Boot Dusseldorf here

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The Sun Odyssey 410 that MGM Boats showcased at Boot Dusseldorf last January is now afloat and berthed at Dun Laoghaire Marina.

The Irish debutante is the most current design from French manufacturer Jeanneau and sold out its 2019 production run.

The 410 is available in two or three-cabin versions, with the possibility for further interior customizations. The model in Dun Laoghaire is the three-cabin, one heads version.

Additional available features include a retractable bow thruster, cathedral standing rigging, an L-shaped keel, and an integrated bowsprit.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 is available from €304,000 inc VAT. More on this here

Sun Odyssey 410 9529The 410 is available in two or three-cabin versions

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Dublin's MGM Boats are on the international boat show trail this month and having concluded a successful Cannes Show in the South of France last weekend, the Irish yacht broker set up in Southampton this week where the Cote d'Azur weather has followed them. 

The Dun Laoghaire Harbour firm are on stand E096 at Southampton where they have 130 brokerage listings displayed. The firm also have representatives on the Jeanneau and Prestige stands too.

MGM Boats

At the halfway point of the show, the firm's Ross O'Leary says the Jeanneau NC 37 and Leader 36 are attracting 'lots of interest' among an impressive line out of yachts available to view on the pontoons.

As previously reportedMGM Boats are promising great deals on early orders for the new Sun Fast 3300 which is entering production this autumn in time for the 2020 sailing season.

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Dublin couple George and Mary Coombes have achieved the cruising dream writes W M Nixon. Having departed from an increasingly wet and windy Ireland in late July of last year, their Lagoon 450s catamaran Realta Bheag has now sailed more than 15,000 miles, and they are currently exploring the ultimate cruising paradise of French Polynesia – for the time being, the exotic islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora are at the centre of their world.

When we met them at the MGM Boat Show in Howth early last season their plans were initially aimed at less distant horizons, with an extensive exploration of the Caribbean’s many islands being central to the project.

realta bheag howth2Realta Bheag in Howth at the MGM Boat Show in May 2018. Photo: W M Nixon

But having crossed the Atlantic via last Autumn’s ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers), they found that they’d acquired such a taste for the voyaging life that soon Realta Bheag was headed for the Panama Canal and the much longer passages of the Pacific. So now they’re in Tahiti in the world of magical tropical sunsets, and Realta Bheag has lain to a mooring off the fabulous island of Bora Bora.

They bought their dreamship through Ross O’Leary of MGM Boats in Dun Laoghaire, and thanks to the worldwide contacts which he has built up through his top-of-the-range selection of marques, they’ve found that when matters of routine maintenance and servicing arise, the man from MGM has been able to direct them to qualified providers wherever they’re needed.

ross mary george3A team project. Ross O’Leary of MGM Boats (left) with Mary and George Coombes aboard Realta Bheag. Photo: W. M. Nixon

Thus the crew of Realta Bheag have been able to devote all their energies into putting purpose into their carefree existence, and the word is that although Tahiti and Bora Bora have them currently in their spell, with each passing day the western horizon calls with increasing resonance, for there are always other exotic islands beyond the seas.

realta bheag sunset4 Living the dream……the tropical sunset brings a pause, but soon the western horizon will be beckoning again. Photo: W M Nixon

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MGM Boats is staging an ‘Open Boat’ event onboard its new 2019 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 this weekend.

The ‘Open Boat’ will take place on Saturday the 6th, from 11:00 till16:00 on Kinsale Yacht Club Marina.

MGM Boats will be on hand to walk you through the boat, discuss the new design features of Jeanneau, and answer questions.

If you would like to join MGM for the afternoon and experience this top of the range vessel from Jeanneau, please RSVP Francis Roche at [email protected] or by phone 087 749 5203.

MGM Boats says invitations will be issued by request only!

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Port of Cork Information

The Port of Cork is the key seaport in the south of Ireland and is one of only two Irish ports which service the requirements of all six shipping modes i.e., Lift-on Lift-off, Roll-on Roll-off, Liquid Bulk, Dry Bulk, Break Bulk and Cruise. Due to its favourable location on the south coast of Ireland and its modern deep-water facilities, the Port of Cork is ideally positioned for additional European trading as well as for yet unexploited direct deep-sea shipping services.

The Port of Cork is investing €80 million in a container terminal development in Ringaskiddy. The Cork Container Terminal will initially offer a 360-metre quay with 13-metre depth alongside and will enable larger ships to berth in the port. The development also includes the construction of a 13.5-hectare terminal and associated buildings as well as two ship to shore gantry cranes and container handling equipment.

The development of new container handling facilities at Ringaskiddy was identified in the Port of Cork’s Strategic Development Plan in 2010. It will accommodate current and future container shipping which can be serviced by modern and efficient cargo handling equipment with innovative terminal operating and vehicle booking systems. The Port of Cork anticipates that Cork Container Terminal will be operational in 2020.

The Port of Cork is the key seaport in the south of Ireland and is one of just two Irish ports which service the requirements of all shipping modes.

The Port of Cork also controls Bantry Bay Port Company and employs 150 people across all locations.

A European Designated Core Port and a Tier 1 Port of National Significance, Port of Cork’s reputation for quality service, including prompt and efficient vessel turnaround as well as the company’s investment in future growth, ensures its position as a vital link in the global supply chain.

The port has made impressive strides in recent decades, most recently with the construction of the new €80m Cork Container Terminal in Ringaskiddy which will facilitate the natural progression of the move from a river port to a deepwater port in order to future proof the Port
of Cork. This state-of-the-art terminal which will open in 2020 will be capable of berthing the largest container ships currently calling to Ireland.

The Port of Cork Company is a commercial semi-state company responsible for the commercial running of the harbour as well as responsibility for navigation and berthage in the port.  The Port is the main port serving the South of Ireland, County Cork and Cork City. 

Types of Shipping Using Port of Cork

The Port offers all six shipping modes from Lift-on Lift-off, Roll-on Roll-off, Liquid Bulk, Dry Bulk, Break Bulk and Cruise liner traffic.

Port of Cork Growth

The port has made impressive strides in recent decades. Since 2000, the Port of Cork has invested €72 million in improving Port infrastructure and facilities. Due to its favourable location and its modern deepwater facilities, the Port is ideally positioned for additional European trading as well as for yet unexploited direct deep-sea shipping services. A well-developed road infrastructure eases the flow of traffic from and to the port. The Port of Cork’s growing reputation for quality service, including prompt and efficient vessel turnaround, ensures its position as a vital link in the global supply chain. The Port of Cork Company turnover in 2018 amounted to €35.4 million, an increase of €3.9 million from €31.5 million in 2017. The combined traffic of both the Ports of Cork and Bantry increased to 10.66 million tonnes in 2018 up from 10.3 million tonnes in 2017.

History of Port of Cork

Famous at the last port of call of the Titanic, these medieval navigation and port facilities of the city and harbour were historically managed by the Cork Harbour Commissioners. Founded in 1814, the Cork Harbour Commissioners moved to the Custom House in 1904.  Following the implementation of the 1996 Harbours Act, by March 1997 all assets of the Commissioners were transferred to the Port of Cork Company.

Commercial Traffic at Port of Cork

Vessels up to 90,000 tonnes deadweight (DWT) are capable of coming through entrance to Cork Harbour. As the shipping channels get shallower the farther inland one travels, access becomes constricted, and only vessels up to 60,000 DWT can sail above Cobh. The Port of Cork provides pilotage and towage facilities for vessels entering Cork Harbour. All vessels accessing the quays in Cork City must be piloted and all vessels exceeding 130 metres in length must be piloted once they pass within 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 km) of the harbour entrance.

Berthing Facilities in Cork Harbour

The Port of Cork has berthing facilities at Cork City, Tivoli, Cobh and Ringaskiddy. The facilities in Cork City are primarily used for grain and oil transport. Tivoli provides container handling, facilities for oil, livestock and ore and a roll on-roll off (Ro-Ro) ramp. Prior to the opening of Ringaskiddy Ferry Port, car ferries sailed from here; now, the Ro-Ro ramp is used by companies importing cars into Ireland. In addition to the ferry terminal, Ringaskiddy has a deep water port.

Port of Cork Development Plans

2020 will be a significant year for the Port of Cork as it prepares to complete and open the €86 million Cork Container Terminal development in Ringaskiddy.

Once operational the new terminal will enable the port to handle up to 450,000 TEU per annum. Port of Cork already possess significant natural depth in Cork harbour, and the work in Ringaskiddy Port will enable the Port of Cork to accommodate vessels of 5500 to 6000 TEU, which will provide a great deal of additional potential for increasing container traffic.

It follows a previous plan hatched in 2006 as the port operated at full capacity the Port drew up plans for a new container facility at Ringaskiddy. This was the subject of major objections and after an Oral Planning Hearing was held in 2008 the Irish planning board Bord Pleanala rejected the plan due to inadequate rail and road links at the location.  

Further notable sustainability projects also include:

  • The Port of Cork have invested in 2 x STS cranes – Type single lift, Model P (148) L, (WS) Super. These cranes contain the most modern and energy-efficient control and monitoring systems currently available on the market and include an LED floodlight system equipped with software to facilitate remote diagnostics, a Crane Management System (CMS) and an energy chain supply on both cranes replacing the previous preferred festoon cabling installation.
  • The Port of Cork has installed High Mast Lighting Voltage Control Units at its two main cargo handling locations – Tivoli Industrial & Dock Estate and Ringaskiddy Deep-water & Ferry Terminals. This investment has led to more efficient energy use and reduced risk of light pollution. The lights can also be controlled remotely.
  • The Port of Cork’s largest electrical consumer at Tivoli Container Terminal is the handling and storage of refrigerated containers. Local data loggers were used to assess energy consumption. This provided timely intervention regarding Power Factor Correction Bank efficiency on our STS (Ship to Shore) Cranes and Substations, allowing for reduced mains demand and reducing wattless energy losses along with excess charges. The information gathered has helped us to design and build a reefer storage facility with energy management and remote monitoring included.

Bantry Port

In 2017 Bantry Bay Port Company completed a significant investment of €8.5 million in the Bantry Inner Harbour development. The development consisted of a leisure marina, widening of the town pier, dredging of the inner harbour and creation of a foreshore amenity space.

Port of Cork Cruise Liner Traffic

2019 was a record cruise season for the Port of Cork with 100 cruise liners visiting. In total over 243,000 passengers and crew visited the region with many passengers visiting Cork for the first time.

Also in 2019, the Port of Cork's Cruise line berth in Cobh was recognised as one of the best cruise destinations in the world, winning in the Top-Rated British Isles & Western Europe Cruise Destination category. 

There has been an increase in cruise ship visits to Cork Harbour in the early 21st century, with 53 such ships visiting the port in 2011, increasing to approximately 100 cruise ship visits by 2019.

These cruise ships berth at the Port of Cork's deepwater quay in Cobh, which is Ireland's only dedicated berth for cruise ships.

Passenger Ferries

Operating since the late 1970s, Brittany Ferries runs a ferry service to Roscoff in France. This operates between April and November from the Ro-Ro facilities at Ringaskiddy. Previous ferry services ran to Swansea in Wales and Santander in Spain. The former, the Swansea Cork ferry, ran initially between 1987 and 2006 and also briefly between 2010 and 2012.

The latter, a Brittany Ferries Cork–Santander service, started in 2018 but was cancelled in early 2020.

Marine Leisure

The Port of Cork has a strategy that aims to promote the harbour also as a leisure amenity. Cork’s superb natural harbour is a great place to enjoy all types of marine leisure pursuits. With lots of sailing and rowing clubs dotted throughout the harbour, excellent fishing and picturesque harbour-side paths for walking, running or cycling, there is something for everyone to enjoy in and around Cork harbour. The Port is actively involved with the promotion of Cork Harbour's annual Festival. The oldest sailing club in the world, founded in 1720, is the Royal Cork Yacht Club is located at Crosshaven in the harbour, proof positive, says the Port, that the people of Cork, and its visitors, have been enjoying this vast natural leisure resource for centuries. 

Port of Cork Executives

  • Chairman: John Mullins
  • Chief Executive: Brendan Keating
  • Secretary/Chief Finance Officer: Donal Crowley
  • Harbour Master and Chief Operations Officer: Capt. Paul O'Regan
  • Port Engineering Manager: Henry Kingston
  • Chief Commercial Officer: Conor Mowlds
  • Head of Human Resources: Peter O'Shaughnessy