31st March 2011

Heavy Cargo-Liftship Runs Aground at Rossaveal

A 7,837 tonnes heavy cargo-liftship Pantanal which was to collect two former Aran Island fast ferries, ran aground this morning in rough seas off Rossaveal, according to RTE.ie

The Danish-owned vessel got into difficulties around 06.00 when it ran aground in Casla Bay at the entrance to the Connemara harbour. The Pantanal which has a crew of 14 are trying to establish it the 2004 built vessel can be refloated later today.

Pantanel which is equipped with two deck-mounted cranes was due to lift the 170 tonnes fast ferry sisters Clann Eagle I and Clann na nOileáin. The pair which were owned by Bád Arann Teo (trading as Aran Direct) went into receivership and were sold last month to new owners in Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. For further details click here.

The Antigua Barbuda registered vessel specialises in transporting heavy project cargo around the world. To see a photo of the vessel with boat-cargo onboard click here.

Published in Ports & Shipping

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Connemara Celebrates Sea Week

The annual Sea Week festival is underway in Connemara, with events taking place throughout the region till Monday 25 October.

Now in its 26th year, Connemara's Sea Week celebrates the marine environment with an eclectic mix of music, poetry, science and games for young and old alike.

Events this year include an art exhinition in Connemara National Park, a family fun day and mini regatta on Sunday 17 October, and a schools programme throughout the week featuring ecologists and storytellers.

Next weekend also sees the Sea Week Conference in Letterfrack on Saturday 23 October, which will examine the challenges facing the marine ecosystem and the implications for coastal communities around Ireland.

For more on the Sea Week festival programme visit www.ceecc.org

Published in Coastal Notes

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Clifden Boat Club

The Clifden Boat Club is a small sailing Club situated on the west coast of Ireland, just two miles outside the picturesque town of Clifden, Connemara. The committee and members of the club have been working hard to provide fantastic yacht racing and also some great sail training.

The team at Clifden Boat Club, having hosted the West Coast Championships for 2007 and 2008, are looking forward to another exciting and rewarding sailing season in 2009.

The Club is situated at the eastern end of the very sheltered Clifden bay providing great anchorage and easy access to a slip. Clifden harbour is 1km farther east providing a very safe and sheltered tidal harbour with a draft of about 3m at mean high water. The clubhouse itself is close to the Clifden Bay anchorage and has shower/changing rooms a bar and restaurant. Services Available include Visitors Moorings and safe anchorage.

The following is always available:

Fresh water 25m from slip

Fuel and Lube oil available in drums from Clifden town and tanker deliveries to Clifden quay.

All stores available in Clifden town (2km from clubhouse, 1km from Clifden quay)

Some spares and mechanical repair available

There is an internet Cafe in Clifden. The Boat Club is available for meetings and conferences by arangement. The First port of call for visitors should be the Clifden Boat Club where facilities are available and where information can be obtained.

Clifden Boat Club

Committee Details 2009/2010

Commodore – Bobbi O'Regan 0879870371 [email protected]

Secretary – Damian Ward 0872418569 [email protected]

Treasurer – Bobbi O'Regan 0879870371 [email protected]

Assist. Treasurer - Jackie Ward 09521898

Membership Sec – Donal O'Scannaill 0861665278

Liaison Officer/PRO – Damian Ward

Development Officer – Jackie Ward

Safety Officer – Werner Cook 0876427167

Race Officer/Sailing Sec – Paul Ryan 0862931819

Published in Clubs