Menu

Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

Displaying items by tag: Union Support

In the UK, the union for shipbuilders GMB has welcomed reports of hopes for the reopening of Appledore Shipyard, writes North Devon Gazette.

The news follows a high level meeting convened by Torridge MP and Attorney General Geoffrey Cox at 10 Downing Street last Friday (Sept 27) with the Government's taskforce dedicated to reopening the shipyard.

Afterwards Mr Cox said he was 'cautiously optimistic' about its future and was hopeful the yard could reopen.

Earlier this month, shipyard workers learned the 'bittersweet' news that former owners Babcock had been selected as the preferred bidder to provide the Government with five Type 31 frigates.

The GMB said it had campaigned to save the yard since the closure was announced last year, handing in a 10,000 strong petition to Parliament, and suggesting several plans to keep the shipyard viable.

More here on the north Devon shipyard whose final ship was the Irish Naval Service OPV LÉ George Bernard Shaw. The P60 class made a delivery voyage almost a year ago to Cork Harbour.

Published in Ports & Shipping

Lambs Week Regatta on Galway Bay

With a theme of accessibility, Lambs Week was devised to celebrate the unique sailing grounds of the West of Ireland. 

It comprises five days of sailing around Galway Bay and the Aran Islands.

Big boats, small boats, fast boats and slow boats are all welcome.

The fleet, which totalled 46 for the first edition in 2021, takes in three beautiful harbours of Ros aMhil, Cil Ronain and Cloch naRon, each keen to offer a warm welcome to the competing sailors. 

Organisers Galway Bay Sailing Club match similarly rated boats to see who can get the best out of the conditions for a 'Sail in Company'.  A Pursuit Challenge around the islands for both competitive and non-competitive boats is also held.