Displaying items by tag: Shannon Navigation

15th August 2022

Shannon Navigation: Sunken Vessel Obstruction Near M6 Bridge in Athlone

Waterways Ireland advises masters of all craft on the Shannon Navigation that there is a sunken vessel on the western side of the navigation some 200m upstream of the N6 bridge at Athlone.

Afloat.ie previously reported on the rescue of 10 people from the speedboat on Saturday evening by Lough Ree RNLI.

A temporary red buoy is in place to mark the location, and masters are requested to proceed with additional caution in the area.

Elsewhere, on Lough Derg the Green Cage Buoy No 1184 northwest of the Corrikeen Islands has moved from its correct position.

A temporary green buoy has been installed at this location until the cage buoy can be repositioned.

Masters of vessels are urged to proceed with additional caution in the area. The cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways assures that the marker will be replaced as soon as possible.

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13th August 2022

Further Diving Operations on Floating Breakwaters Along Shannon Navigation

Waterways Ireland advises that further diving operations will be conducted on floating breakwaters along the Shannon Navigation from this coming Tuesday (16 August).

Masters of vessels are requested to proceed with additional caution in the vicinity of the works at Spencer Harbour and Cleighran More on Lough Allen in Co Leitrim, Derryvunny and Rockingham on Lough Key and Kilglass in Co Roscommon until Tuesday 23 August.

The cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways previously announced diving operations taking place from 11-19 August at Ballyleague on Lough Ree, Castle Harbour in Portumna and Garrykennedy on Lough Derg, and Limerick city.

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10th August 2022

Continued Restrictions Around New Shannon Bridge Works in Athlone as First Section Set to Be Floated Into Place

Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels and waterways users on the Shannon Navigation that restrictions around the construction of the new pedestrian and cycleway bridge in Athlone will continue until the end of next month.

Additionally, the first section of the bridge will be floated downstream from Wansboro Field on a large pontoon from Tuesday 30 to Wednesday 31 August.

Two tugs will be manoeuvring the 18 sqm pontoon, and two safety boats will be on the river during the bridge moving operation.

In preparation for the bridge moving operation, the three upstream sections of the new Waterways Ireland jetty at the railway bridge will be removed from Thursday 25 August.

All power and water to the remaining sections of the jetty will be disconnected for safety reasons from this date, and the red navigation markers at the railway bridge will also be removed.

No vessel will be allowed to moor on this jetty from 8pm on Monday 29 August until 8pm on Wednesday 31 August.

Masters of vessels are advised to proceed with additional caution in the vicinity of the works and to follow the instructions of safety craft and personnel in the area, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways says.

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10th August 2022

Diving Operations on Floating Breakwaters Along Shannon Navigation

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels on the Shannon Navigation that diving operations will be conducted on the floating breakwaters in four locations between Lough Ree and Limerick from Thursday 11 August until next Friday 19 August.

Masters of vessels are requested to proceed with additional caution in the vicinity of the diving operations taking place at Ballyleague on Lough Ree, Castle Harbour in Portumna and Garrykennedy on Lough Derg, and Limerick city.

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30th July 2022

Lough Ree Boaters Advised of New Navigation Markers at Hexagon Shoal

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels on the Shannon Navigation that eight small green navigation markers will be installed at the Hexagon Shoal in Lough Ree from Monday 1 August for a trial period.

Four of these markers will be installed on the north side of Marker 615, with the rest installed on the east side of that marker.

Waterways Ireland also advises boaters to always use an up-to-date navigation guide when boating on the Shannon Navigation.

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30th July 2022

Navigation and Mooring Restrictions in Carrick-on-Shannon for Rowing Regatta

Waterways Ireland wishes to advise all masters and users of the Shannon Navigation of navigation and mooring restrictions in Carrick-on-Shannon to facilitate the Carrick Rowing Regatta on Sunday 31 July.

The regatta, hosted by Carrick-on-Shannon Rowing Club, will be held on a 500-metre stretch of water immediately south of the town bridge commencing at 9am and finishing at around 6pm.

Craft wishing to make a through passage will be facilitated approximately every two hours during the course of the regatta.

Only vessels of an overall length of 22ft/6.8m or less are currently permitted on the floating jetties until the completion of the regatta. This is necessary in the interest of marine safety and to facilitate the laying of the competition course.

Vessels berthed from 4pm on Wednesday 27 July will be required to remain in place until racing finishes on Sunday.

Masters are advised to proceed at slow speed and with due caution and to take note of advice from course marshals when passing through the area.

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3rd July 2022

Save the Dates: 45th IWAI Lough Derg Rally From 9-16 July

Waterways Ireland advises masters and owners of vessels on the Shannon Navigation that the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland’s (IWAI) Lough Derg Rally will take place from this coming Saturday 9 to Sunday 16 July and will visit the following locations:

Saturday 9 July: Dromann
Sunday 10 July: Dromann
Monday 11 July: Mountshannon
Tuesday 12 July: Mountshannon
Wednesday 13 July: Anchor Out
Thursday 14 July: Terryglass
Friday 15 July: Terryglass
Saturday 16 July: Terryglass

Masters of vessels should be aware that a significant number of vessels will be participating in the rally. For more details see the IWAI website HERE.

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20th June 2022

Warning Over Low Water Levels Throughout Shannon Navigation

Waterways Ireland wishes to advise masters and owners of vessels on the Shannon Navigation that low water levels exist in all areas of the waterway.

Water levels are currently at or below ordinary summer levels, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways warns.

All masters are requested to observe the 5km speed limits to prevent squat in shallower areas.

Masters of vessels, particularly those with deep drafts, are also advised to navigate with additional caution and to remain within the navigation at all times.

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31st May 2022

Join the Heritage Boat Association’s 21st Anniversary Celebrations in Ballinasloe This Week

A week of events to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Heritage Boat Association is already under way at Ballinasloe Harbour.

All welcome to come view the barges, some of which date back to back to 1847, and explore the past of Ireland’s inland waterways with the HBA and the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland’s (IWAI) River Suck branch along with Waterways Ireland and Galway County Council.

Highlights include a heritage tour of Ballinasloe guide by local historian Sean Tully from 7pm this Wednesday 1 June. The 90-minute walking tour covers the history of the Grand Canal and River Suck, and meets at the Heron Sculpture in the harbour at 7pm sharp.

Then Saturday 4 June brings Cruinniú, a family friendly event from 1pm-5pm showcasing Ireland’s cultural heritage with arts and crafts, butter making, a flea circus and a talk on the famous Galway Hooker sailing boats.

Take a look at the historic Bolinder engine, the power plant that replaced horses on the Grand Canal barge fleet, and enjoy music in the harbour all afternoon with the Ballinasloe Town band and Bobby Kilkenny & Friends.

Later on the day, join Dr Christy Cunniffe in the marquee at 5.30pm for a historic talk on the Ballinasloe Grand Canal branch from Fannings lock to Ballinasloe, and at 6.30pm Conor Nolan will give a talk about the Heritage Boat Association.

For more, download the full event brochure HERE.

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29th May 2022

Shannon Navigation: Diving Operations at Ballymacegan Island

Waterways Ireland wishes to advise masters of vessels on the Shannon Navigation that a diving operation and underwater survey will take place in the vicinity of Ballymacegan Island and Tiranascragh from this Wednesday 1 to Sunday 12 June.

These locations are approximately 8km upstream of Portumna Bridge on the inland waterway.

Safety vessels will be supporting the diving operation and temporary markers will be deployed to mark the dive area.

Masters of vessels are requested to proceed with additional caution in the vicinity of Ballymacegan Island and Tiranascragh during these scheduled works.

Published in Inland Waterways

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About The Middle Sea Race

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a highly rated offshore classic, often mentioned in the same breath as the Rolex Fastnet, The Rolex Sydney–Hobart and Newport-Bermuda as a 'must do' race. The Royal Malta Yacht Club and the Royal Ocean Racing Club co-founded the race in 1968 and 2007 was the 28th Edition. Save for a break between 1984 and 1995 the event has been run annually attracting 25–30 yachts. In recent years, the number of entries has rissen sharply to 68 boats thanks to a new Organising Committee who managed to bring Rolex on board as title sponsor for the Middle Sea Race.

The race is a true challenge to skippers and crews who have to be at their very best to cope with the often changeable and demanding conditions. Equally, the race is blessed with unsurpassed scenery with its course, taking competitors close to a number of islands, which form marks of the course. Ted Turner described the MSR as "the most beautiful race course in the world".

Apart from Turner, famous competitors have included Eric Tabarly, Cino Ricci, Herbert von Karajan, Jim Dolan, Sir Chay Blyth and Sir Francis Chichester (fresh from his round the world adventure). High profile boats from the world's top designers take part, most in pursuit of line honours and the record – competing yachts include the extreme Open 60s, Riviera di Rimini and Shining; the maxis, Mistress Quickly, Zephyrus IV and Sagamore; and the pocket rockets such as the 41-foot J-125 Strait Dealer and the DK46, Fidessa Fastwave.

In 2006, Mike Sanderson and Seb Josse on board ABN Amro, winner of the Volvo Ocean Race, the super Maxis; Alfa Romeo and Maximus and the 2006 Rolex Middle Sea Race overall winner, Hasso Platner on board his MaxZ86, Morning Glory.

George David on board Rambler (ex-Alfa Romeo) managed a new course record in 2007 and in 2008, Thierry Bouchard on Spirit of Ad Hoc won the Rolex Middle Sea Race on board a Beneteau 40.7

The largest number of entries was 78 established in 2008.

Middle Sea Race History

IN THE BEGINNING

The Middle Sea Race was conceived as the result of sporting rivalry between great friends, Paul and John Ripard and an Englishman residing in Malta called Jimmy White, all members of the Royal Malta Yacht Club. In the early fifties, it was mainly British servicemen stationed in Malta who competitively raced. Even the boats had a military connection, since they were old German training boats captured by the British during the war. At the time, the RMYC only had a few Maltese members, amongst who were Paul and John Ripard.

So it was in the early sixties that Paul and Jimmy, together with a mutual friend, Alan Green (later to become the Race Director of the Royal Ocean Racing Club), set out to map a course designed to offer an exciting race in different conditions to those prevailing in Maltese coastal waters. They also decided the course would be slightly longer than the RORC's longest race, the Fastnet. The resulting course is the same as used today.

Ted Turner, CEO of Turner Communications (CNN) has written that the Middle Sea Race "must be the most beautiful race course in the world. What other event has an active volcano as a mark of the course?"

In all of its editions since it was first run in 1968 – won by Paul Ripard's brother John, the Rolex Middle Sea Race has attracted many prestigious names in yachting. Some of these have gone on to greater things in life and have actually left their imprint on the world at large. Amongst these one finds the late Raul Gardini who won line honours in 1979 on Rumegal, and who spearheaded the 1992 Italian Challenge for the America's Cup with Moro di Venezia.

Another former line honours winner (1971) who has passed away since was Frenchman Eric Tabarly winner of round the world and transatlantic races on Penduik. Before his death, he was in Malta again for the novel Around Europe Open UAP Race involving monohulls, catamarans and trimarans. The guest list for the Middle Sea Race has included VIP's of the likes of Sir Francis Chichester, who in 1966 was the first man to sail around the world single-handedly, making only one stop.

The list of top yachting names includes many Italians. It is, after all a premier race around their largest island. These include Navy Admiral Tino Straulino, Olympic gold medallist in the star class and Cino Ricci, well known yachting TV commentator. And it is also an Italian who in 1999 finally beat the course record set by Mistress Quickly in 1978. Top racing skipper Andrea Scarabelli beat it so resoundingly, he knocked off over six hours from the time that had stood unbeaten for 20 years.

World famous round the world race winners with a Middle Sea Race connection include yachting journalist Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Les Williams, both from the UK.

The Maxi Class has long had a long and loving relationship with the Middle Sea Race. Right from the early days personalities such as Germany's Herbert Von Karajan, famous orchestra conductor and artistic director of the Berliner Philarmoniker, competing with his maxi Helisara IV. Later came Marvin Greene Jr, CEO of Reeves Communications Corporation and owner of the well known Nirvana (line honours in 1982) and Jim Dolan, CEO of Cablevision, whose Sagamore was back in 1999 to try and emulate the line honours she won in 1997.

THE COURSE RECORD

The course record was held by the San Francisco based, Robert McNeil on board his Maxi Turbo Sled Zephyrus IV when in 2000, he smashed the Course record which now stands at 64 hrs 49 mins 57 secs. Zephyrus IV is a Rechiel-Pugh design. In recent years, various maxis such as Alfa Romeo, Nokia, Maximus and Morning Glory have all tried to break this course record, but the wind Gods have never played along. Even the VOR winner, ABN AMro tried, but all failed in 2006.

However, George David came along on board Rambler in 2007 and demolished the course record established by Zephyrus IV in 2000. This now stands at 1 day, 23 hours, 55 minutes and 3 seconds.

At A Glance - Middle Sea Race 2024

First held: 1968

Organising Authority: Royal Malta Yacht Club

Start

The 45th Rolex Middle Sea Race will start on Saturday, 19 October 2024.

Grand Harbour, Valletta: seven separate starts, at 10-minute intervals, from 11:00 CEST Saturday, 21 October 2024

Start Line: between the Saluting Battery, Upper Barrakka Gardens (Valletta) and Fort St Angelo (Birgu)

Various vantage points all around the Grand Harbour, high up on the bastions or at water level. Harbour access for spectator boats is restricted during the period of the start.

Course

Set in the heart of the Mediterranean and is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It starts and finishes in Malta, passes two active volcanoes and takes in the deep azure waters surrounding Sicily, and the Aeolian and Egadi Islands, as well as lonelier outposts of Pantelleria and Lampedusa, both closer to the African continent than Europe.

Length: 606 nautical miles (1,122km)

Outright Race Record: 33h 29m 28s, Argo, United States, Jason Carroll

Monohull Race Record: 40h 17m 50s, Comanche, Cayman Is, Mitch Booth