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#COASTGUARD - Canada's L-3 Wescam has announced it will be providing electro-optical and infrared imaging systems for the Irish Coast Guard's revamped search and rescue helicopter fleet, starting with the new Sikorsky S-92 based at Shannon.

“This order pairs the most modern SAR helicopter with the most advanced EO/IR sensor to provide a vital capability for lifesaving missions,” said Paul Jennison, vice president of government sales and business development for L-3 Wescam.

The company describes its MXTM-15 system as a one-line replacement unit solution, which reduces installation weight by 25% and increases much-needed cabin space for transporting rescue victims.

The system’s digital infrared camera is capable of a 20% increase in visual range, allowing missions at night or in inclement weather to result in a higher search success rate.

In addition, the system comes with WESCAM’s MX-GEO Gen 3 software package which helps deliver maximum geographic location accuracy and significantly reduces operator fatigue that often arises in demanding and stressful SAR operations.

Imaging system upgrades are expected to be rolled out across the Irish Coast Guard's helicopter fleet by the end of next year.

Published in Coastguard
The latest Marine Notice from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) advises that two Waverider buoys are set to be deployed off the west coast from tomorrow 10 October.
The buoys will be operational for between 12 and 24 months at two locations, one 6km west of Achillbeg Island, Co Mayo and one 2km north northwest of Captain's Hill, Co Clare. Both have a drift radius of up to 100m.
All vessels in the areas above are requested to give the buoys a wide berth. They will be easily spotted by their spherical shape, bright yellow colour and flash pattern (FL 5, Yellow, every 20 seconds).
Full location co-ordinates and further details are included in Marine Notice No 48 of 2011, a PDF of which is available to read and download HERE.

The latest Marine Notice from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) advises that two Waverider buoys are set to be deployed off the west coast from tomorrow 10 October.

The buoys will be operational for between 12 and 24 months at two locations, one 6km west of Achillbeg Island, Co Mayo and one 2km north northwest of Captain's Hill, Co Clare. Both have a drift radius of up to 100m.

All vessels in the areas above are requested to give the buoys a wide berth. They will be easily spotted by their spherical shape, bright yellow colour and flash pattern (FL 5, Yellow, every 20 seconds).

Full location co-ordinates and further details are included in Marine Notice No 48 of 2011, a PDF of which is available to read and download HERE.

Published in Marine Warning

SB20 (formerly Laser SB3) information

Designed by Tony Castro, the SB20 is a British-built strict one-design 6.15m keelboat conceived as a wide appeal, affordable, competitive sportsboat for teams of three or four sailors. It is also, arguably, the most successful sportsboat in the world with 800 owners competing regularly in a programme of exciting local, national and international events.

Originally known as the Laser SB3, the SB20 continues to deliver on its pioneering promise: a boat that is fun, fast and easy to sail by anyone of any age; the best value-for-money sportsboat in the market.

The Laser SB3 was designed by Castro and launched in 2002. In 2007 the Laser SB3 was awarded ISAF Recognised Status and the first World Championships were held in Ireland in 2008. In 2012, Tony Castro appointed a new builder, Sportsboat World. At this time, the Laser SB3 was renamed the SB20 and building was returned to the UK from Malaysia. The ethos of the class continues.

The boat is a strict one-design class, economic to buy and campaign, easy to sail with a simple deck layout and electric downwind performance delivered by the generous sail plan. The boat has a lifting keel, can easily be launched from a slipway and towed behind a family car.

Previous SB20 World Champions

2008 GBR: Geoff Carveth, Roger Gilbert, Roz Allen & Sarah Allan

Host National Yacht Club, Dun laoghaire, Ireland

2009 GBR: Craig Burlton, Stephen White, Adam Heeley

Host Clube Naval de Cascais, Cascais, Portugal

2010 GBR: Jerry Hill, Grant Rollerson, Joe Llewellyn

Host Circolo Vela Torbole, Lake Garda, Italy

2011 GBR: Geoff Carveth, Andy Ramus, Ian Mills & Emma Clarke

Host Royal Torbay Yacht Club, Torquay, UK

2012 GBR: Geoff Carveth, Lesley Dhonau, Roger Hudson & Asenathi Jim

Host Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Queensland, Australia

2013 GRB: Craig Burlton, Stephen White, Adam Heley Host COYCH Club, Hyeres, France