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Displaying items by tag: Irish cetaceans

#WexfordWhales – Further exciting scenes of cetaceans where witnessed by those on board Celtic Mist yesterday, following the first such sightings in 2013 as previously reported on Afloat.ie

Footage of the action was broadcast on this evening's RTE Six One news, from the decks of Ireland's newest marine research vessel, operated by the Irish Whale & Dolphin Group (IWDG).

This month, Celtic Mist will be making day trips in search of whales from Ballyhack on the Wexford side of the Waterford Estuary. In addition the 56ft ketch is to provide daily trips throughout February, when she will be based out of Kilmore Quay to where she heads for the waters off the Saltee Islands, weather permitting.

If you would like to join Celtic Mist for a day out, email: [email protected] or call 086 2358771 to make a booking and for further details visit www.rvcelticmist.ie

Celtic Mist, retains her original name from her days during ownership of the Haughey family, until she was donated to the IWDG back in 2011. She was refitted for her new role and she made her maiden voyage last September.

She was completed in 1974 by Custo in Brittany, France and designed by Dominique Presles. A 350HP diesel Caterpillar engine provides a maximum speed of 8.5 knots and a cruising speed of 6 knots. Facilities include a large galley, chart/navigation area and accommodation for eight berths.

Published in Marine Wildlife

Waszp sailing

The Waszp project was conceived in 2010 by Andrew McDougall, designer of the world-beating Mach 2 foiling Moth. 

The Waszp was created as a strict one-design foiler, where, as the class says “the true test when raced is between crews and not boats and equipment”.

The objective of the class rules is to ensure that this concept is maintained. Keeping possible modifications to a minimum ensures fair racing across the fleet, helps to reduce the overall cost to the sailor and reduces the amount of time in the workshop. 

The popularity of the WASZP has proven that the boat and the concept work. In October 2021, 1237 boats had been sold to over 45 countries. 

The top speed recorded on the foiling dinghy is 26.7 knots. 

60-95kgs+ is a weight range competitive across varied conditions with rigs knowns as ‘8.2’ and ‘6.9’.

The cost of a Moth dinghy in Europe is €14,400 inc VAT + shipping according to the manufacturers in October 2021.