Afloat – Ireland's Sailing and Boating Magazine
As if to signal the start of summertime this Sunday, a magnificent three-masted Tall Ship arrived on Dublin Bay this morning, and with her spring arrival, the promise - perhaps - of a bumper 2023 Irish boating season ahead. The German-flagged…
Dubarry Holdall and Backpack Up for Grabs in Latest Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta 'Early Bird' Draw
23rd March 2023 Volvo Regatta
With less than a week to go until the reduced early bird entry fee for July's Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta expires, you could be in with a chance to win a Dubarry holdall and backpack set in the regatta's latest…
Many tributes have been paid to RTÉ Radio One Seascapes presenter and producer Fergal Keane, who has announced he is leaving the national broadcaster to pursue new interests. Keane announced his departure on Twitter on March 16th, and on-air during…
TEN-T Policy Must Recognise Essential Role Ports Play in New Energy Supply Chains - ESPO
23rd March 2023 Ports & Shipping
The European Parliament’s Transport Committee is preparing its position on the TEN-T Commission proposal of 14 December 2021. More than 1800 amendments are on the table of the negotiators. The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) welcomes the more than 40…
The Fastnet Award is made for exceptional achievements and for excellence in or closely related to cruising under sail. This year it is made to W. M. (Winkie) Nixon who has been described by the late Theo Rye in Classic…
The Ocean Race IMOCAs In a Drag Race Towards Cape Horn With the Weather Beginning to Turn
22nd March 2023 Ocean Race
The Ocean Race fleet passed Point Nemo just after 1730 UTC on Tuesday (21 March), leaving the most remote and isolated place on the ocean in their wake. It likely didn’t feel as isolated as it usually would. All four…
Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue welcomed the conclusion on Monday (20 March) of prolonged negotiations between the European Union and Norway, resulting in a bilateral fisheries agreement for 2023. And for Ireland, the outcome is an 89 per cent increase in…
ESPO Meets EU Transport Commissioner to Discuss Challenges Facing European Ports and Role of Green Transition
22nd March 2023 Ports & Shipping
The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) met with the EU Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean today, to discuss challenges facing ports in Europe and the role of a green transition. The delegation consisted of ESPO’s Chair Zeno D’Agostino, Vice Chairs Daan…
A total of 42 owners have accepted offers to scrap their fishing vessels under the Government’s Brexit-related decommissioning scheme. The big jump in figures – which had been running at 21 accepted offers from a total of 57 offers up…
Tourism Boost to Ireland as Brittany Ferries' New Season Commences With Roscoff Route Resuming
22nd March 2023 Brittany Ferries
Brittany Ferries marks the start of the tourism season with the first sailing of Armorique to the Port of Cork today. The 30,000 ton, 1500 passenger cruise-ferry had sailed from Roscoff, Brittany and arrived at Ringaskiddy at 09:30 this morning with…
Sea Scout Master Mariners are Crowned at National Maritime College of Ireland
22nd March 2023 Maritime Training
The 2023 seamanship competition for senior Sea Scouts, supported by the Irish Institute of Master Mariners, occurred on 5 March at the National Maritime College of Ireland in Cork Harbour. 24 young people from around Ireland competed for the Captain…
In Scotland, multiple people have suffered injuries after a ship toppled over in a dry-dock in Leith (near Edinburgh), a spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service said. Emergency rescue services were dispatched to the incident at Leith Docks which is…
Peel Ports Group Expands into UK's East Coast with Acquisition of HES Humber Bulk Terminal
22nd March 2023 Ports & Shipping
One of the UK’s largest port operators, Peel Port Group has announces that it has completed the acquisition of HES Humber Bulk Terminal for an undisclosed sum. The ports group has acquired the business from specialist bulk terminals operator, HES…
Sandymount Residents' Group Voice Concerns Over Poolbeg Peninsula 3FM Project
22nd March 2023 Dublin Bay
Some local residents in the area near Dublin Port have complained about what they claim are proposals to 'hijack' land on the Poolbeg Peninsula for the construction of a boiler station and the largest container storage facility in Ireland. The…
A Howth Yacht Club crew were part of the 156 Etchells sailors that visited Biscayne Bay for The Coral Reef Cup in Miami, Florida, last weekend. This three-day regatta, March 17-19th, served not only as the class' 2023 North American…
Shannon Navigation: Reinstatement of Railway Bridge Waiting Jetties in Limerick After Winter Period
22nd March 2023 Inland Waterways
Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels and waterway users on the Shannon Navigation that the waiting jetties at the Railway Bridge in Limerick will be reinstated at the end of March. As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the jetties had been…
Erne System: High Water Levels Across System and Restrictions at Castle Island for Power Line Repairs
22nd March 2023 Inland Waterways
Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels and water users on the Erne System that emergency overhead line repair works are planned between Castle Island and the west shoreline on Saturday 25 March. To enable the repair works to be completed,…
Irish Crew Trio Celebrate Victory Onboard 'WinWin' at St Barths Bucket Superyacht Regatta
21st March 2023 Superyachts
There were Irish celebrations at St Barths Bucket Superyacht Regatta in the Caribbean at the weekend when the part-Irish crewed WinWin won its class over three days racing in 20+ knots conditions. On board, the 33m superyacht from Ireland was Timothy Goodbody (tactician), Simon…
The Ocean Race IMOCAs Approach Most Remote Place on Earth as Aggressive Weather Looms
21st March 2023 Ocean Race
The four IMOCAs charging towards Cape Horn in Leg 3 of The Ocean Race 2022-23 are approaching Point Nemo on Tuesday (21 March). Defined as the most isolated, remote place on earth, Point Nemo is a spot in south Pacific…
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has announced the appointment of Professor Sir Michael Arthur, an experienced racing and cruising sailor and accomplished British academic, as the new chair of its board. Sir Michael, a member of the Royal Southampton Yacht…