Afloat – Ireland's Sailing and Boating Magazine
The Chief Executive of Cork Port is leaving after four years in the post. Eoin McGettigan announced his intention to step down from his role in May today. “This is not a decision I’ve taken lightly as it has been…
Ireland's six state-owned Fishery Harbour Centres are set to receive a boost from the government, with almost €29.7m allocated for capital projects in 2024. Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue T.D confirmed the news today, stating that these centres are crucial infrastructure…
Final Two Races To Decide If Ireland Will Medal at the ILCA/Laser World Masters Championships
9th February 2024 Laser
Two final back-to-back races on Saturday will decide if Ireland will be on the podium in the ILCA/Laser World Masters Championships in Adelaide, Australia, with Irish boats contesting medal places in two divisions. In the ILCA 7 Great Grand Masters 35…
Caudrelier's Luck Runs Out in Ultim Challenge as Éric Péron Reaches Leeuwin, Plus a Challenging Exit from Cape Horn Ahead
9th February 2024 Ultim Challenge
In fifth place on the Ultim Challenge, Éric Péron, racing the non-foiling Adagio Ultim, was just about to cross Cape Leeuwin this Friday morning at around 0730hrs. At the other end of the race course, climbing north in the South…
Judgment Reserved in Campaigners’ Appeal of Larne Lough Gas Caverns Decision
8th February 2024 Northern Ireland Waters
Judgement has been reserved in campaigners’ legal bid to overturn the decision to approve the excavation of gas storage caverns under Larne Lough. As the Belfast Telegraph reports, the coalition of local campaigners — under the banner of No Gas…
The latest campaign to enter June's 2024 SSE Renewables Round Ireland Race is Saturday's keynote speakers at the ICRA National Conference in Dun Laoghaire. Sam Hunt and Cian McCarthy have signed up the successful doublehanded Sunfast 3300 Cinnamon Girl from…
Marine Scientists Call on Open Water Swimmers and Coastal Walkers to Help Map Seagrass in Galway Bay
8th February 2024 Wavelength Podcast
Open water swimmers at Galway's Blackrock tower tend to swim east, but scientists would love it if they sometimes swam west – weather permitting. That’s an area rich in seagrass in Galway Bay, and one of a number of habitats…
Before Charles Caudrelier passed Cape Horn last Tuesday, icebergs were seen north of the AEZ (Antarctic Exclusion Zone). And so with Armel Le Cléac'h (2nd) and Thomas Coville (3rd) set to round the third great cape this weekend, the Ultim…
J/24 One Design keelboat enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) teams up with the International and Italian J/24 Classes to host the J/24 European Championship in 2024. The event is open to all…
Ireland Referred to EU Court of Justice Over River Basin Management Plan
8th February 2024 News Update
Ireland has been referred by the European Commission to its court of justice for failing to finalise revision of its river basin management plan. Ireland is one of six EU member states which have had the court referral issued to…
Irish Sailors Eyeing Two Podium Finishes at ILCA World Masters Championships, Australia
8th February 2024 Laser
Ireland's assault on the ILCA/Laser World Masters Championships in Adelaide, Australia, continues into the penultimate day of competition, with Irish boats in podium places in two divisions. In the ILCA 7 Great Grand Masters 35 boat fleet,1996 Olympian Mark Lyttle…
Inquest Into Death of Solicitor in Dun Laoghaire Harbour Returns Open Verdict
7th February 2024 Dun Laoghaire Harbour News
The inquest into the death of a solicitor who drowned in Dun Laoghaire Harbour has returned an open verdict, as The Irish Times reports. The body of 54-year-old David Montgomery was found by his wife and brother in the water…
Shannon Navigation: Lifting Bridge Closures at Tarmonbarry and Rooskey
7th February 2024 Inland Waterways
Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels on and users of the Shannon Navigation that the lifting bridges at Tarmonbarry and Rooskey in Co Roscommon will be closed on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 February to facilitate structural inspections. In…
Newbuild for Doolin Ferry As 300-Seater to Join Fleet this Summer Serving Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher
7th February 2024 Ferry
A newbuild ferry for the Doolin Ferry Company is to enter service to the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher, with the custom-built vessel scheduled to set sail this summer. The Co. Clare based company said the new 300 seat…
CalMac to Make Trial Moves on Firth of Clyde Route By Pulling Out of Ardrossan after Safety Issues
7th February 2024 Ferry
Scotland's west coast ferry operator, CalMac is making moves to pull out of a key port in North Ayrshire, Ardrossan (serving Arran) in the wake of recent safety issues and adverse weather. CalMac owned by the Scottish Government, has moved…
A flood relief scheme for King’s Island along the Shannon in Limerick came a step closer this week with approval of tenders for a construction project. The Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) Patrick…
Science, engineering and management experts are among posts which Uisce Éireann hopes to fill in a recruitment drive for 700 jobs across the State. The national water authority says the new jobs will be available over the next year, with…
Darren Byers has been appointed Port Manager at Stena Line based in Belfast Harbour. With over 20 years’ experience within Maritime operations, Darren joins the ferry and port operator from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) where he was Area…
Fourth Generation Kerry Fishing Family Expands Seafood Business with Brexit Grant
7th February 2024 BIM
A fourth generation Kerry fishing family is expanding its seafood business with a 400,000 euro investment. The Fish Box restaurant and takeaway, based in Dingle, is using the investment to put a food truck on the road, introduce a fresh…
Royal Cork's Crosshaven House PY1000 Dinghy Race Marks Its 10th Anniversary in 2024
7th February 2024 Royal Cork YC
The Royal Cork Yacht Club is gearing up to host the 10th anniversary of the popular PY1000 dinghy race on Saturday, April 20th, 2024. The event, which has become a highlight of the club's calendar, is sponsored once again by…