Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

An Aran island family with several generations of volunteering with the RNLI lifeboat are featured in the first episode of a special series of RTÉ Radio 1’s Seascapes to mark the RNLI’s bicentenary. The three-part series also carries an interview…

An offshore patrol vessel with the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) has berthed in Dublin to mark the 20th anniversary of the North Western Waters Advisory Council and the Pelagic Advisory Council. The Ocean Protector is one of three EFCA…

Dún Laoghaire Harbour this Friday is to welcome the Naval Service OPV LÉ George Bernard Shaw (P64) ahead of the St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations. The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) is named after the renowned playwright George Bernard Shaw, who had…

Irish offshore energy survey company Green Rebel is among the Irish companies that are scaling rapidly and are showcasing their products in the United States this week as part of Enterprise Ireland's trade mission. Green Rebel is attending events in…

The Isle of Man Steam Packet’s fast-ferry Manannan made its first berthing trials on Merseyside’s new £70 million ferry terminal at Liverpool, from where they will connect Douglas. The 1998 built Manannan, which operates seasonal services, undertook the exercise yesterday…

Irish marine areas that can promote biodiversity in the face of worsening climate change have been identified in a new report by Fair Seas, a coalition of leading environmental NGOs and networks. The report commissioned research to determine the areas…

Éric Péron sailing ULTIM ADAGIO crossed the finish line of the Ultim Challenge at 14 h 44 27" to finish in fifth position, the final skipper to complete the 22, 460 nautical miles course which started on Sunday 7th January. His…

Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) has recently announced the introduction of a new non-spinnaker rating for CR4 and CR5 to promote white sails racing in Dublin Bay. The move comes following the success of the VPRS rating system in the…

There are two interesting changes planned in Cork Harbour racing this season, for cruisers and dinghies. Two separate Cobh-Blackrock Races are planned, and the Cork Harbour Cruiser Joint Clubs league will be reintroduced. The Cobh/Blackrock Race is a big traditional…

It’s the middle of a foggy night in the North Atlantic. The breeze is fickle and there is nary a star or land sight to guide the yacht. It’s the sort of weather that drives helmspeople insane as they chase…

Regional management of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is due to be discussed at a conference in Dublin Castle today. Key speakers at the event will include Charlina Vitcheva, the European Commission’s director-general for maritime affairs and fisheries, along…

The Irish Sailor of the Year Award will be presented on Friday, March 22nd, at the Irish Sailing Awards in Howth Yacht Club, Co. Dublin. One of the highlights of the evening will be the announcement of the 2023 winner, chosen…

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels and users of the Erne System in Northern Ireland that the St Patrick’s Illuminated Flotilla will take place in Enniskillen this Saturday evening 16 March. The event runs from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, starting at…

Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels on and users of the Lower Bann navigation in Northern Ireland that the installation of new lock gates at Movanagher Lock has been completed as of Wednesday 13 March and the navigation is…

The Scottish Government’s Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill that would have forced marinas and other mooring providers to charge a levy on visitor accommodation — including mooring and berthing for boats — has now been amended. As previously reported on Afloat.ie,…

Mayo’s Achill island is first stop on a tour of Ireland’s holy wells for a new documentary series on TG4. “As islanders we have a special draw to the sea, the sea attracts people and has kept us alive,” the…

Dun Laoghaire's "Living Streets" programme to pedestrianise parts of the town adjoining the harbour moved a step closer following a marathon council meeting. As RTÉ and The Irish Times report, councillors voted in favour of the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County…

We have had a very busy winter period getting your sails serviced, repaired and ready for 2024. Over 800kg of sails and covers sent to laundry are now back. We were delighted to get so many sails and covers this…

Good news – there is a sustained trend towards improvement in fish stocks in Irish waters, the Marine Institute’s new chief executive, Dr Rick Officer says. Speaking to Wavelengths, he says “huge credit” is due to Irish fishers for weathering…

The 2023 Cruising Club of America (CCA) awards ceremony was held at the New York Yacht Club on Friday, March 1, highlighted by the presentation of the Blue Water Medal to solo round-the-world sailor Kirsten Neuschäfer. The prestigious Medal was…