Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

The Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) is a Division within the Irish Maritime Directorate of the Department of Transport. Its mission is to deliver a world-class search and rescue, maritime casualty, and pollution response service. The IRCG currently have six vacancies…

Near the Scottish capital is berthed a historic former lighthouse tender which has been named one of the best hotels in the world at the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. Fingal, which is the name of the luxury floating hotel, is…

The Mirror dinghy season kicked off with a bang as 13 boats landed in Blessington Lake Sailing Club; a little apprehensive about how the weekend would unfold but certainly excited to get back afloat. There were some new faces and…

Fleadh na gCuach or the Cuckoo Fleadh will transform the south Galway Harbour of Kinvara over this coming May bank holiday weekend. The traditional music and community-based art festival is known for its vibrant ambiance and exceptional talent, attracting musicians…

Afloat.ie regrets to record the death of Don Street of Glandore in his 94th year. For many years a Caribbean enthusiast, writing a series of successful pioneering pilot books for the area, he was also a renowned authority on ocean…

Tourism Ireland in Germany is rolling out a new campaign to promote Ireland’s Hidden Hidden Heartlands and cruising holidays on the River Shannon. This year, 240 inland cruisers on the Shannon are switching to sustainable HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fuel,…

As of today (1 May), Dennis Tetzlaff is Stena Line’s new Chief Operating Officer Fleet, and he joins the group management team. Dennis Tetzlaff enters his new role with a wealth of experience, having worked in various professions within the…

Light winds in Lough Ree did not stop the ILCA fleet from completing two days of very tight racing in 5 to 10 knots. In stereotypical lake sailing weather, the light northerly breeze kept all three fleets with their heads…

Applications are currently being accepted for ship time on Ireland’s national marine science research vessels in 2025 and 2026. In addition to the RV Tom Crean and RV Celtic Explorer, time is also offered on the ROV Holland I as…

The Department of Transport has issued a reminder to fishing vessel owners, skippers and crew of the safety requirements for the use of cranes and other lifting equipment on deck. In comes after a recent Marine Casualty Invesigation Board (MCIB)…

Dublin Port Company (DPC) has mapped its rich natural, industrial, and cultural heritage in a new Conservation Strategy, which Minister of State Malcolm Noonan, TD, launched today. The ambitious document maps Dublin Port's layers, including findings on the floor of…

May Day used to be such a focus of seasonal celebration that it's almost unfortunate it has been collared for use as the international maritime distress call-sign. But for now, with this very recently taken photo, we'll revert to celebration…

The National Yacht Club hosted the first combined 29er and 49er events, and it proved to be a great success. There was a palpable buzz on the club platform before and after sailing and great racing. As it was reported…

Derry-Londonderry's Foyle Port is gearing up for a busy cruise season, with nine cruise liners expected to visit the port between May and September, including six inaugural calls. The Port is celebrating its 170th anniversary this year and is set…

The Marine Institute’s Explorers Education Programme has been recognised for promoting ocean literacy and driving marine education at the primary school level. The programme's annual Ocean Literacy, Engagement & Impact Report highlights a range of activities available to schools, supporting…

Stena Europe, which left the Rosslare-Fishguard route recently, with ropax Stena Nordica resuming service, is to return to the Strait of Gibraltar, where it had been on charter last year, writes Jehan Ashmore. The Stena Europe, built in 1981, after…

In the framework of its annual conference held in Paris last week, the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) launched the results of the ESPO Port Investment Study 2024 (find here). This study offers an extensive analysis of the investment pipeline…

On May 29, 31 skippers from around the world will set sail from New York towards the Vendée, for the final qualifying and selection race to qualify for the Vendée Globe: the most challenging sailing race around the world. The…

Fishing opportunities have been reduced by major storms, according to one of the leading Irish fish producer organisations. “Eleven major storms since January first,” says Aodh O Donnell, Chief Executive of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation. This has left many…

Jérémie Beyou, one of the top hopes for the Transat CIC solo race from Lorient to New York, is returning to Lorient after his J2 forestay was damaged. The skipper of Charal made the decision to turn around after discussions…