Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

High performance sport receives an emphasis in the draft Programme for Government published this afternoon (Monday 15 June) after the leaders of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party reached agreement following marathon weekend talks. Under the heading ‘High…

The latest edition of The Ocean Race’s Off Watch video interview series sits down with Damian Foxall, Irish veteran of the yachting challenge formerly known as the Volvo Ocean Race. Kerryman Damian Foxall has competed in the round-the-world race six…

A new docudrama telling the story of a Spanish Armada captain shipwrecked in Sligo launches tonight (Friday 22 May) as a digital download. Armada 1588: Shipwreck & Survival follows the tale of Captain Francisco de Cuéllar, who washed ashore on…

The death of Bruce Lyster of Dun Laoghaire at the age of 78 is the sad loss to the Irish sailing community - and our maritime world generally - of a multi-talented figure who combined exceptional abilities in the financial…

To mark Poetry Day Ireland tomorrow (Thursday 30 April), the Marine Institute is sharing a selection of poems that celebrate the power of our seas and oceans. The State agency for marine research will join Poetry Ireland’s annual celebration of…

Irishman Ronan O’Rahilly, the founder of the celebrated pirate radio station Radio Caroline, has died at the age of 79. Mr O’Rahilly revolutionised commercial radio in 1964 when he set up Radio Caroline outside UK territorial waters and broadcast to…

The Government is preparing for a 'controlled and gradual return to sport' and the 2020 sailing fixtures are being tentatively redrafted by yacht clubs across Ireland as the country enters a new phase in dealing with the Coronavirus. The Taoiseach told the…

Government is seeking input from sports bodies – including sailing – as to how a 'gradual and controlled' return to activities can be achieved. Yesterday, the Taoiseach told the Dáil that the Government would like to set out a roadmap…

Barry Hayes of UK Sailmakers Ireland reports that gowns (pictured above) made at his Crosshaven sail loft are destined for care homes and GP surgeries across the country in the fight against COVID-19. 'Our not-for-Profit makeshift gown making endeavour has…

UK Sailmakers in Cork Harbour have busy fulfilling the many orders for gowns for healthcare workers in the frontline against COVID-19. As Afloat reported previously, sailmaker Barry Hayes and his team at Crosshaven have been deploying their resources to help make…

Crew of the LÉ Eithne, which EchoLive.ie reported earlier today, have been tasked to deliver personal protective equipment to HSE locations across Cork city. The Naval Service vessel is docked in Cork city since March 20, awaiting a tasking from the HSE…

Sailing clubs and centres in England are already beginning to benefit from the £22 billion grant and business rates package recently announced by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak, the RYA says. Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure industry, such as…

Cork Harbour sailmaker Barry Hayes and his UK Sailmakers firm at Crosshaven have joined the fight against Covid-19 and are deploying their resources to help make Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for local healthcare workers at the front line in the fight…

In recent months the concept of a fixed link between Ireland and Britain has been rapidly developing as various politicians have proposed bridges between Northern Ireland and Scotland across the narrow, storm-tossed and tide-riven waters of the North Channel. But…

British boaters are being encouraged to support their local boating networks wherever possible during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. As Boating Business reports, the RYA is asking people to think again before cancelling payments to sailing clubs, marinas, class associations and…

The wholesale cancellation of early 2020 regatta fixtures, is impacting the 2021 season with some conflicting dates appearing for May and June 2021. So far, four key fixtures of Irish interest appear to be affected next season. Firstly, Scotland's biggest sailing event,…