Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

A new home-build sailboat class is targeting sailors young and old who dream of sailing the oceans in a handy, affordable and ocean-worthy yacht. The Class Mini 5.80 was officially launched yesterday, Saturday 14 March — despite the sudden closure…

The Irish Airline Pilots’ Association has said the Government’s establishment of a review board into the Rescue 116 helicopter crash draft final report is in conflict with international safety standards writes Lorna Siggins The pilots’ union was responding to Wednesday’s announcement…

Almost three years after four Irish Coast Guard aircrew lost their lives in a helicopter crash off the north Mayo coast, a senior counsel has been appointed to chair a review into aspects of the State investigator's final report writes Lorna…

Due to the number of coronavirus cases reported in Italy as a consequence of the global COVID-19 epidemic, the Italian Sailing Federation has suspended all events and competitions on a national basis until next April 3rd. Only after that date,…

Hydrographic and geophysical survey operations will be undertaken by INFOMAR in the Celtic Sea and Atlantic Ocean between April and October this year, according to a recent Marine Notice from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Covering some 125,000…

Writing in Marine Industry News, boat recycling expert Luke Edney says a dedicated plan is needed to avoid the UK’s shores becoming a dumping ground for end-of-life boats. Influenced in no small part by a costly disposal process, more and…

The Mobility of Sediment Waves and Sand Banks in the Irish Sea (MOVE) Survey will be carried out from Tuesday 31 March until Monday 13 April in the south Irish Sea, according to the latest Marine Notice from the Department…

White diesel supply is improving around the Irish coast, with marinas at Kilmore Quay and Kilrush the latest to switch their pumps, writes Gail McAllister. In particular, this provides a welcome source of fuel midway between Dun Laoghaire and Cork,…

Multi-billionaire Bill Gates has not commissioned an eco-friendly luxury superyacht that’s powered entirely by liquid hydrogen, the boat’s creators insist. First unveiled at last autumn’s Monaco Yacht Show, the futuristic Aqua is a 370ft, five-deck mega-yacht with room for 14…

If green diesel is found by the Revenue Commissioners in the fuel tank of a private pleasure craft during the early part of 2020, the owner of the craft may be liable for prosecution unless he or she can demonstrate…

British yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur’s foundation is seeking more “circular economy pioneers” through its latest programme. Postgraduates and professionals with suitable qualifications who are able to attend a four-day workshop in Atlanta, USA, in May are invited to apply for the…

The Irish Underwater Search and Recovery Unit is one of two charities that will be supported in an upcoming table quiz and raffle in Dublin city centre. Richard Cruise, Conor Galvin and David Cotter are organising the event to raise…

Directive (2008/56/EC) Article 17 update of the Assessment (Article 8), Determination of Good Environmental Status (Article 9) and Environmental Targets (Article 10) The Marine Strategy Framework Directive is implemented in 6-year cycles commencing in 2012. The Initial Assessment addressing Articles…

Gardai say they are investigating complaints made about a Mullingar-based sailmaker who boat owners claim has left them out of pocket, as the Sunday Times reports. Leixlip narrowboat owner Alex O’Fhailgigh says he paid a €1,000 deposit to Dillon Oberholzer…

The tourism industry in Ireland has said it can deliver growth of 65% if the incoming government restores the 9% Vat rate. The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation published its election manifesto today and said Brexit, weakened demand and increased costs…

New rules for sports grants introduced after a controversy involving private schools two years ago could affect eligibility for yachts clubs in the future, it is feared. Ten sports clubs across the country — two private schools and eight golf…