#boatsforsale – Ireland's MGM Boats got off to a busy start at this weekend's opening of Boot, the Dusseldorf Boat Show. It's an upswing in fortunes for yacht sales that that started off at the London Boat Show earlier this month where the international brokers also reported the strongest interest in five years. The MGM Yachts for Sale Stand is the only Irish and UK broker exhibiting on its own stand in Hall 4 of this week's massive German Show.  

The Dun Laoghaire firm is promoting more than 300 used boats from its international brokerage listing as well as promoting the Aquador, Jeanneau, Sunseeker and Lagoon marques.  

#cby – Brokerage sales for Cork harbour yacht broker Crosshaven Boatyard (CBY) in 2013 was steady with some boats going abroad but thankfully the majority staying in Ireland.

Recent boat sales for CBY include a 2006 Jeanneau Merry Fisher 925, 1998 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 34.2, 1983 Beneteau First 30e and a 1984 Gib'Sea 76. 

'Enquiry levels have been promising in the last few weeks' says CBY's Hugh Mockler who is looking forward to increasing sales in 2014.

'We are in a fortunate situation in that as soon as we sell a few boats on brokerage new additions appear i.e. we have just added an excellent 2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 DS to our brokerage and we also have a 1975 Dufour 35 and a 1979 Rival 38 coming shortly,'  he adds.

CBY is actively promoting new yacht sales too. The brand new Dufour 310 Grand Large which was launched at Paris Boat Show and the new Dufour 560 Grand Large to be launched in Istanbul next Month are also on their books.

A 21-foot sailing cruiser for €2,500? A vandalised 26-footer for six grand? Both of these boats are on Afloat's boats for sale site and worth a peek, if not a call to either of the south coast brokerages.

Kerry's O'Sullivan Marine are offering a 1973 Bowman 26 with long keel. Ideal for coastal sailing. The yacht was in good condition, however, due to some malicious damage being done, it is now in need to a major clean up and repairs, especially to the electrics and navigation instruments, which have to be replaced. On the positive side, the engine - a Yanmar 20hp (2GM20), sails, rigging and upholstery are in good condition and with some tlc this boat could shine again! €5,950 and she's yours. Here she is.

Crosshaven Boatyard say the 21-foot Varianta K3 is a sweet boat to sail and is ideal for someone that is looking for a classic. We've double checked the price just to be sure and yes she's on the market for €2,450, an affordable way of getting you on the water and possibly a great project for this Winter? Check her out here.

Tipperary Boat dealer Marine Action Boats Ltd, based on the river Shannon at Birdhill has 'ceased operations' according to an announcement on the firm's website. The Sports boat dealership 'closed its doors' and ceased trading on December 31 2010, according to managing director, Tadhg Foley. Marine Action Boats were sole importers of Crownline Sports Cruisers for Ireland, according to the website. The sports boat section of the marine trade market has been one of the hardest hit by the economic downturn. The firm also handled brokerage, repairs and boat maintenance. The full text of the announcement is as follows:

"Despite great efforts from ourselves and our loyal team, we would like to announce that we have ceased operations at Marine Action Boats, and we are no longer trading. We would also like to thank all our customers and our suppliers for their support over the past decade".

 

Is there no end to the achievements of Irish boaters against seemingly impossible odds?

The winter may have been a time of hibernation for some of us but as the stories in Afloat's March/April issue will bear out Irish sailors have been battling the elements all winter long.

James Carroll competed in January's Sydney-Hobart offshore race and, much closer to home, Paul A. Kay journeyed through snow and ice in December from Dun Laoghaire to a new marina on Valentia Island.
As if to prove a point that we're down but not out, a winter of results on foreign waters includes a win in the Mirror World Championships in Australia and a top Olympic result in Florida, USA.

They are gutsy performances from youth teams that shows, if nothing else, the next generation of Irish sailors is really up for a fight. All this plus lots, lots more on news-stands next week!

Selected contents from Ireland's only boating magazine include:

News

Surveyors Issue Boat Launch Warning, Buoyant Dinghies Buck the Market, Ice Diving in Ireland, German U-Boat Rediscovered in Cork Harbour, an Historic Trophy for South Pacific Dream Cruise, MGM open in Cork, Hugh Mockler joins Crosshaven Boatyard plus lots, lots more.

News Focus

A new masterplan for Dun Laoghaire harbour is badly needed but it needs buy in from all those that use it

Going Offshore

The tenth Dun Laoghaire to Dingle offshore race was launched in style

Marine Conference

Combating the downturn was the focus of a unique marine gathering on both sides of the Irish sea.

Gear Review

New dinghy gear, a new Crosshaven boot from Dubarry, a new raincoat for girls and an upgrade for Musto's MPX.

This Island Nation

The decision to shut down the fog signals was based on a detailed risk assessment. Tom MacSweeney on the loss of fog horns

Sailor of the Year

Anthony O'Leary of Cork is the Afloat.ie/Irish Independent "Sailor of the Year" in celebration of his outstanding achievements afloat nationally and internationally.

Tall Ships

W M Nixon looks at the realities of national sail training in the 21st Century.

Tall Ship Conference

Ireland could yet have a tall ship to replace the Asgard II and the Lord Rank, if a new group formed to press for a replacement is successful

Racing update

Ulstermen's World Title, Topper worlds for Dun Laoghaire, Two Irish campaigns line up for Figaro Race, SB3 Sailors Cry Foul at Dun Laoghaire Parking Fees and an Irish entry in the Moth worlds in Australia, Irish Mini 6.50 Campaign in Prospect.

Youth Worlds preview

Results achieved abroad this Winter are the backbone for further Irish youth
success

Figaro Preview

Two fledgling Irish La Solitaire du Figaro campaigns edged closer to the start line last month

Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta

Volvo Dun Laoghaire regatta has taken in 22 entries six months ahead of the first race of the biggest regatta in Irish sailing.

Fireball Worlds preview

Dun Laoghaire's Noel Butler intends to continue his winning run in the Fireball class this season but the year ahead doesn't look so easy as the World Championships come to Sligo

Sovereigns cup preview

Up to 30 Quarter tonners will be at the Sovereigns Cup this year including one from New Zealand.

Shiver to deliver

A journey through snow and ice from Dun Laoghaire to Valentia Island

Sydney-Hobart Race

Outside of the Volvo Ocean Race, the Sydney Hobart is one of the world's most challenging offshore races. James Carroll Raced it in January.

Inland

As the cuts begin to bite, it may be time to look at the British direction for our waterways, writes Brian J Goggin

Dubarry Nautical Crossword

Soundings

A Google aerial photo proves useful navigating for Baldoyle Estuary

Celtic Mist, the trawler yacht belonging to the late Charles Haughey, is up for sale through UK yacht brokerage AAA Marine in Cowes.

The 52 footer that has a cruising speed of 6 knots has been put up for sale by the family of the former Taoiseach with an asking price of €175,000.The boat is lying on the Isle of Wight.

The full details and photos from the broker are HERE.

The sale has created considerable media interest. Examples HERE and HERE.