Afloat – Ireland's Sailing and Boating Magazine
Wicklow RNLI launched twice on Monday afternoon after separate reports of people in difficulty in the water at Silverstrand and Magheramore beaches. Both incidents involved multi-agency responses coordinated by the Coast Guard, with RNLI volunteers, Rescue 116, Coast Guard shore…
Sean Craig and Stephen Boyle strengthened their lead in the DBSC Flying Fifteen Thursday night series after two contrasting evenings of racing on Dublin Bay. Warm weather and light to moderate winds tested crews across races held on 2 and…
Ireland will be looking to add another chapter to its proud Edinburgh Cup record after organisers confirmed entries from 11 nations for next month's Dragon championship in Cowes. A total of 45 teams have already entered the 2026 Edinburgh Cup…
Three Galway RNLI volunteers have been recognised for their long service to the charity, with two crew members receiving 30-year awards and a third honoured for 20 years of volunteering. The awards were presented at a recent RNLI volunteer recognition…
A Bristow Ireland winch paramedic based at Shannon has received one of search and rescue's highest honours for his role in rescuing all 14 crew members from a French fishing vessel driven onto rocks off Dingle in storm conditions. James…
Enniskillen and Carrybridge Lifeboats Assist 21 in Five Separate Call-Outs Over Busy NI Bank Holiday Weekend
14th July 2026 RNLI Lifeboats
Northern Ireland’s July Bank Holiday weekend got under way with two separate call-outs for volunteers at Enniskillen RNLI. On Thursday 9 July and Friday 10 July, the volunteer crew were tasked by Belfast Coastguard to two separate incidents in the…
The countdown is on in Bundoran as the local RNLI lifeboat crew prepare to host the much-anticipated Vintage Car Show this Sunday 19 July from noon to 4pm at the West End Car Park. This family-friendly event promises a fantastic…
The Department of Transport has been notified by the UK’s National Oceanography Centre that marine environmental surveys will be carried out for the purposes of scientific discovery or research in the Irish EEZ from Monday 13 to Sunday 28 July,…
For three members of the crew of HYC Xcalibur, the 2026 Aegean 600 represented unfinished business. A year earlier, Howth Yacht Club sailors Darren Wright and his brother Michael, together with Grace Murray, had competed in the same race. They…
Ireland's Pam Lee is back racing in the Drheam-Cup after emergency engine repairs in Baltimore, Co Cork, enabled the Class40 skipper to resume her Route du Rhum qualifying campaign. Lee diverted to Baltimore after her Pogo S4 EmpowHer suffered engine…
Noel Butler and Stephen Oram claimed a convincing victory at the Fireball Ulster Championship, hosted by Galway Bay Sailing Club in near-perfect sailing conditions. A fleet of 14 boats enjoyed six races over two days in sunshine, temperatures approaching 28°C…
Stella Maris claimed back-to-back victories in the Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit after winning Round 4 in Scarlino, Italy, as the overall championship battle tightened. Hosted for the first time by Yacht Club Toscana and Marina di Scarlino, the regatta attracted…
Red Bay RNLI volunteers launched both lifeboats late on Sunday night after a lone kayaker got into difficulty off the County Antrim coast. The kayaker had set out at about 6.30 pm but ran into trouble around one and a…
New Cork Ferry Operator Welcomes Next Seafarers from National Maritime College
13th July 2026 Maritime Training
Hibernia Line’s Cork-Boulogne flagship ferry MV St. Patrick, when at the Irish port, recently welcomed on board a nautical science student from the local, nearby National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) in Ringaskiddy. Captain Paavo Kõplas, along with Hibernia Line…
A new perpetual trophy recognising the highest-finishing female helm will be introduced at the 2026 Melges 24 World Championship in Harbor Springs, Michigan. The Meier Trophy has been donated by Regatta Chairman Tom Meier and his family and will be…
Lough Ree RNLI is inviting members of the local community to explore volunteering opportunities during two open evenings at its lifeboat station later this month. The charity, which provides the lifeboat service on Lough Ree and the River Shannon, is…
The Isle of Man this week is to host a major maritime conference bringing together industry leaders, stakeholders, and policymakers. Experts from the sector will be gathering at the Comis Hotel on the outskirts of Douglas this Thursday (16 July).…
A privately advertised Sunseeker Jamaican 35 motor yacht has been listed for sale on Afloat Boats for Sale with an asking price of €65,000. The vessel, named Aurelia, is being offered by a private seller in West Cork. The owner…
Two islands off the west coast are to be connected by a new seasonal ferry route between Achill Island and Clare Island. The new service will offer visitors a fast and convenient way to travel by linking Mayo’s most popular…
Irish sailors John Lavery and Alan Green finished fifth overall, while Niall O'Brien and Dermot Flaherty claimed sixth at the 2026 UK Flying Fifteen National Championship after a breezier final day at Tees & Hartlepool Yacht Club. The Irish crews…
