Afloat – Ireland's Sailing and Boating Magazine
The shipyard of Harland & Wolff, Belfast, has secured its largest cruise ship revitalisation project since becoming part of Navantia UK. The project will see US-based operator Margaritaville at Sea's new flagship, Beachcomber, call to Belfast, following the successfull refurbishment of…
The countdown to the second Preliminary Regatta of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup has entered its final week, with teams completing their preparations on the Bay of Naples ahead of official practice racing next Thursday, September 24. Nine AC40…
New Cranes Installed at Harland & Wolff Join Reactivated 'Samson & Goliath'
18th September 2026 Shipyards
Harland & Wolff, the largest shipyard owned by Navantia UK, has completed the installation of 11 cranes from Co. Down supplier Walter Watson Ltd, in readiness for final assembly of three Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships at Belfast for the UK’s…
Fenit RNLI’s new Shannon class lifeboat Roy Barker VII responded to its first call-out on Thursday morning, the 17th of September, following a report of a person possibly in difficulty west of Fenit Pier. The Irish Coast Guard requested the…
Catch and Release Introduced on Three Foyle Salmon Rivers, Roe, Faughan and Mourne
18th September 2026 Angling
Loughs Agency is to introduce catch-and-release for Atlantic salmon on three rivers in the Foyle system for the remainder of the 2026 season. The measure will apply to the River Roe, River Faughan and River Mourne, along with their tributaries,…
The majestic Marina of Oceania Cruises was the sole ship at 'anchorage' in Dublin Bay on Wednesday midday, but more merchant shipping and naval movements took place, adding to a busy scene, writes Jehan Ashmore. The cruise ship had arrived from…
The US SailGP Team has suffered a second injury setback ahead of this weekend’s Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix in Geneva, with reserve driver Harry Melges IV ruled out just a day after regular driver Taylor Canfield was confirmed unavailable.…
65th Liffey Descent Set for 35km Straffan to Kilmainham Challenge
18th September 2026 Liffey Descent
One of Ireland’s longest-running paddlesport events returns this Saturday, the 19th of September, when the 65th Liffey Descent takes competitors on a 35km journey from Straffan in Co.Kildare to Kilmainham in Dublin. The historic race will get underway at noon…
Baltimore RNLI volunteers launched on Thursday afternoon (17 September) to assist a yacht that had run aground on rocks near Barlogue Bay, around four miles from Baltimore in West Cork. The all-weather lifeboat launched at 1.31 pm following a request…
Coastwatch has paid tribute to the late Irish Times journalist, author and activist Frank McDonald by hosting an annual event in his memory. The first “Frank’s Day”, which was held online on Thursday, is dedicated to “carrying on his spirit…
Call For Galway Hooker To Be Recognised With UNESCO Heritage Status
18th September 2026 Galway Hookers
Galway West TD Sean Kyne is calling on the Minister for Arts, Media, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht to initiate a formal process to have the Galway Hooker given UNESCO heritage status. The recognition would be granted under Ireland’s framework…
Golden Globe 2026: Closing on African Coast Sets Back Pat Lawless Challenge
18th September 2026 Golden Globe Race
France's Damien Guillou racing the Rustler 36 Solarem in the Golden Globe 2026 had lengthened his lead over Ireland's Pat Lawless to 65 miles at midnight Thursday (September 17th) as they made southing from the Canaries. Lawless had minimised his…
The Southampton International Boat Show opens at Mayflower Park on Friday, the 18th of September, for a ten-day run featuring more than 500 boats and watercraft, over 700 marine brands and a programme of watersports, demonstrations and live entertainment. Among…
Jam-Packed Blackberry Festival (Féile na bPuiteachaí) Sets Course for Inis Meáin
17th September 2026 Island News
This year’s annual and Ireland’s only Blackberry Festival (18-19 September) takes place on Inis Meáin (‘middle island’) of the Aran Islands archipelago in Galway Bay, writes Jehan Ashmore. Féile na bPuiteachaí brings together islanders and ferry visitors alike for a…
Ballyholme Yacht Club’s Cormac Byrne has been crowned RYANI Youth Champion 2026 after winning the ILCA 6 fleet at the RYA Youth Championships. Byrne also collected the Male Youth Champion title, while clubmates Emily and Annabel Ridout were named Female…
The record 170-yacht fleet assembled in Porto Cervo for the 23rd Rolex Swan Cup has completed its first day of racing, with light winds producing a shortened coastal programme off Sardinia. As Afloat reported ahead of the regatta, this year's…
Rathlin West Lighthouse to Feature in BBC Radio 3’s Special Live Broadcast
17th September 2026 Lighthouses
On Saturday, 26 September, BBC Radio 3 will broadcast live from lighthouses across England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland as part of a 12-hour programme of music, storytelling, and sound. Among the featured lighthouses will be Rathlin Island’s West Lighthouse, off the…
Former Naval Service lieutenant commander Marie Gleeson has received the inaugural “Bean na Mara/Woman of the Sea” award for her outstanding contribution to the maritime community. The award which recognises “leadership, resilience and innovation” was presented to Gleeson in Galway…
European Maritime Agencies Holding Joint Maritime Operation in Adriatic
17th September 2026 Coastguard
The European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) is leading a Multipurpose Maritime Operation (MMO) in the Adriatic with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex. Irish-born EFCA executive director Dr Susan Steele marked…
Lapwings Record Bumper Breeding Season on Mayo's Mullet Peninsula
17th September 2026 Marine Wildlife
BirdWatch Ireland says that the Lapwing, one of Ireland's rarest breeding bird species, has had a bumper breeding season on North Mayo’s Mullet peninsula. A total of 67 pairs of the wading birds successfully raised at least 143 chicks at…
