Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

Larne RNLI searched for a dog today (Thursday 9 April) when it was reported missing after falling over a cliff near Muck Island, close to Islandmagee in Co Antrim, Northern Ireland. The volunteer lifeboat crew were requested to launch by…

The RS Elite Association announces this week, due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Brewin Dolphin RS Elite International Grand Prix, incorporating the UK National Championships, has been postponed. Originally scheduled to be held at the Royal Yacht Squadron from 9th…

Waterways Ireland’s message to all users of Ireland’s inland waterways this Easter weekend is to “please stay at home”. In a statement, the cross-border body for Ireland’s inland navigations said: “We are aware that Easter is normally a time that…

The Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) and RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) are asking the public not to take part in any water-based activity on or in the sea, while the current national emergency restrictions are in place. Both organisations are…

Valentia RNLI volunteers launched their all-weather lifeboat this morning to assist a fisherman who required medical attention. At 07.25 am the Valentia Coast Guard requested Valentia RNLI all-weather lifeboat to launch to an ill fisherman onboard a 22m fishing vessel,…

Wicklow Sailing Club has postponed by two months the start of the 2020 SSE Renewables Round Ireland Yacht Race due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The new start date for the 704-mile race will be Saturday 22nd August 2020, subject to…

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…

CH Marine has made a change to its currently restricted opening hours and will now be closed on Saturdays until further notice. The chandlery’s stores across Ireland will for the time being only be open Monday to Friday for pre-arranged…

Baltimore Resident Donna McCarthy was angered by Afloat's article West Cork Sailing Dreamtime – Some Day, Summer will Come Again Dear Editor, This is my first time writing to you, though I enjoy reading the articles in Afloat on a regular…

Baltimore Sailing Club will be hoping for the same conditions that graced last year's West Cork race track when the 1720 sportsboat fleet returns for its National Championships from 25 – 27 September 2020. As Afloat reported last September, a buoyant 20-boat…

Join Key Yachting on Facebook Live tomorrow (Thursday 9 April) from 1.30pm IST for a special live presentation of J/Boats’ Elegance range. J/Composites sales manager Fred Bouvier will lead the interactive live interview from Les Sables-d’Olonne that will feature the…

The RNLI’s chief executive, Mark Dowie, said he will take a 50% pay cut to help the storm caused by the coronavirus. And the charity that saves lives at sea is also planning to put some 30% of staff on…

A further update on the status of the GP14 World Championships scheduled for July in Skerries, North Dublin is expected before the end of April. GP14 Ireland Hon. Secretary Andy Johnston has told the class the International Committee in conjunction with…

Fancy a little distraction? I've decided to show you some of the steps that we took to reduce waste during last year's Solitaire du Figaro writes Irish Solo Sailor Tom Dolan Now more than ever we all need to think…

The 2020 Round Ireland Yacht Race 2020 Notice of Race is downloadable below as a PDF document.  The race start will be off Wicklow Harbour on Saturday, June 20th 2020. There is no surprise that the 704 nautical mile race…

Wicklow Sailing Club and the organising committee of the SSE Renewables Round Ireland 2020 race are closely monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 situation. In a statement, published on March 27, the club said it will abide by the guidance of the…

Two new entries tip entries over the 40 boat mark for the SSE Renewables Round Ireland Yacht Race that is due to start off Wicklow in just over ten weeks time. Waterford Harbour Sailing Club skipper Peter Coad skippering the Pocock 37 Black…

The Royal Western Yacht Club of England has announced the rescheduling of its OSTAR TWOSTAR that was postponed in 2020 due to the COVID 19 virus, to a new date of May 9th 2021. The 2021 race will continue to…

The RORC Rating Office team is working remotely and continuing to provide the excellent service expected from owners, clubs and the industry around the world. As all sailors are looking forward to when they’ll be able to get out on…

St. Michael’s Rowing Club, Dún Laoghaire are organising a free live training session for anyone who has access to a rowing machine. The session is provided by Niall O’Toole, rowing Olympian and World Champion. The session will be streamed live…