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Displaying items by tag: Sun Odyssey

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey range consists of 5 performance-orientated family cruisers ranging from 35 – 49ft. All models have a sleek, modern design and offer excellent performance without losing any of the comfort and usability we’ve come to expect from the brand.

MGM Boats are running a unique promotion this year, combining a ‘pre-season’ and ‘leap year’ discount on selected models. The Sun Odyssey 380 and Sun Odyssey 410 are the focus of the promotion, running from the 14th of February to the 17th of March 2024. Purchasing ‘pre-season’ offers sailors not only a significant cash discount but lots of additional benefits, which MGM Boats would like to highlight.

The Sun Odyssey 380 offers big boat features in a small boat packageThe Sun Odyssey 380 offers big boat features in a small boat package

In the first place purchasing early allows a new owner plenty of time to organise the logistics of ownership – something MGM are happy to help with. This could be anything from insurance or berthage to sailing courses or VHF Radio Licences.

Getting on the water in early Spring gives sailors the opportunity to learn their boat and get comfortable with it before the true boating season begins, leaving the full summer free for cruising, racing, and just enjoying time on the water with family and friends.

See the sharp hull chine, negative raked bow and drop-down swim platformSee the sharp hull chine, negative raked bow and drop-down swim platform

An early start will also enable new owners to get some tuition on their boat (available through MGM) so they can be confident and ready for warmer weather.

The interior is bright and airy with the galley to port and an offset saloon dining areaThe interior is bright and airy with the galley to port and an offset saloon dining area

The March – April period is a perfect opportunity for new owners to make their boats their own should they want to, with customisations and additions. This could be as simple as adding personal cushions and linen or as technical as installing TVs or cockpit enclosures. Existing owners will attest that trying to get work done on a boat mid-season is not easy. Having the time for pre-season makes things more feasible.

MGM’s boat is a 3-cabin layout with the master cabin having an offset double bedMGM’s boat is a 3-cabin layout with the master cabin having an offset double bed

The Sun Odyssey 380 and the Sun Odyssey 410 are on display now at MGM’s base in Dun Laoghaire. The boats are water-ready; they are just waiting for an owner. There are trade-in and finance options available, and the pre-season deal is a genuinely significant cash discount taken off the retail price of the boat. Contact [email protected] , 01-2802020 or call in to the MGM Office to get more information. It’s already time to start thinking about the coming season! Get ahead now!

Published in MGM Boats

Sailors will be familiar with the Sun Odyssey range from Jeanneau. For over 30 years, these boats have populated marinas and have been widely enjoyed by families and club racers alike. What started with the Sun Odyssey 36 back in 1989 is now a range of 5 modern and sleek cruisers, the newest of which is launching this January at the Dusseldorf Boat Show.

The new Sun Odyssey 350, designed by Marc Lombard, will take over from the hugely successful SO349, the best-selling monohull in Ireland and the best-selling boat in its class worldwide. Also in the range is the flagship SO490, the 440, the 410 and the 380, the latter pair being on display now at MGM Boats in Dun Laoghaire.

Sun Odysseys are a staple of MGM Boats, with over 600 units sold since 2000. Whether in Malahide or Dun Laoghaire, Crosshaven or Carrickfergus, you will see various models bearing the MGM Boats sticker in marinas nationwide.

The 410, in particular, has received rave reviews since its launch in 2019 and has proven to be a well-suited package for the Irish market.

Designed from the ground up to be a performance-oriented family cruiser, the 410 is available with multiple layouts, rigging, keel, and sail plans. There is a specification to suit everyone. In terms of design, Marc Lombard has excelled in bringing the latest innovative solutions to the boat, maximising performance and usability.

 The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 with its subtly raked reverse bow is available from MGM Boats The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 with its subtly raked reverse bow is available from MGM Boats

On the exterior, you will notice the subtly raked reverse bow, which adds crucial length to the waterline and allows for a sharp wave-piercing prow, increasing both efficiency and sea-keeping. Furthermore, the sharp running chine along the entire length of the hull provides stability when stationary and hugely increases performance when heeled over. At a roll angle of around 12 degrees, the running chine increases the waterline to that of a 46ft boat and she really takes off.

The innovations continue on deck with the Sun Odyssey 410, the marque incorporates the revolutionary Jeanneau  ‘walk-around’ cockpitThe innovations continue on deck with the Sun Odyssey 410, the marque incorporates the revolutionary Jeanneau  ‘walk-around’ cockpit

The innovations continue on deck. The 410 incorporates the revolutionary ‘walk-around’ cockpit, meaning there is no coaming or furniture to step over when moving around the boat. This also enables the helmsman to steer from the extremity of the beam, port and starboard. The fold-down swim platform, hydraulic on MGM’s demo boat, opens the cockpit to the sea and totally changes the comfort and space levels when at anchor or in light conditions. The cockpit table, with its folding leaves, is slightly offset, further aiding movement through the boat.

An interior shot of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410. The galley is among the largest in its class, yet it does not subtract from the rest of the cabinAn interior shot of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410. The galley is among the largest in its class, yet it does not subtract from the rest of the cabin

Inside you have 3 well-appointed cabins, a large galley and a vast saloon dining area. The central chaise-longe is an excellent spot to relax and offers wine storage underneath. The galley is among the largest in its class, yet it does not subtract from the rest of the cabin. It’s great to see a full-size chart table on a modern boat, and the master cabin forward will leave even the most committed land-lobbers with little to complain about. It features an island bed with a proper innerspring mattress, ample wardrobe space and a discreet combined vanity sink/dresser. These features are made possible by Lombard’s exceptional hull design with its near-vertical hull sides, giving more volume inside.

The 410 and the complete Jeanneau lineup will be on display in Hall 16 at the Dusseldorf Boat Show from 20th – 28th January and there will be excellent deals available.

Contact the sales team at [email protected] now to arrange a visit.

Published in MGM Boats

"Hull, appendages, sail plans, design and ergonomics, layouts, weight estimates... everything has been designed, down to the smallest details, to make her the best sailboat in her size category" That's the bold claim Jeanneau about its latest launch in Ireland of the Sun Odyssey 380 through agents MGM Boats of Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

There's no doubt the Sun Odyssey line continues to grow for the French manufacturer. This is the eighth generation of Sun Odyssey, which already includes the Sun Odyssey 440 and 490, and most recently, the Sun Odyssey 410. 

This new addition is designed by Marc Lombard for the naval architecture and the interior by Piaton Bercault for the interior.

"Jeanneau has gone all out to offer a simplified cruising experience on this new model. This is a great cruiser for the Irish market, she is well set up for owners to experience precious moments with friends and family", Gerry Salmon of MGM Boats told Afloat.

MGM Boats is one of Ireland's leading boat brokers operating internationally as well as throughout Ireland.

Published in MGM Boats
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Irish agents MGM Boats are celebrating Jeanneau's Sun Odyssey 410 win in the “British Yachting Awards” in the category of “Cruiser of the Year” 2019 this week.

The Sun Odyssey 410 received the honours last Monday during the Awards celebration at the Royal Thames Yacht Club in London.

The prestigious award from Sailing Today and Yachts and Yachting magazines honours achievements from cruising to regattas.

For the second year in succession, internet users had the privilege of voting for and electing their favourite boats in a range of categories.

SO 410 sailingThe Sun Odyssey 410

The award, says Gerry Salmon of MGM Boats, 'highlights the significant collaborative work between Marc Lombard and Jean-Marc Piaton, [the architect and designer respectively of the Sun Odyssey 410]. We are thrilled to receive this international recognition'.

As regular Afloat readers will know, the Sun Odyssey 410 that MGM Boats showcased at Boot Dusseldorf last January is now afloat and berthed at Dun Laoghaire Marina.

The Irish debutante is the most current design from French manufacturer Jeanneau and sold out its 2019 production run.

Published in MGM Boats
Tagged under

The Sun Odyssey 410 that MGM Boats showcased at Boot Dusseldorf last January is now afloat and berthed at Dun Laoghaire Marina.

The Irish debutante is the most current design from French manufacturer Jeanneau and sold out its 2019 production run.

The 410 is available in two or three-cabin versions, with the possibility for further interior customizations. The model in Dun Laoghaire is the three-cabin, one heads version.

Additional available features include a retractable bow thruster, cathedral standing rigging, an L-shaped keel, and an integrated bowsprit.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 is available from €304,000 inc VAT. More on this here

Sun Odyssey 410 9529The 410 is available in two or three-cabin versions

Published in MGM Boats
Tagged under

Boat owning these days is an increasing challenge, with unavoidable costs and spiralling maintenance charges always needing to be balanced against the hoped-for return in trouble-free sailing pleasure writes W M Nixon.

It’s very easy to be enchanted by the thought of bringing life back to some once-cherished boat which has somehow fallen on hard times. But in times of economic rigor, a feeling of sympathy is not a sound basis on which to be making a very significant purchasing decision.

In other words, the uncertain Autumn of 2016 is not a good time to be taking on someone else’s problems. On the contrary, if you’re on the lookout for a sensible used boat, take account of the fact that a minimum number of owners with the boat in question, and the sense of her having been well-cared for, will provide every expectation of a relatively trouble-free and enjoyable ownership period for yourself.

The above general rules apply in any boat-buying situation. Yet they might have been written after studying the data available on this Sun Odyssey 36i for sale through Crosshaven Boatyard and advertised on Afloat Boats for Sale. Built 2008, she was commissioned in 2009, but has had only one owner from new. And as broker Hugh Mockler’s video eloquently tells us, even after seven years she’s still quite simply as good as new.

She’s an interesting Marc Lombard design of top-end construction – the “i” at the end of her name is to indicate she was injection-moulded under scientific and carefully-controlled conditions. A very manageable size – big enough to be comfortable without being bigger than most folk would require – her asking price of €82,950 reflects the extensive range of equipment and the fact that she’s ready to go. With good weather forecast for this final Bank Holiday weekend before Christmas, you could be sailing her with confidence this Saturday. As they say in the trade, she’s very well presented – details here

Published in Boat Sales

Following last week’s Afloat report on the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i for sale from MGM Boats, the Irish brokerage firm has added new models of Jeanneau's Sun Odyssey 349 and its bigger sister, the Sun Odyssey 449 to Afloat's popular sailing cruisers for sale listings.

The (brand new) Sun Odyssey 349 comes with a very high specification including performance pack, autopilot, fold down transom platform, sprayhood, trim level preference pack, lazybag, electric windlass. Priced at €144,900. Advert is here

Also added is big sister in the Sun Odyssey range, the 449. This well specified boat, according to the advert has three cabins and two heads. Bow thruster, auto pilot, bimini, teak cockpit, electric windlass and electric coachroof winch. The yacht has a fin keel, standard mainsail and furling headsail and priced at €227,500. Advert is here

Jeanneau is one of the most popular sailing cruiser brands in the world. The massive French boatyard has produced yachts since 1957. The marque has been part of the Bénéteau group since 1995. MGM Boats are long time all–Ireland agents for the French brand.

See the full range of sailing cruisers for sale in Ireland through Afloat.ie here

Published in Boat Sales
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When Jeanneau’s new Marc Lombard-designed Sun Odyssey 33i made her debut in 2010, the description “modern classic” sprang readily to mind writes W M Nixon. But then it has to be admitted that at the time, with the international yacht-building industry making special efforts to produce something that would tempt a nervous buying public into make a decision as the first tentative signs of economic recovery were hinted, all the major companies were putting in an extra effort in the design department.

Yet six years down the line, the Sun Odyssey 33i has stood the test of time very well indeed. She still looks crisply modern as she rolls off the Jeanneau production line. Here she is in all her stylish practicality, a family performance cruiser which could give a very good showing for herself in local or even national racing. Yet as the photos show, she has very pleasant accommodation with it, providing an admirable fast cruiser.

sun odyssey2
Amidst the many boats of Dun Laoghaire, her looks stand out. Photo MGM Boats

sun odyssey3
The practical accommodation works well through not being over-crowded

Certainly in the years since, new features have been added to new boats in the standard version. But the basic boat is still the same. The difference is that, if you put your name down now for a virtually new Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i (they ceased production a month ago) with comparable equipment to this 2010 boat, you’d be looking at paying €130,000 all in. So how come this six year old boat is attractively priced at €77,500?

Well, it’s a mixture of realism on the part of the vendor, the fact that modern production boats depreciate in value in much the same way as cars, and beyond that the costs of boat-building have never stopped rising even despite the fall in oil prices.

But one thing which most emphatically isn’t a factor in this case is that the boat has in any way been neglected. On the contrary, the one owner has been beyond fastidious in looking after this boat. And back in 2013, though she didn’t really need it at all, he decided to give her the Christmas present of the underwater hull being stripped and epoxy-coated.

Extra features include an electric windlass, Webasto heater, and – this is one for the connoisseurs – a Brunton autoprop. Were you thinking of buying a new boat, these are features which would be high on the list of requirements. But this well-presented boat has them already installed. Definitely worth a look. She’s right there at the pontoon beside MGM Boats’ office in Dun Laoghaire. See the full advert here.

sun odyssey4
Marc Lombard’s handsome design of 2010 has stood the test of time very well

Published in Boat Sales
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General Information on using Waterways Ireland inland navigations

Safety on the Water

All users of the navigations are strongly recommended to make themselves aware of safety on the water for whatever activity they are involved in and to read the advice offered by the various governing bodies and by:

The Dept. of Transport, Ireland: www.gov.ie/transport and The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, UK, The RNLI – Water Safety Ireland for information in terms of drowning prevention and water safety.

Registration of Vessels

All vessels using the Shannon Navigation, which includes the Shannon-Erne Waterways and the Erne System must be registered with Waterways Ireland. Only open undecked boats with an engine of 15 horsepower or less on the Shannon Navigation, and vessels of 10 horsepower or less on the Erne System, are exempt. Registration is free of charge.

Craft registration should be completed online at: https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/craft-registration

Permits for use of the Grand and Royal Canals and the Barrow Navigation

All vessels using the Grand and Royal Canals and the Barrow Navigation must display appropriate valid Permit(s) i.e A Combined Mooring and Passage Permit (€126) and if not intending to move every five days, an Extended Mooring Permit (€152).

Permit applications should be completed online at: https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/canal-permits

Passage on the Royal and Grand Canals – Dublin Area

For boat passage through the locks east of Lock 12 into / out of Dublin on either the Royal or Grand Canals, Masters are requested to contact the Waterways Ireland Eastern Regional Office (M-F 9.30am-4.30pm) on tel: +353(0)1 868 0148 or email [email protected] prior to making passage in order to plan the necessary lock-keeping assistance arrangements.

On the Grand Canal a minimum of two days notice prior to the planned passage should be given, masters should note that with the exception of pre-arranged events, a maximum of 2 boats per day will be taken through the locks, travelling either east or west.

Movements in or out of the city will be organised by prior arrangement to take place as a single movement in one day. Boaters will be facilitated to travel the system if their passage is considered to be safe by Waterways Ireland and they have the valid permit(s) for mooring and passage.

Newcomen Lifting Bridge

On the Royal Canal two weeks’ notice of bridge passage (Newcomen Lifting Bridge) is required for the pre-set lift date, and lock assistance will then also be arranged. A minimum of 2 boats is required for a bridge lift to go ahead.

Waterways Ireland Eastern Regional Office (Tel: +353(0)1 868 0148 or [email protected] ) is the point of contact for the bridge lift.

A maximum number of boats passing will be implemented to keep to the times given above for the planned lifts (16 for the Sat / Sun lifts & 8 for the weekday lifts). Priority will be given on a first come first served basis.

On day of lift, boaters and passengers must follow guidance from Waterways Ireland staff about sequence of passage under bridge & through Lock 1, and must remain within signed and designated areas.

Events Held on the Waterways

All organised events taking place on the waterways must have the prior approval of Waterways Ireland. This is a twelve week process and application forms must be accompanied with the appropriate insurance, signed indemnity and risk assessment. The application should be completed on the Waterways Ireland events page at :

https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/event-approval

Time Limits on Mooring in Public Harbours

On the Shannon Navigation and the Shannon-Erne Waterway craft may berth in public harbours for five consecutive days or a total of seven days in any one month.

On the Erne System, revised Bye Laws state that: No master or owner shall permit a vessel, boat or any floating or sunken object to remain moored at or in the vicinity of any public mooring, including mooring at any other public mooring within 3 kilometres of that location, for more than 3 consecutive days and shall not moor at that same mooring or any other public mooring within 3 kilometres of that location within the following 3 consecutive days without prior permission by an authorised official.

Winter Mooring on the Shannon Navigation and Shannon Erne Waterway

Winter mooring may be availed of by owners during the period 1 Nov to 31 Mar by prior arrangement and payment of a charge of €63.50 per craft. Craft not availing of Winter Mooring must continue to comply with the “5 Day Rule”. Winter Mooring applications should be completed online at : https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/winter-moorings-booking

Owners should be aware that electricity supply and water supply to public moorings is disconnected for the winter months. This is to protect against frost damage, to reduce running costs and to minimise maintenance requirements during the winter months.

Vessel owners are advised that advance purchasing of electricity on the power bollards leading up to the disconnection date should be minimal. Electricity credit existing on the bollards will not be recoverable after the winter decommissioning date. Both services will be reinstated prior to the commencement of the next boating season.

Smart Cards

Waterways Ireland smart cards are used to operate locks on the Shannon Erne Waterway, to access the service blocks, to use the pump-outs along the navigations, to avail of electrical power at Waterways Ireland jetties.

Berthing in Public Harbours

Masters are reminded of the following:

  • Equip their vessel with mooring lines of appropriate length and strength and only secure their craft to mooring bollards and cleats provided for this purpose.
  • Ensure the available berth is suitable to the length of your vessel, do not overhang the mooring especially on finger moorings on floating pontoon moorings.
  • Ensure mooring lines, electric cables and fresh water hoses do not create a trip hazard on public jetties for others users.
  • Carry sufficient fenders to prevent damage to your own vessel, other vessels and WI property.
  • Allow sufficient space between your vessel and the vessel ahead /astern (c.1m) for fire safety purposes and /or to recover somebody from the water.
  • Do not berth more than two vessels side by side and ensure there is safe access/egress at all times between vessels and onto the harbour itself.
  • Do not berth in such a way to prevent use of harbour safety ladders, slipways or pump-outs.
  • Do not allow the bow of your vessel to overhang the walkway of a floating mooring thus creating a hazard for others with an overhanging anchor or bow fendering.
  • Animals are not allowed to be loose or stray at any time.
  • Harbour and jetty infrastructure such as railings, power pedestals, fresh water taps, electric light poles, safety bollards, ladders etc are not designed for the purpose of mooring craft , they will not bear the strain of a vessel and will be damaged.
  • At Carrybridge on the Erne System, Masters of vessels are not permitted to use stern on mooring. Masters of vessels must use the mooring fingers for mooring of vessels and for embarkation / disembarkation from vessels.

Passenger Vessel Berths

Masters of vessels should not berth on passenger vessel berths where it is indicated that an arrival is imminent. Passenger vessels plying the navigations generally only occupy the berths to embark and disembark passengers and rarely remain on the berths for extended periods or overnight.

Lock Lead-in Jetties

Lead-in jetties adjacent to the upstream and downstream gates at lock chambers are solely for the purpose of craft waiting to use the lock and should not be used for long term berthing.

Vessel Wake

Vessel wake, that is, the wave generated by the passage of the boat through the water, can sometimes be large, powerful and destructive depending on the hull shape and engine power of the vessel. This wake can be detrimental to other users of the navigation when it strikes their craft or inundates the shoreline or riverbank. Masters are requested to frequently look behind and check the effect of their wake / wash particularly when passing moored vessels, on entering harbours and approaching jetties and to be aware of people pursuing other activities such as fishing on the riverbank.

Speed Restriction

A vessel or boat shall not be navigated on the Shannon Navigation at a speed in excess of 5 kph when within 200 metres of a bridge, quay, jetty or wharf, when in a harbour or canal or when passing within 100 metres of a moored vessel or boat.

Vessels navigating the Shannon-Erne Waterway should observe the general 5 kph speed limit which applies along the waterway. This is necessary in order to prevent damage to the banks caused by excessive wash from vessels.

Vessels navigating the Erne System should observe the statutory 5kt / 6mph / 10kph speed limit areas.

A craft on the Royal and Grand canals shall not be navigated at a speed in excess of 6km per hour.

A craft on the Barrow Navigation shall not be navigated at a speed in excess of 11km per hour except as necessary for safe navigation in conditions of fast flow.

Bank Erosion

Narrow sections of all the navigations are particularly prone to bank erosion due to the large wash generated by some craft. Masters are requested to be vigilant and to slow down to a speed sufficient to maintain steerage when they observe the wash of their craft inundating the river banks.

Unusual Waterborne Activity

Unusual waterborne vessels may be encountered from time to time, such as, hovercraft or amphibious aircraft / seaplanes. Masters of such craft are reminded to apply the normal “Rule of the Road” when they meet conventional craft on the water and to allow extra room to manoeuvre in the interest of safety.

Sailing Activity

Mariners will encounter large numbers of sailing dinghies from late June to August in the vicinity of Lough Derg, Lough Ree and Lower Lough Erne. Sailing courses are marked by yellow buoys to suit weather conditions on the day. Vessels should proceed at slow speed and with due caution and observe the rules of navigation when passing these fleets, as many of the participants are junior sailors under training.

Rowing

Mariners should expect to meet canoes and vessels under oars on any part of the navigations, but more so in the vicinity of Athlone, Carrick-on-Shannon, Coleraine, Enniskillen and Limerick. Masters are reminded to proceed at slow speed and especially to reduce their wash to a minimum when passing these craft as they can be easily upset and swamped due to their very low freeboard and always be prepared to give way in any given traffic situation.

Canoeing

Canoeing is an adventure sport and participants are strongly recommended to seek the advice of the sport’s governing bodies i.e Canoeing Ireland and the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland, before venturing onto the navigations.

Persons in charge of canoes are reminded of the inherent danger to these craft associated with operating close to weirs, sluice gates, locks and other infrastructure particularly when rivers are in flood and large volumes of water are moving through the navigations due to general flood conditions or very heavy localised precipitation e.g. turbulent and broken water, stopper waves. Shooting weirs is prohibited without prior permission of Waterways Ireland.

Canoeists should check with lockkeepers prior entering a lock to ensure passage is done in a safe manner. Portage is required at all unmanned locks.

Canoe Trail Network – "Blueways"

Masters of powered craft are reminded that a canoe trail network is being developed across all navigations and to expect more organised canoeing along these trails necessitating slow speed and minimum wash when encountering canoeists, rowing boats etc

Rockingham and Drummans Island Canals – Lough Key

It is expected that work on Rockingham and Drummans Island Canals on Lough Key will be completed in 2021. Access to these canals will be for non-powered craft only, eg canoes, kayaks, rowing boats.

Fast Powerboats and Personal Watercraft (Jet Skis)

Masters of Fast Powerboats (speed greater than 17kts) and Personal Watercraft (i.e.Jet Skis) are reminded of the inherent dangers associated with high speed on the water and especially in the confines of small bays and narrow sections of the navigations. Keeping a proper look-out, making early alterations to course and /or reducing speed will avoid conflict with slower vessels using the navigation. Personal Watercraft are not permitted to be used on the canals.

Towing Waterskiers, Wakeboarders, Doughnuts etc

Masters of vessels engaged in any of these activities are reminded of the manoeuvring constraints imposed upon their vessel by the tow and of the added responsibilities that they have to the person(s) being towed. These activities should be conducted in areas which are clear of conflicting traffic. It is highly recommended that a person additional to the master be carried to act as a “look-out” to keep the tow under observation at all times.

Prohibition on Swimming

Swimming in the navigable channel, particularly at bridges, is dangerous and is prohibited due to the risk of being run over by a vessel underway in the navigation.

Age Restrictions on operating of powered craft

In the Republic of Ireland, Statutory Instrument 921 of 2005 provides the legal requirements regarding the minimum age for operating of powered craft. The Statutory Instrument contains the following requirements:

- The master or owner of a personal watercraft or a fast power craft shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 16 years does not operate or control the craft

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft powered by an engine with a rating of more than 5 horse power or 3.7 kilowatts shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 12 years does not operate or control the craft.

Lifejackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Lifejackets and PFD’s are the single most important items of personal protective equipment to be used on a vessel and should be worn especially when the vessel is being manoeuvred such as entering / departing a lock, anchoring, coming alongside or departing a jetty or quayside.

In the Republic of Ireland, Statutory Instrument 921 of 2005 provides the legal requirements regarding the wearing of Personal Flotation Devices. The Statutory Instrument contains the following requirements:

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) shall ensure, that there are, at all times on board the craft, sufficient suitable personal flotation devices for each person on board.

- A person on a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) of less than 7 metres length overall shall wear a suitable personal flotation device while on board an open craft or while on the deck of decked craft, other than when the craft is made fast to the shore or at anchor.

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 16 years complies with paragraph above.

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft), shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 16 years wears a suitable personal flotation device while on board an open craft or while on the deck of a decked craft other than when it is made fast to the shore or at anchor.

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person wears a suitable personal flotation device, at all times while – (a) being towed by the craft, (b) on board a vessel or object of any kind which is being towed by the craft.

Further information is available at: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2005/si/921/made/en/print

Firing Range Danger Area – Lough Ree

The attention of mariners is drawn to the Irish Defence Forces Firing Range situated in the vicinity of buoys No’s 2 and 3, on Lough Ree on the Shannon Navigation. This range is used regularly for live firing exercises, throughout the year, all boats and vessels should stay clear of the area marked with yellow buoys showing a yellow "X" topmark and displaying the word "Danger".

Shannon Navigation, Portumna Swing Bridge Tolls

No attempt should be made by Masters’ of vessels to pay the bridge toll while making way through the bridge opening. Payment will only be taken by the Collector from Masters when they are secured alongside the jetties north and south of the bridge.

Navigating from Killaloe to Limerick on the Shannon Navigation

The navigation from Killaloe to Limerick involves passage through Ardnacrusha locks, the associated headrace and tailrace and the Abbey River into Limerick City. Careful passage planning is required to undertake this voyage. Considerations include: lock passage at Ardnacrusha, water flow in the navigation, airdraft under bridges on Abbey River in Limerick, state of tide in Limerick

Users are advised to contact the ESB Ardnacrusha hydroelectric power station (00353 (0)87 9970131) 48 hours in advance of commencing their journey to book passage through the locks at Ardnacrusha. It is NOT advised to undertake a voyage if more than one turbine is operating (20MW), due to the increased velocity of flow in the navigation channel, which can be dangerous. To ascertain automatically in real time how many turbines are running, users can phone +353 (0)87 6477229.

For safety reasons the ESB has advised that only powered craft with a capacity in excess of 5 knots are allowed to enter Ardnacrusha Headrace and Tailrace Canals.

Passage through Sarsfield Lock should be booked on +353-87-7972998, on the day prior to travel and it should be noted also that transit is not possible two hours either side of low water.

A Hydrographic survey in 2020 of the navigation channel revealed that the approach from Shannon Bridge to Sarsfield Lock and the Dock area has silted up. Masters of vessels and water users are advised to navigate to the Lock from Shannon bridge on a rising tide one or two hours before High Tide.

Lower Bann Navigation

The attention of all users is drawn to the “Users Code for the Lower Bann”, in particular to that section covering “Flow in the River” outlining the dangers for users both on the banks and in the navigation, associated with high flow rates when the river is in spate. Canoeists should consult and carry a copy of the “Lower Bann Canoe Trail” guide issued by the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland. Users should also contact the DfI Rivers Coleraine, who is responsible for regulating the flow rates on the river, for advisory information on the flow rates to be expected on any given day.

DfI Rivers Coleraine. Tel: 0044 28 7034 2357 Email: [email protected]

Lower Bann Navigation – Newferry – No wake zone

A No Wake Zone exists on the Lower Bann Navigation at Newferry. Masters of vessels are requested to proceed at a slow speed and create no wake while passing the jetties and slipways at Newferry.

Overhead Power Lines (OHPL) and Air draft

All Masters must be aware of the dangers associated with overhead power lines, in particular sailing vessels and workboats with cranes or large air drafts. Voyage planning is a necessity in order to identify the location of overhead lines crossing the navigation.

Overhead power line heights on the River Shannon are maintained at 12.6metres (40 feet) from Normal Summer level for that section of navigation, masters of vessels with a large air draft should proceed with caution and make additional allowances when water levels are high.

If a vessel or its equipment comes into contact with an OHPL the operator should NOT attempt to move the vessel or equipment. The conductor may still be alive or re-energise automatically. Maintain a safe distance and prevent third parties from approaching due to risk of arcing. Contact the emergency services for assistance.

Anglers are also reminded that a minimum ground distance of 30 metres should be maintained from overhead power lines when using a rod and line.

Submarine Cables and Pipes

Masters of vessels are reminded not to anchor their vessels in the vicinity of submarine cables or pipes in case they foul their anchor or damage the cables or pipes. Look to the river banks for signage indicating their presence.

Water Levels - Precautions

Low Water Levels:

When water levels fall below normal summer levels masters should be aware of:

Navigation

To reduce the risk of grounding masters should navigate on or near the centreline of the channel, avoid short cutting in dog-legged channels and navigating too close to navigation markers.

Proceeding at a slow speed will also reduce “squat” effect i.e. where the vessel tends to sit lower in the water as a consequence of higher speed.

Slipways

Reduced slipway length available under the water surface and the possibility of launching trailers dropping off the end of the concrete apron.

More slipway surface susceptible to weed growth requiring care while engaged in launching boats, from slipping and sliding on the slope. Note also that launching vehicles may not be able to get sufficient traction on the slipway once the craft is launched to get up the incline.

Bank Erosion

Very dry riverbanks are more susceptible to erosion from vessel wash.

Lock Share

Maximising on the number of vessels in a lock will ensure that the total volume of water moving downstream is decreased. Lock cycles should be used for vessels travelling each way.

High Water Levels:

When water levels rise above normal summer level masters should be aware of:

Navigation

Navigation marks will have reduced height above the water level or may disappear underwater altogether making the navigable channel difficult to discern.

In narrow sections of the navigations water levels will tend to rise more quickly than in main streams and air draft at bridges will likewise be reduced.

There will also be increased flow rates particularly in the vicinity of navigation infrastructure such as bridges, weirs, locks etc where extra care in manoeuvring vessels will be required.

Harbours and Jetties

Due care is required in harbours and at slipways when levels are at or near the same level as the harbour walkways' as the edge will be difficult to discern especially in reduced light conditions. It is advised that Personal Flotation Devices be worn if tending to craft in a harbour in these conditions.

Slipways

Slipways should only be used for the purpose of launching and recovering of water craft or other objects from the water. Before using a slipway it should be examined to ensure that the surface has sufficient traction/grip for the intended purpose such as launching a craft from a trailer using a vehicle, that there is sufficient depth of water on the slipway to float the craft off the trailer before the concrete apron ends and that the wheels of the trailer do not drop off the edge of the slipway. That life-saving appliances are available in the vicinity, that the vehicle is roadworthy and capable of coping with the weight of the trailer and boat on the incline. It is recommended that slipway operations are conducted by two persons.

Caution to be Used in Reliance upon Aids to Navigation

The aids to navigation depicted on the navigation guides comprise a system of fixed and floating aids to navigation. Prudent mariners will not rely solely on any single aid to navigation, particularly a floating aid to navigation. With respect to buoys, the buoy symbol is used to indicate the approximate position of the buoy body and the ground tackle which secures it to the lake or river bed. The approximate position is used because of the practical limitations in positioning and maintaining buoys in precise geographical locations. These limitations include, but are not limited to, prevailing atmospheric and lake/river conditions, the slope of and the material making up the lake/river bed, the fact that the buoys are moored to varying lengths of chain, and the fact that the buoy body and/or ground tackle positions are not under continuous surveillance. Due to the forces of nature, the position of the buoy body can be expected to shift inside and outside the charted symbol.

Buoys and perches are also moved out of position or pulled over by those mariners who use them to moor up to instead of anchoring. To this end, mariners should always monitor their passage by relating buoy/perch positions with the published navigation guide. Furthermore, a vessel attempting to pass close by always risks collision with a yawing buoy or with the obstruction that the buoy or beacon/perch marks.

Masters of Vessels are requested to use the most up to date Navigation guides when navigating on the Inland Waterways.

Information taken from Special Marine Notice No 1 of 2023