After a very successful conference in Donegal in 2009 Sunseeker dealers from all four corners of the world voted unanimously to host the event again at Solis Lough Eske Castle this year. Over 220 people attended last weekend and this time round the conference experienced five days of glorious sunshine in the north west.

MGM Boats, the Irish Distributor for Sunseeker received a 'Bronze Award' for outstanding achievement in Service and Support throughout a very challenging 2010 Season.

'Sales might have slowed down but commitment to After Sales Service remains a core part of our business', commented Martin Salmon of the Dun Laoghaire firm. Pictured below are the four directors of MGM Boats along with Sunseeker founder Robert Braithwaite CBE.

It is the fifth time that Sunseeker have hosted their conference in Ireland in the last ten years. Sunseeker celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the incorporation of the company on the 17th November.

Established 50 years ago, Sunseeker has built a reputation as the manufacturer of the world's finest motoryachts - vessels that enjoy a unique combination of luxury and performance. Despite the Global economic crises Sunseeker have managed to maintain a workforce of 2000 employees in the UK and continue to strive in all markets.

In June of this year Dublin based Investment Firm FL Partners founded by Peter Crowley and Neill Hughes along with a number of Irish Investors bought a significant majority stake in Sunseeker.

The 2011 Dublin Boat Show is going on the water in 2011 if a new approach to promote boating in Ireland takes off. The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) aims to include as many boating activities as possible in the national boat show line up next May in Malahide.

An attendance of up to 17,000 are expected at the Malahide marina venue from May 20 to 22. It will be the first time the national event has taken to the water in its 50 year history.

The world's biggest boat builders Beneteau, Jeanneau, Sea Ray and Sunseeker among others have already signed up for the North Dublin event, according to the IMF.

The organisers are partnering with leading Irish boating organisations to demonstrate the many different aspects of the sport on the water with a weekend schedule of live commentary.

BJ Marine, MGM Boats, Western Marine, HM Yachts in Cork and Viking marine of Dun Laoghaire and Shannon Castle Line in County Clare are among the first of the Irish firms to express interest in the new format as exhibition details circulate through the industry this week.

The aim is to get as many class associations on the water as well as small powerboat racing such as Zzapcats, kayaking and match racing fans to stage short, sharp events on the estuary directly in front of the marina. A timetable of events will be published shortly. 

Coastguard and Lifeboat demonstrations are also planned. Technical demonstrations such as glass fibre repairs and engine maintenance are also in the line up.

Despite the coastal setting Ireland's Inland waters will feature prominently too through the Irish Boat Rental Association who will be promoting holidays on the river Shannon and Erne.

Visitors are also expected from Wales and across the Irish Sea region and special offers to both show-goers and exhibitors are being made through an Irish Sea Inter­Reg programme.

The Malahide exhibition site will feature a marine village ashore with over 500 square meters of undercover exhibit space. Show goers will get the chance to talk to the leading lights in the sport before going afloat on the marina where over 100 berths will be available.

"It's a pretty unique site that gives us the best chance to show off the marine leisure industry afloat and ashore. Because its just off the M50 and M1 motorways it means it's also so easy to get to from anywhere in the country. This will be a great day out." said the Federation's Steve Conlon.

More information from Steve Conlon on 087 6472746. Updates here on afloat.ie as the show takes shape.

The weekend sailnig on Dublin Bay kicks off tonight event at 5pm with the MGM Boats Dublin Bay Sailing Club Cruiser Challenge. 

There will be a fixed mark course around Dublin Bay racing marks, with windward/leeward courses planned for tomorrow and trapezoid course planned on Sunday.

Last night the organisers said there was over 60 entries, expected to increase today to 70+, with travellers from as far as Bangor and Strangford Lough.
Tomorrow afternoon there will be live music and a BBQ after racing. All welcome! 

Racing for Cruisers 0,1, 2 the Sigma 33 and First 31.7 will start late afternoon on Friday 27th. Racing runs until Sunday the 29th over a selection of courses on the Bay. The event is hosted this year by the Royal Irish Yacht Club.

MGM Boats say they are committed to developing the capital's end of season regatta and along with DBSC are exploring the idea of introducing a Jeanneau Cup in 2011 along with the inclusion of the popular Class 5 or white sails division on a separate course during the regatta. The aim is  enjoyable, top quality racing that will suit all Cruiser fleets on Dublin Bay, according to the firm's Ross O'Leary. Enter to this year's event now by downloading entry forms from www.dbsc.org

A turnout estimated in excess of 350 people produced Euro 500,000 in sales at a Used Boat Show in Dun Laoghaire at the weekend. The Coal Harbour based marine firm, MGM Boats Ltd say the three day show led to at least seven boat sales. The boats, both sail and power craft, were from the company's brokerage list and represented a significant uplift in business. "The mood has changed, show goers were drawn from our existing customers and those definitely interested in boating", said the firms Gerry Salmon.

Sales of boats varied from a Moody 31 Sailing Cruiser that is staying locally to Jeanneau motorboats; a leader 805, a Prestige 34 foot and Prestige 30 foot. Deposits were also taken on a Sea Ray 250 DA speedboat, a small brig RIB and a Maxum 25 speedboat.