Afloat – Ireland's Sailing and Boating Magazine
![Row as a Scottish-owned ferry firm, CalMac, to get an extended contract to run west-coast lifeline island ferry services Row as a Scottish-owned ferry firm, CalMac, to get an extended contract to run west-coast lifeline island ferry services stretching from Stornoway on Lewis & Harris to Brodick, Arran, on the Firth of Clyde.](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000klH14PvENDM/s/848/I0000klH14PvENDM.jpg)
Row as Scottish State Owned Ferry Operator to Get Contract to Run Lifeline Island Services
31st May 2024 Ferry
The Scottish Government-controlled Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) has been given a year-long extension to its contract to run lifeline ferry services along the entire west coast, stretching from the Outer Hebrides to the Firth of Clyde. The contract with CalMac, reports…
![Kerry Charity Cycle this July, in aid of Focus Ireland Kerry Charity Cycle this July, in aid of Focus Ireland](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000_WhAJDYPxUs/s/848/I0000_WhAJDYPxUs.jpg)
Annalise Murphy, Olympic silver medallist sailor, participates in the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle this July to support homeless and housing charity Focus Ireland. The National Yacht Club ace is encouraging others to join her and choose Focus Ireland when…
![Watersports Inclusion Games 2024 are launched (from left to right) John Wilson, Ramor Watersports Centre; Dean McElroy, Cavan Sports Partnership; Cormac Collins, Irish Wakeboarding & Waterski Federation; Tim Bourke, Irish Sailing; John Twomey, President, Irish Sailing, Moira Aston, Canoeing Ireland, Fiona Bolger, Spinal Injuries Ireland Watersports Inclusion Games 2024 are launched (from left to right) John Wilson, Ramor Watersports Centre; Dean McElroy, Cavan Sports Partnership; Cormac Collins, Irish Wakeboarding & Waterski Federation; Tim Bourke, Irish Sailing; John Twomey, President, Irish Sailing, Moira Aston, Canoeing Ireland, Fiona Bolger, Spinal Injuries Ireland](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000xzMXJRu_xX8/s/848/I0000xzMXJRu_xX8.jpg)
The 2024 Watersports Inclusion Games were launched on Thursday (30 May) at Ramor Watersports Club in Co. Cavan by eleven-time Paralympian and President of Irish Sailing, John Twomey. The event, set to take place on Lough Ramor in Virginia Co.…
![The Centenarian - Jack Wolfe is one hundred today The Centenarian - Jack Wolfe is one hundred today](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000L_6bBqhrcy4/s/848/I0000L_6bBqhrcy4.jpg)
Despite approaching its Centenary in 2029, the Irish Cruising Club has never had a Centenarian among its membership until today, Friday 31st May 2024, when the great and unique Jack Wolfe of Howth reaches the magic hundred. His life is…
![Johnny Treanor's National Yacht Club J112e Valentina made its 2024 Thursday night debut on the Bay and took third place in IRC Zero in race six Johnny Treanor's National Yacht Club J112e Valentina made its 2024 Thursday night debut on the Bay and took third place in IRC Zero in race six](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000ncomuAiyJ4U/s/848/I0000ncomuAiyJ4U.jpg)
Rockabill VI Romps Home for IRC Zero Victory in DBSC Summer Series Thursday Night Race
30th May 2024 DBSC
Paul O'Higgins's ISORA champion JPK 10.80 Rockabill VI, which missed last weekend's cross-channel race, was on form in a blustery northwesterly on Dublin Bay last night, winning Dublin Bay Sailing Club's sixth AIB-sponsored Thursday evening race of the season. The Royal…
![The National Yacht Club's Finn Lynch will represent Ireland this Summer as part of a three-boat team at the Paris 2024 Sailing Regatta. Irish Olympic sailing benefits Government’s commitment to the sports sector The National Yacht Club's Finn Lynch will represent Ireland this Summer as part of a three-boat team at the Paris 2024 Sailing Regatta. Irish Olympic sailing benefits Government’s commitment to the sports sector](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000cmhqeGDMHRY/s/848/I0000cmhqeGDMHRY.jpg)
Minister for Tourism and Sport and Media Catherine Martin has announced at least €250m in funding under the latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. The allocation is the largest to date, representing a 50 per cent increase…
![File image of Valentia RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat John and Margaret Doig File image of Valentia RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat John and Margaret Doig](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I00006.O1IDJiSYc/s/500/I00006.O1IDJiSYc.jpg)
Minimise the Risks: Water Safety Alert Issued Ahead of June Bank Holiday Weekend
30th May 2024 Water Safety
The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI have issued joint advice to help keep people safe at Ireland’s waterways over this June Bank Holiday weekend. Water-based activities increase at this time of year, as do the number of…
![File image of Courtmacsherry RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat off Roches Point File image of Courtmacsherry RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat off Roches Point](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000fwxG3OX4X20/s/500/I0000fwxG3OX4X20.jpg)
Courtmacsherry RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat Val Adnams was called out by Valentia Coast Guard Marine Rescue Co-Ordination Centre at 11.35am on Thursday morning (30 May) to go to the immediate aid of a 26ft fishing/pleasure boat which had got into difficulties…
![File image of Lough Derg RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Jean Spier File image of Lough Derg RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Jean Spier](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I00001fPOD7OLm_U/s/500/I00001fPOD7OLm_U.jpg)
Lough Derg RNLI’s volunteers were requested to launch on Wednesday evening (29 May) to assist three people on a 26ft cruiser with engine failure and at anchor in Youghal Bay, east of Garrykennedy Harbour. At 5.34pm the inshore lifeboat Jean…
![The Port of Milford Haven has purchased St. Brides Spa Hotel, in Saundersfoot, one of Pembrokeshire’s most prestige hotels. The port is the UK’s top energy (oil & gas) port and Wales’ busiest port (incl. Irish Ferries route to Rosslare), handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. However, the port is pursuing a strategic objective to reduce its dependency on the energy sector and diversify into other portfolios. The Port of Milford Haven has purchased St. Brides Spa Hotel, in Saundersfoot, one of Pembrokeshire’s most prestige hotels. The port is the UK’s top energy (oil & gas) port and Wales’ busiest port (incl. Irish Ferries route to Rosslare), handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. However, the port is pursuing a strategic objective to reduce its dependency on the energy sector and diversify into other portfolios.](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000dN1tBh3efe4/s/848/I0000dN1tBh3efe4.jpg)
South Wales Energy Port Diversify Portfolio by Purchasing Prestige Pembrokeshire Hotel
30th May 2024 Ports & Shipping
In south Wales, the Port of Milford Haven, which is the UK’s top energy port, has announced that it has completed the purchase of the St. Brides Spa Hotel in Saundersfoot, one of Pembrokeshire’s most prestige hotels. The investment by…
![The Nacra 17, 49er, and FX championships will coincide with the annual Sardinia Sailing Cup from October 7-12, 2025, as the town regains international sailing prominence thanks to the Luna Rossa America’s Cup team
The Nacra 17, 49er, and FX championships will coincide with the annual Sardinia Sailing Cup from October 7-12, 2025, as the town regains international sailing prominence thanks to the Luna Rossa America’s Cup team](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I00003BRclyG8J5U/s/848/I00003BRclyG8J5U.jpg)
Los Angeles 2028: Nacra 17, 49er and FX Prospects Eye Cagliari World Championships 2025
30th May 2024 LA 2028
As Olympic sailing teams already begin to eye up Los Angeles 2028 prospects, Cagliari, one of Italy's top sailing venues, has been announced as host of the 2025 World Championship for three doublehanded Olympic Events. The 2025 World Championship of…
![Joy and delight for Jacob Ziemkiewicz from Poland as Bibi floats after launching his Mini yacht in Cork Harbour for testing in advance of the Mini Globe Race Joy and delight for Jacob Ziemkiewicz (standing) from Poland as Bibi floats after launching his Mini yacht in Cork Harbour for testing in advance of the Mini Globe Race](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I00007sRK97UFl1I/s/848/I00007sRK97UFl1I.jpg)
Jacob Ziemkiewicz Launches 'Bibi' for Mini Globe Race Sea Trials in Cork Harbour
30th May 2024 Solo Sailing
Jacob Ziemkiewicz from Poland, who says he was “born to sail,” and whose plan to build his own boat of plywood construction to compete in the Mini Globe Race we reported on Afloat.ie last June, has launched and is sea-trialling…
![Barry Andrews MEP; Councillor Mary Hanafin; Councillor Denis O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council; Councillor Marie Baker; Ed Totterdell, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager; Councillor Carrie Smyth; Cormac Devlin TD; Harry Duggan, Harbour Master, Dún Laoghaire Harbour; Colette O'Sullivan; with RNLI crew members Nathan Burke, Andrew Sykes and James Traynor at rear Barry Andrews MEP; Councillor Mary Hanafin; Councillor Denis O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council; Councillor Marie Baker; Ed Totterdell, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager; Councillor Carrie Smyth; Cormac Devlin TD; Harry Duggan, Harbour Master, Dún Laoghaire Harbour; Colette O'Sullivan; with RNLI crew members Nathan Burke, Andrew Sykes and James Traynor at rear](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000azsJ6ZidT2A/s/848/I0000azsJ6ZidT2A.jpg)
Digital Edition of 1895 Kingstown Lifeboat Disaster Fund Publication Published
30th May 2024 Dun Laoghaire Harbour News
A record of the trust which was established to help bereaved families in the lifeboat disaster on Christmas Eve 1895 off Dun Laoghaire has been published digitally by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown (dlr) archive services. The Kingstown Life-Boat Disaster Fund Letter…
![Grey Wagtail declined by 67% between 1998 and 2016,” BirdWatch Ireland says. The independent conservation organisation seeks citizen scientists for records of raptors and river birds in Dublin city this summer Grey Wagtail declined by 67% between 1998 and 2016,” BirdWatch Ireland says. The independent conservation organisation seeks citizen scientists for records of raptors and river birds in Dublin city this summer](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000B2ziYKUvdlk/s/848/I0000B2ziYKUvdlk.jpg)
Birdwatch Ireland Seeks Citizen Scientists for Raptor and River Bird Surveys in Dublin
30th May 2024 Marine Wildlife
BirdWatch Ireland is seeking citizen scientists for records of raptors and river birds in Dublin City this summer. The Dublin City Raptor Survey is seeking records of Peregrine Falcon, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzard, Long-eared Owl and Barn Owl, while the Dublin…
![File image of two orcas breaching File image of two orcas breaching](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000Jg028KgF2PM/s/500/I0000Jg028KgF2PM.jpg)
Marine Experts Say They’ve Cracked Mystery of Orcas Bumping Boats in Mediterranean
29th May 2024 Marine Wildlife
A team of marine experts believe they have cracked the mystery of why a pod of orcas have been ramming boats in the Mediterranean in recent years. Following one of the most recent incidents, in which a 15-metre yacht was…
![Waterways Ireland logo Waterways Ireland logo](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000DTYTkD7Uumo/s/500/I0000DTYTkD7Uumo.jpg)
Tarmonbarry Lifting Bridge Reopens for Shannon Boaters After Extended Closure for Maintenance
29th May 2024 Inland Waterways
Tarmonbarry’s lifting bridge on the Shannon Navigaton has finally reopened after an extended closure for essential maintenance, Waterways Ireland has confirmed. Diversions had been in place since early February when the bridge in Co Roscommon was closed for works that…
![Some of the crew and volunteers of Dún Laoghaire RNLI acknowledged for their bravery and commitment in saving lives at sea. Organised by Dún Laoghaire Senator Barry Ward, twelve members of the Dún Laoghaire RNLI were presented with certificates of appreciation by An Taoiseach, Simon Harris TD, in Government Buildings, Dublin Some of the crew and volunteers of Dún Laoghaire RNLI acknowledged for their bravery and commitment in saving lives at sea. Organised by Dún Laoghaire Senator Barry Ward, twelve members of the Dún Laoghaire RNLI were presented with certificates of appreciation by An Taoiseach, Simon Harris TD, in Government Buildings, Dublin](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000rSmmvwv_a6o/s/848/I0000rSmmvwv_a6o.jpg)
Some of the crew and volunteers of Dún Laoghaire RNLI were acknowledged yesterday for their bravery and commitment in saving lives at sea. Organised by Dún Laoghaire Senator Barry Ward, twelve members of the Dún Laoghaire RNLI were presented with…
![Dubin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) Water Wag racing is cancelled at Dun Laoghaire Harbour Dubin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) Water Wag racing is cancelled at Dun Laoghaire Harbour](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000ZdqoBn14kzE/s/848/I0000ZdqoBn14kzE.jpg)
Dubin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) Water Wag racing for the second Wednesday in a row tonight (May 29) is cancelled due to gusty offshore winds inside Dun Laoghaire Harbour. The 30-boat dinghy class was due to race its 2024 Women…
![The French Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Mr Vincent Guérend, on board the RV Tom Crean with Marine Institute CEO Dr Rick Officer and Captain Colin McBrearty The French Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Mr Vincent Guérend, on board the RV Tom Crean with Marine Institute CEO Dr Rick Officer and Captain Colin McBrearty](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000oy18b3gW1VM/s/848/I0000oy18b3gW1VM.jpg)
Marine Institute Welcomes French Ambassador to Ireland on Board RV Tom Crean
29th May 2024 RV Tom Crean
Today, His Excellency Mr Vincent Guérend, the French Ambassador to Ireland, paid a visit to the Marine Institute, where he was warmly welcomed on board the RV Tom Crean. This visit is part of an official engagement aimed at strengthening…
![The overall winner of Howth Yacht Club's Wave Regatta was Therese and Colm Bermingam's Bite The Bullet The overall winner of Howth Yacht Club's Wave Regatta was Therese and Colm Bermingam's Bite The Bullet](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000gRvij3VU0po/s/848/I0000gRvij3VU0po.jpg)
Hi everyone, North Sails Ireland is just coming up for air from a tremendous WAVE Regatta in Howth. It was a hugely successful event for us, and we are delighted and grateful to you all. Check out Annraoi Blaney's beautiful…