Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

Every cloud has a silver lining and perhaps for Irish Sailing, it has come with the cancellation of the trials series scheduled in Concarneau for the World Offshore Sailing Championships this week. Its cancellation notice, however, was notably the first…

UK Sailmakers Ireland’s Barry Hayes looks at the differences between Code Zeros and Flying Jibs on IRC, what are the best angles for each and tips for using them. Both sails are used reaching, but at what angels and why…

In a rapid spread of harbour and marina closures in Northern Irish waters, the next to suffer is Belfast Harbour Marina which is closed to visitors until further notice. The action has been taken in the light of current UK Government…

Seven Irish fishing organisations have condemned what they described as “blockades” in two south-west harbours, and said that such protests were “alarmist” and “unnecessary” writes Lorna Siggins  The seven groups, including the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, the Irish Fish Producer’s Organisation, and Irish…

In response to yesterday’s Government Covid-19 announcement, Viking Marine has made further changes to ensure the safety of our customers and team writes Ian O'Meara. While staying at home and working on boats we wish to ensure you have the…

Temporary measures are being put in place in relation to the validity of both seafarers’ documents and the survey and certification of Irish-registered ships impacted as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Marine Notice No 14 of 2020 outlines measures…

A Dun Laoghaire senator has suggested that the currently vacant ferry terminal at the south Dublin harbour be employed as a Covid-19 testing centre. In a letter to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council chief executive Philomena Poole, as seen by Afloat.ie,…

The skipper of a 40-metre J class yacht describes the damage following a collision between rivals Topaz and Svea. Peter Holmberg, the skipper onboard Topaz relayed the incident which occurred shortly before the first race on March 12: "As we…

In a ramping up of curbs on the use of some harbours in County Down, Ards and North Down Council have issued a Notice to Berth Holders preventing the launching and mooring of vessels, apart from fishing boats, in its…

There were several notable Irish sailing families with their names up in lights more than once at Saturday evening’s virtual awards ceremony for the annual achievements in Irish sailing. But none could match the seaborn diversity of an ancient tribe…

In reflecting on the ongoing public health crisis, Warrenpoint Port CEO David Holmes has issued a statement. “As the second largest port in Northern Ireland, we play a major role as a catalyst for economic growth across the region and…

“Transport keeps us going” is the slogan which the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), together with 33 organisations has issued a Declaration stressing the essential role transport is playing in the corona crisis. "Transport and logistics play a crucial role…

In a press conference yesterday, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar outlined tighter restrictions to tackle the Covid-19 emergency. In his statement, Mr Varadkar said that “all sporting events are cancelled including those behind closed doors”. He also stated that from midnight tonight…

Waterways Ireland advises all Masters of vessels and water users of the following access to navigations and availability of services until further notice: All service blocks are closed until further notice (Ref MN 23 of 2020) Water, electricity and pump…

Following today’s (Tuesday 23 March) announcement of further restrictions to combat the spread of Covid-19, the Irish Marine Federation has called for marine industry staff to be classified as ‘essential workers’. Taoiseach Leo Varakdar announced a slate of new measures…

In the light of the latest UK Government announcement, the British Dragon Association (BDA) along with the Royal Forth Yacht Club (RFYC) has taken the decision to cancel this year's Scottish Dragon Championship and Edinburgh Cup event on the Forth…

Irish rowing clubs have been asked to close down completely. The Rowing Ireland working group on Covid-19 took into account government guidelines and requested this in the interests of club members.  The working group will also consider the implications of…

Tom Slingsby has won Olympic gold and numerous world titles in the Laser class. He has won the America's Cup as strategist with Team Oracle USA. Last December, he flew his North Sails 3Di mainsail in a never seen before…

Irish sailors seeking the last qualification places for the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games will have to wait till late 2020 or early 2021 for those events to take place, according to World Sailing.  The news follows the postponement of the…

The Covid-19 virus has forced the cancellation of Henley Royal Regatta. The rowing event, which runs to the first Sunday of July each year, has had a strong Irish interest over the years.  A statement on the Henley Royal Regatta…