Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

Dublin Bay saw some ships of interest today, firstly the heavy-lift general cargoship Eendracht that arrived in Dun Laoghaire Harbour today to load a part project-cargo bound for the US, writes Jehan Ashmore. The Eendracht berthed this morning after taking…

In almost every crisis or period of exceptional and continuing difficulty - such as we're living through now - people will hope to relate to the ultimately successful example of survival to be found in the experiences of Polar explorer…

Ireland’s leading solo offshore racer Tom Dolan was recognised for his exceptional 2020 season, during which he finished in an unprecedented fifth place in La Solitaire du Figaro, when he was named Irish Sailor of the Year. The award, now…

The Howth Yacht Club Half Tonner 'The Big Picture' is for sale at €55,000.  The MG HS30 MOD yacht has been stored indoors, well maintained, and as regular Afloat readers know has been raced locally in Howth and at regattas…

If you're on the North Coast of Ireland today keep an eye out for the RRS Sir David Attenborough says RSPB Rathlin Island Reserve. This ship is the UK's brand new polar research vessel, and it will be off the…

Tuesday 9 February 2021 will see the launch of the UK's Beacon of Hope Sailing Project's ambitious and unique circumnavigation of the globe. The crew of sailors, all of whom have been through life-changing experiences or illness, will attempt to…

As part of the Northern Ireland Science Festival this year, the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR) is offering two Virtual Dives which will take you on an underwater journey above the seabed in Strangford Lough. The dates are…

Climate change and its impact on sea and land is the theme of this year’s “Night of Ideas” festival hosted by the French embassy. The “Green Night of Ideas” lasts the month of February, with films available to view for…

Following its launch in November 2020, followed by an extensive test sailing period, X-Yachts celebrated the world premiere of the X5⁶ — the new sailing flagship of the Pure X Range, earlier this year. Now the Danish luxury performance specialists…

Scientists have discovered that a replica of the figurehead from the warship Admiral Nelson commanded in the Battle of Trafalgar dates from just years after the event. Unfortunately, the 10-foot-tall sculpture was cut up by chainsaw into six pieces more…

While plans are in the offing for a phased restart of tall ship sail training and other outdoor learning activities in the UK after Easter, the sector remains on a “knife edge”. That’s the message from Andy Robinson, chief executive…

Waterways Ireland invites expressions of interest to operate a watersport activity business at the Enniskillen Blueway Water Activity Zone in the Co Fermanagh town. Forms and information packs are available from [email protected] and the closing date for submissions is Friday…

Three cruiseships, two of which served Irish holidaymakers on non-fly 'direct' cruises out of Dublin and Cork in the last decade, have this winter departed UK waters but to head to the shipbreakers, writes Jehan Ashmore. All these developments originate…

Meet Yannick and Sean Lemonnier, Galway Bay's father-son shorthanded offshore sailing duo. Yannick is the owner of Quantum Sails Ireland and is preparing for the 2021 Mini Transat Race. He has been sharing his passion with Sean for years and…

As a result of the Government announcement of a Level 3 lockdown in Auckland, initially, for 72 hours, the next scheduled race day on Wednesday has been postponed and the event village will not be open to the public during…

With the continued interest in Laser dinghy sailing among adults, the Dún Laoghaire harbour Laser fleet has announced the launch of an adult pathway that supports adults from beginner level right up to elite racing. The Laser with all its…

There is no “essential worker” exemption for foreign crews delivering boats to Ireland amid the current pandemic restrictions. Irish Marine Federation chairman Paal Janson received the official line from the Department of Transport, following suggestions by UK delivery skippers that…

Operator Stena Line will cancel all sailings for a week from one Welsh port as a ferry moves to the Holyhead-Dublin route for a temporary period. The routes between Wales and Ireland have been hit by reduced demand due to…

Cork City Marina is now in new hands, following the Port of Cork Company’s move from its now former corporate headquarters in the Customs House to Ringaskiddy on Cork Harbour. In a letter announcing the change, the Port of Cork’s…

As the RNLI continues to operate as normal during the Covid-19 pandemic, the charity is still unable to fundraise out in person in the community. With more people needing the lifeboat crews as they stay home, support from the public…