Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

On the Firth of Clyde, the main ferry crossing to the Isle of Arran (Afloat can confirm has returned) to service on Friday after repairs were completed early.  As STV News reported, the MV Caledonian Isles developed a fault in…

The South Coast Boat Show is almost here — and X-Yachts will be on hand to welcome you to come and experience in person the soul and heritage of their brand. As previously reported on Afloat.ie, both the Pure X…

The first cruiseship to visit Dubin Port this season arrived this morning, marking a momentous return of this tourism sector to the Irish capital and not seen since March 2020, as Covid travel restrictions were revoked last month, writes Jehan Ashmore.…

The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has confirmed that it has withdrawn permits for two fish processors in the continuing row over weighing of pelagic landings. The SFPA also says it will “not accept the misuse” of the weigh after…

From two Impalas in the early days at East Down Yacht Club to 11 now is very satisfying progress at the club situated on the western shore of Strangford Lough. This would be the envy of many of the local…

Four new rowing boats have been named in tribute to alumni and current student athletes at NUI Galway. Chris O’Dea and the late Dr Donagh O’Donoghue, both of whom are former rowers with Coláiste Iognáid and NUI Galway Boat Club,…

Dun Laoghaire senator Victor Boyhan has called for a more transparent and accountable Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB). He has also called for a new mechanism to appoint members to the MCIB board. Speaking during a debate on the Merchant…

Former ferry workers of P&O have blocked an entrance to Larne Port in a ramping up of protest action. Protests have been ongoing reports Belfast Telegraph, at the port since P&O’s decision in March to sack almost 800 workers without…

We hear so much about the “New Normal” in everyday life ashore that it’s becoming difficult to remember what the Old Normal was like, as employers resort to bribery (“Special Bonuses” if you insist) to entice WFH employees back into…

No Irish representation in the medal races at the Semaine Olympique Francaise (French Olympic Classes Week) in Hyères is a disappointment for Irish Olympic sailing efforts but there is consolation in the two top 15 finishes achieved in what is the…

For the first time ever a Naval Service 'P60' class vessel, LÉ James Joyce visited Limerick City Docks this evening with the historic call made to enable attending Riverfest Limerick held over the May Bank Holiday weekend, writes Jehan Ashmore.…

Waterways Ireland advises masters and owners of vessels on the Royal Canal that the 46th Lock is closed as of today (Friday 29 April) for one week in order to maintain water levels in Richmond Harbour due to emergency repair…

Seatruck, the Irish Sea freight-only operator announced the return of shared cabins following removal of social distancing rules introduced during the Covid pandemic that required drivers instead to use single cabin occupancy, writes Jehan Ashmore. The relevant authorities have now removed…

The European Parliament Committee for Transport and Tourism (TRAN) yesterday adopted the draft opinion of MEP Novakov on the Commission proposal to bring the maritime sector into the EU Emission Trading System (ETS). The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) welcomes…

A 130-year-old heritage tall ship named ‘Leader’ has docked in Newry, Co.Down where it will be used for the benefit of the local community. The Brixham trawler was formerly a survivor of the fleets of sailing fishing boats that once…

After a hiatus of two years due to Covid, the Schools National Team Racing Championships are being hosted by the Royal St.George Yacht Club at Dun Laoghaire Harbour on Dublin Bay. The Royal St. George Yacht Club, home to team…

A ferry operated by P&O which spent hours adrift in the Irish Sea on Tuesday is back in service after passing an inspection. The European Causeway lost power off the County Antrim coast while sailing from Scotland to Northern Ireland.…

Here I am on the ferry back to Ireland, absolutely shattered after another month of intense offshore sailing in France at the highest level, there is a lot to reflect on as always and more importantly build upon! If you…

Things are hotting up for the Fireball class in Ireland. As their World Championship in Lough Derg YC this August 21st-26th draws nearer entries have already broken the 50 boat barrier and indications are that this will be a 60…

Three currachs will be launched on the River Liffey this Saturday. Traditional Boats of Ireland Editor Criostoir Mac Cartaigh has been invited to officiate at the launch proceedings. Launching at noon from the slipway beside the Stella Maris Rowing Club in…