Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

On board a Dutch flagged cruise ship is where a coronavirus outbreak has occurred with several Irish citizens travelling is expected to dock in Florida, USA in the coming days, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has said. Four…

Afloat.ie in association with Dubarry brings you a bi-monthly nautical crossword competition (No. 184). Win a pair of Dubarry Commodore X LT or Sailmaker X LT deck shoes! Complete the crossword below and add your details below and the first…

In recent months the concept of a fixed link between Ireland and Britain has been rapidly developing as various politicians have proposed bridges between Northern Ireland and Scotland across the narrow, storm-tossed and tide-riven waters of the North Channel. But…

The second oldest yacht club in the world, Lough Ree Athlone, has cancelled a major event planned for the celebrations of its 250th year writes Tom MacSweeney. The Club's Commodore, Garrett Leech, said that Clinkerfest, planned for three days over…

On 30th August in Saint Brieuc bay, France it is going to be a demanding and difficult start for the 51st edition of the Solitaire du Figaro for Ireland's solo sailor Tom Dolan and the rest of the foiling Figaro…

Our North Sails Moth webinar last week was a great success with "Mothies" from all over the world tuning in - including Irish Moth sailors from around the country! The upcoming North Sails Webinar schedule can be found here We'd…

The 320 berth Carrickfergus Marina on Belfast Lough and smaller harbours and launching facilities on the Antrim Coast and on the River Bann owned by Mid and East Antrim Council are the latest to hit the buffers due to Covid-19…

Afloat tracked a heavy-lift vessel berth in Belfast Harbour today having sailed from Dublin Port and from where in both ports project cargoes consisting of container infrastructure had been loaded in Cork Harbour, writes Jehan Ashmore. The Portuguese flagged heavy-lift…

The Shannon Navigation plays hosts to some 8,400 boats, according to the draft tourism masterplan currently open for public consultation. And the figure of predominantly private leisure vessels far exceeds the number of berthing spaces, which total 4,500 across 58…

Cork Harbour Festival and the Ocean to City Race have taken the decision to cancel this year’s events. The festival was due to take place 15 May – 8 June, with the flagship Ocean to City – An Rás Mór…

The opening of Dublin Bay Sailing Club's summer season scheduled for the last week in April has been postponed due to Government Covid-19 measures. The revised start date is so far unknown.  The club, one of the largest yacht racing…

Water Safety Ireland has warned that children are at greater risk of drowning during the current period of Covid-19 restrictions. The organisation points out that over half a million primary school-age children are confined to an area within 2km of…

British boaters are being encouraged to support their local boating networks wherever possible during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. As Boating Business reports, the RYA is asking people to think again before cancelling payments to sailing clubs, marinas, class associations and…

Despite desktop research replacing field work during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group recently made a breakthrough in confirming a second Irish humpback whale at breeding grounds off Cape Verde — following last year’s confirmation of what…

Inland Fisheries Ireland has issued an appeal to farmers to remain vigilant during the fertiliser spreading season to avoid water pollution and the loss of nutrients or other chemicals into rivers, lakes and other watercourses.  The appeal comes on the…

The Marine Institute’s Explorers Education Programme outreach team are currently sharing their favourite marine facts and lesson plans about the ocean for teachers, parents and primary school children to use while learning from home. The ‘Meet the Explorers Team’ online…

The Irish rowing season has been suspended, but a contingency plan is being prepared for an Irish Championships in September. The Championship Committee is studying possible dates.  The Rowing Ireland working group on Covid-19 considered the issues. It will convene…

Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels and users of Ireland’s inland waterways that the following closures are in place as of midnight last night, Monday 30 March: All locks on all navigations are closed until further notice. All service…

Ferry operator Stena Line in response to the impact of the Coronavirus as it tightens its grip on everyday life across Europe, has moved to reassure freight and travel customers. The operator is taking every precaution possible to help ensure…

The wholesale cancellation of early 2020 regatta fixtures, is impacting the 2021 season with some conflicting dates appearing for May and June 2021. So far, four key fixtures of Irish interest appear to be affected next season. Firstly, Scotland's biggest sailing event,…