Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

Bord Iascaigh Mhara has confirmed the serious economic situation for the Irish fishing industry. In its annual report, the State fisheries board says there will be a decrease in landings, revenue and profitability. It says, "In the long-term, decommissioning will…

East Antrim Boat Club is a haven of almost rural peace and quiet on the point of land with the remains of historic Olderfleet Castle at the south side of this commercial town. For Larne is a bustling manufacturing centre…

A four-week Flying Fifteen Frostbite Winter Sailing Series 2022 will take place in the National Yacht Club starting on Saturday, October 8th.  Up to 30 of the 20-foot keelboats are racing on Dublin Bay, most NYC-based, so a strong entry…

Afloat.ie understands that there was little representation of sailing stakeholders at a public meeting earlier this month to discuss Ivana Bacik’s Dublin Bay Bill. As previously reported on Afloat.ie last December, the Dublin Bay South TD’s bill proposes establishing a dedicated…

Sports in Ireland have received a relatively modest €8 million funding boost in today’s Budget announcement, as The Irish Times reports. About half of this figure will go towards supporting sailors, rowers, paddlers and other athletes’ preparations for the 2024…

Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue T.D, today delivered a record Budget provision for the seafood sector and coastal communities for 2023 of €335 million. The allocation represents a 62% increase in funding from 2022. This covers fisheries, aquaculture, seafood processing, fishery…

According to BBC News, further strike action has begun at Felixstowe, the UK's busiest container port. Workers at the Port of Felixstowe are walking out between 27 September and 5 October, as Afloat reported after the union Unite rejected an…

Eagle-eyed ship-spotters in Wales are used to seeing ferries coming in and out of Holyhead Port on and a daily basis, but this year they may have noticed more activity that usual. This is because the north Wales port has…

The Isle of Man Ship Registry (IOMSR) is expanding its fleet after securing a new deal with fellow Douglas based ship owner MX Bulk. The agreement will see the IOMSR flag four new 63,878 MT bulk carriers presently being built…

Operator Seatruck Ferries announced last week that, subject to regulatory approval from the Irish competition authorities, it is to be acquired from Clipper Group by CLdN. CLdN, headquartered in Luxembourg is one of Europe’s leading multimodal logistics providers with three…

The 2022 Vantage Health and Life RC35 Championships is a wrap! Another very close season with tight racing in a great variety of locations and conditions.  The season started with a great turnout of 10 boats at Kip Regatta, where one…

North Sails One Design clients have had a stunning 2022 with our fantastic customers recording victories in so many World, European, National and Regional championships here in Ireland. For the month of October, we are running our 15% off season…

Fishing industry representatives have said they are “ confounded and disappointed” by the Government’s repeated refusal to draw down EU-approved fuel aid for the Irish fleet. As Afloat reported previously, the Irish Fish Producers’ Organisation (IFPO) and Irish Fish Processors’…

In a double announcement by America’s Cup Events Limited (ACE) it is confirmed today that Iain Murray has been appointed as Independent Regatta Director for the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona alongside Richard Slater who continues in the role as…

Dublin Bay Sailing Club has issued the advance notice of its popular 'Turkey Shoot' winter sailing series that starts on Sunday, 6th November. Now in its 22nd year, the AIB-sponsored seven-race series will be hosted by the Royal Irish Yacht Club…

RYA Northern Ireland’s new chief operating officer Greg Yarnall took up the post earlier this month following his appointment in July. In a special Q&A with the regional governing body for boating, he tells a bit about himself, his professional…

BIM’s National Seafood Survey provides insights into the status of Ireland’s catching sector on an annual basis. It is an integral part of fisheries’ performance data reporting to the EU. Based on the most recent survey returns the Annual Fisheries…

The 40th Annual Autumn League at Howth Yacht Club – sponsored these days by specialist car company Beshoff Motors – enjoyed a bright and brisk northerly breeze with a touch of nor’east for its second weekend. “Brisk” with a mixed…

On Sunday afternoon (25 September), Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI to assist three people on a 30ft cruiser reported adrift in Scariff Bay, southeast of Mountshannon Harbour. The inshore lifeboat Jean Spier launched at 3.47pm with helm Eleanor Hooker, Owen…

Leading maritime design and applied technologies company Artemis Technologies has unveiled the design of its new fully electric EF-24 Passenger vessel, targeting the global high-speed ferry market. And it’s set to make its debut in 2024 on a route between Belfast…