Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

#Asbestos- A Department of Defence spokesperson has confirmed to Afloat.ie, that the Naval Service pair of coastal patrol vessels (CPV) have been cleared of airborne asbestos and that the dangerous material was in engine room spaces, writes Jehan Ashmore. As…

#CarTrading – Irish Ferries chartered ro-pax Epsilon, a year in service as previously reported, resumed Dublin-Holyhead service this afternoon, following cancellations last night due to the ship making interim 'freight-only' sailings to France, writes Jehan Ashmore. Epsilon had completed the…

#MarineWildlife - Seaside visitors are being asked to look out for turtles washed up on the shore after a rare example of the world's smallest sea turtle was discovered in Donegal over Christmas. According to the Irish Independent, the body…

#sealinks – In the current debate which has surfaced about the future of Aer Lingus, it is good to hear the realisation in all quarters, from politicians to business, economic and media commentators that Ireland is an 'island nation'. While…

#dublinport – Dublin Port Company today officially opened its newly completed Alexandra Quay Container Terminal following a €35m investment. The opening was welcomed by The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, T.D. The opening marks the completion of…

#ShipRepairs – Atlantic Companion, the massive containership that was in Irish waters bound for Canada, having undergone repairs in Bantry Bay last week, is instead returning today to Liverpool, her last port of call, writes Jehan Ashmore. As previously reported…

#vor – It was an unbelievable end to a magnificent Volvo Ocean Race leg for Dongfeng Race Team. After leading the fleet virtually all the way from Abu Dhabi to Sanya in China, over more than 5,000 miles of intense…

#dusc – Dublin University Sailing Club will be holding it's second Alumni Regatta at the Royal St. George Yacht Club this March 7. The event was founded with the aim of uniting Trinity sailors throughout the ages. It was seen…

#SailingWCMiami – First it was sunny and bright then It was storming and raining sideways and then It was sunny and bright. Just like home. Those familiar conditions may have helped Ireland's Annalise Murphy get the 2015 Olympic saiing season off…

#haroldcudmore – No sooner had we reported on Cork sailing legend Harold Cudmore's commanding start to the Historical 18 Australian championships in Sydney Harbour than it ended.  Cudmore's chances title were dashed when Yendys capsized off Nielsen Park on the…

#LégionDhonneur – The French Navy's BCR Somme (A 631) hosted one of the last surviving Irish veterans of the D-Day landings and who received the nation's highest military honour today in Dublin Port. Michael d'Alton (93) received the Légion d'Honneur…

#RNLI - The volunteer crew of Bundoran RNLI's lifeboat received the Emergency Response Team of the Year award at a ceremony on Saturday night (24 January). The 2015 Community and Council Awards celebrated by LAMA (Local Authority Members Association) took…

#RNLI - Wicklow RNLI's inshore lifeboat launched shortly after 5.30pm yesterday evening (Sunday 25 January) to investigate a reported floating object drifting near the shore opposite the Murrough Carpark. The lifeboat was on scene three minutes after launching and began…

#cruiseliners – Dún Laoghaire Harbour is preparing for a bumper season of cruise–liner visits to the south Dublin Bay port. The biggest caller will be the first arrival in May (calling on May 15th and again on the 21st) and…

#Tallships – From 2 to 5 July 2015 tall ships from across the world will anchor in Belfast port for the start of The Tall Ships Races 2015. Organised by Sail Training International, The Tall Ships Races will be welcomed…

#TravelWinners – Celebrity Cruise along with Irish Ferries were among the winners at the Irish Travel Agents Association's Industry Travel Awards 2015 held recently in Dublin's Mansion House. The premier travel awards presented by Miriam O'Callaghan during a Gala Diner…

#Ports&Shipping –The latest IMDO Weekly Market Review includes the following stories as detailed below. Irish Shipping News: Dublin Port 2014 Record Year - As reported on Afloat.ie, Dublin Port Company published trade statistics for 2014 which show a record year…

#portofcork – The Port of Cork has launched their Schools Initiative for 2015 and is encouraging all 5th class primary school teachers to get their class involved. This year's theme 'RMS Lusitania – Commemorating 100 Years in 2015' focuses on…

#RNLI - Howth RNLI's inshore lifeboat launched at 5.30am yesterday morning (Sunday 25 January) to reports of man in the water in Howth Harbour. The lifeboat crew launched in minutes after a passer-by raised the alarm, locating the casualty just…

#d-day – Ninety three year–old Dublin Bay sailor Michael 'Mickey' D'Alton will receive the Legion d'Honneur today from the French ambassador, Jean–Pierre Thebault with full military honours for his heroism at D–Day, June 1944. The then 23–year–old sub–Lieutenant piloted landing…