Dun Laoghaire's Viking Marine is offering a complimentary gift voucher to the value of €10 for each sign up to its e-newsletter.

Viking Marine says its newsletter is "for anyone on the water needing information on events, new technical clothing, chandlery, safety on the water, guest speakers and suppliers as well as suggestions and tips from the team on all things nautical, and news and views from all sailors. Viking Marine also say they 'promise absolutely no hard sell in our newsletter'.

Only one voucher per Customer. Customers must be over 18 years of age. The voucher must be redeemed in-store. Terms and Conditions apply.

Viking Marine in Dun Laoghaire have put a fantastic package together to encourage new sailors on the water in 2019. This package contains the very best in sailing gear to get started, out on the water, warm, dry and safe.

On the subject of 'access to the water', Viking Marine continue to promote all of the routes to new sailors - With owners regularly looking for crew and the sailing clubs and schools providing boats, access to sailing and to the water continues to improve.

To give first-time sailors the best gear at a price point offering exceptional value and so enable more people on the water, Viking Marine has put a great promotion together for January 2019.

This offer is aimed at the first time sailor Lady and Gent sailors and is reduced from €660 to €495 and includes:

• Zhik Kiama Jacket
• Ahik Kiama Pants
• Seago Lifejacket Seaguard 165
• Gull Short Cruising Boot
• Rooster Pro Glove
• HH 70 Litre Duffle Bag

First-time sailors are encouraged to pop into the shop where the Viking Marine Team will provide the advice and tips on sizes, layering, comfort and care of your gear. 

The promotional gear offer from Viking Marine

Viking Marine is promoting presents with a conscience this Christmas with one such gift being Viking Marine reusable water bottles. It's part of a drive in Dun Laoghaire on Dublin Bay to make 2019 the year that moves on from being 'aware' to being 'active' about removing the plastic threat in our seas.

While out in the harbour this week, Viking Marine's Ian O'Meara observed the not unusual sight of plastic waste build up, an ongoing issue which, sailors at least, are all very aware of. He spotted a seal at the West Pier chewing on plastic (pictured above). 'A sad sight', Ian told Afloat.ie

In a shout out to all harbour users, O'Meara says "leisure, commercial, everyone - Save Our Seas".  And the chandler adds, "to us as retailers to provide our customers with choices in sustainable reusable and recyclable plastics".

It's time to drop the hint of the present you really want this Christmas or even better be the giver of 'THE' great gift this Christmas - The Viking Marine Gift Voucher.

Sailors can give or receive the gift that's really wanted from this Dun Laoghaire-based Chandlery shop, full of everything you need for on the water plus all the tips to go with it too!

As Afloat.ie reported recently, the Dublin Bay Chandlery is supporting the local business initiative to shop local.

Viking Marine of Dun Laoghaire is backing this Saturday's 'Small Business Saturday', an initiative driven by government and spearheaded by Retail Excellence Ireland.

The Small Business Saturday Awareness Campaign launched to encourage consumers to shop local and support small retailers this Christmas.

Retail Excellence and An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD have launched an awareness campaign to support local retailers this Christmas and year-round.

As Viking Marine's Ian O'Meara told Afloat.ie 'there's nothing better than shopping local and finding something different, special and local or artisan'.

Chandler Ian OMeara competing on a J109 Photo: Afloat.ie

O'Meara says Viking Marine is backing not just the Small Business Saturday initiative but pushing local Irish marine brands too, such as McWilliam Sailing Bags and Dubarry deck shoes, as ideal Christmas gifts at his Dun Laoghaire Harbour store.

A big stock of Mcwilliam sailing bags at Viking Marine

The campaign, which was launched at Government buildings, centres around Small Business Saturday which will take place on Saturday, December 1st this year. Originally an American concept, Small Business Saturday is an initiative that is supported and promoted by Retail Excellence, the largest retail representative body in Ireland.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has launched an awareness campaign to support local retailers

This is the fifth year of the Irish campaign which profiles small businesses and encourages consumers to shop locally and support jobs and enterprises in their respective communities. Group Chief Executive of Retail Excellence David Fitzsimons said “It is important to recognise the massive impact small businesses have on our economy, both nationally and locally. With 37,400 businesses and 282,000 Irish jobs dependent on the industry initiatives like Small Business Saturday are crucial to encourage consumers to shop local and support retailers in Ireland". "This initiative is critically important at a time when two-thirds of consumer spend online is fulfilled by businesses operating outside Ireland and in the face of falling excise figures recorded by the Department of Finance which is largely indicative of an increase in cross-border shopping".

Commenting on the launch, Taoiseach Leo Vardakar said "I am pleased to endorse Small Business Saturday, now in its fifth year. The idea is simple; if you want to back your local businesses, and in turn your local community, then shop local this Christmas. Your local shop or retailer has a unique appeal; they can offer you tailored local advice, as well as the best local goods and produce. By shopping local this Christmas, you can give your local businesses a year-round boost". "Retail Excellence would like consumers to understand that their small change can make a big difference on Small Business Saturday in their local economy.

Every €10 spent locally is worth €40 in terms of supported employment, supported communities and helping the business to continue to operate year-round.”

Viking Marine’s Black Friday specials are now available — but be quick as these deals only last till Monday 26 November.

Get the best savings on selected Helly Hansen bags — with up to 50% off — and get 40% off the Wave Regatta Zhik Z-Cru Jacket.

Helly Hansen washbags (black only) and Jack Wolfskin backpacks are discounted by 30%, while you can save 15% on Seago Lifelines and Marine Pool Aero lifejackets, as well as International Cruiser 250 and Precision antifouling.

Viking Marine's eye-catching Christmas Window display on Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire

In addition, there’s 10% off binoculars, the Seago offshore lifejacket, Seago inflatable danbury, and the Harken range.

All are available online and in store, with more daily promotions on offer in store at The Pavilion on Marine Road in the heart of Dun Laoghaire.

Be sure to follow Viking Marine on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Christmas is less than six weeks away — but no need to fret, as Viking Marine has many wonderful gift ideas for all the sailors in your life.

Whether they’re only starting out or an ‘ancient mariner’, a dinghy enthusiast or yachting fanatic — you can find everything you’ll need for the perfect present in Viking Marine’s online gift guide.

To make your shopping experience even easier, Viking Marine has organised its guide by the type of sailor you’re looking to treat, whether that’s a dinghy sailor or racer, cruiser or offshore sailor.

Don’t miss the selection of stocking fillers for sailors of all stripes. And the new range open sea swimming gear from Orca will also appeal for those who brave the waters over winter.

Viking Marine is currently looking to recruit some hard-working and experienced sailing enthusiasts to work full time and part time as sales assistants in its Dun Laoghaire store.

If you are an experienced sailor with dinghy and yachts knowledge and are looking to share your passion with others, Viking Marine would love to hear from you.

Full details of the full-time and part-time sales assistant roles can be found on the Viking Marine website or click here.

To apply for either of these jobs, please e-mail your CV to [email protected]

Viking Marine in Dun Laoghaire has something special in store for this year’s Black Friday sales.

Be sure to visit next Friday 23 November for exclusive savings and major discounts on clothing, safety equipment, boat hardware and more.

And be the first to know about Viking Marine’s Black Friday deals — as well as getting inditer tips on regular discounts, exclusive offers, sailing tips and more besides — by signing up for their email newsletter.

Follow Viking Marine on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Viking Marine has taken over the Northern Ireland dealership for Topper Sailboats after Wiclif McCready's retirement from his Hollywood, County Down Chandlery Shop.

Topper sailboats offer a wide range of best selling and favourite dinghy boats. The collection includes the iconic singlehander Topper, the versatile Topaz, the high-performance catamaran Topaz 16 and the multi-purpose Omega.

Viking Marine has been in close talks with Topper and with Brian Spence from McCready's sailboats to ensure a smooth transition. Brian will be working with Viking Marine in the future to add to our expertise and to liaise with existing Northern Ireland customers.

"We are pleased to become Ireland and Northern Ireland's Topper official dealer. As we have been Topper Ireland's dealer for many years, we are ready for this new challenge." says Ian O'Meara, of Viking Marine. "We are happy to have retain the expert advices of Brian. We look forward to work with him and welcome new customers."

For more information on the Topper boats, contact Ian O'Meara on 01 2806654.