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Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

A Harbour Seal photographed at Dun Laoghaire Marina on Dublin Bay, Ireland. Also known as the common seal, is a true seal found along temperate and Arctic marine coastlines of the Northern Hemisphere. The most widely distributed species of pinnipeds, they are found in coastal waters of the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Baltic and North seas. Photo: AfloatA photograph of a Harbour Seal taken at Dun Laoghaire Marina on Dublin Bay, Ireland. Also known as the common seal, this species can be found along temperate and Arctic marine coastlines throughout the Northern Hemisphere. They are the most widely distributed species of pinnipeds and can be found in the coastal waters of the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as the Baltic and North Seas. Photo: Afloat

Displaying items by tag: jeanneau

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey range consists of 5 performance-orientated family cruisers ranging from 35 – 49ft. All models have a sleek, modern design and offer excellent performance without losing any of the comfort and usability we’ve come to expect from the brand.

MGM Boats are running a unique promotion this year, combining a ‘pre-season’ and ‘leap year’ discount on selected models. The Sun Odyssey 380 and Sun Odyssey 410 are the focus of the promotion, running from the 14th of February to the 17th of March 2024. Purchasing ‘pre-season’ offers sailors not only a significant cash discount but lots of additional benefits, which MGM Boats would like to highlight.

The Sun Odyssey 380 offers big boat features in a small boat packageThe Sun Odyssey 380 offers big boat features in a small boat package

In the first place purchasing early allows a new owner plenty of time to organise the logistics of ownership – something MGM are happy to help with. This could be anything from insurance or berthage to sailing courses or VHF Radio Licences.

Getting on the water in early Spring gives sailors the opportunity to learn their boat and get comfortable with it before the true boating season begins, leaving the full summer free for cruising, racing, and just enjoying time on the water with family and friends.

See the sharp hull chine, negative raked bow and drop-down swim platformSee the sharp hull chine, negative raked bow and drop-down swim platform

An early start will also enable new owners to get some tuition on their boat (available through MGM) so they can be confident and ready for warmer weather.

The interior is bright and airy with the galley to port and an offset saloon dining areaThe interior is bright and airy with the galley to port and an offset saloon dining area

The March – April period is a perfect opportunity for new owners to make their boats their own should they want to, with customisations and additions. This could be as simple as adding personal cushions and linen or as technical as installing TVs or cockpit enclosures. Existing owners will attest that trying to get work done on a boat mid-season is not easy. Having the time for pre-season makes things more feasible.

MGM’s boat is a 3-cabin layout with the master cabin having an offset double bedMGM’s boat is a 3-cabin layout with the master cabin having an offset double bed

The Sun Odyssey 380 and the Sun Odyssey 410 are on display now at MGM’s base in Dun Laoghaire. The boats are water-ready; they are just waiting for an owner. There are trade-in and finance options available, and the pre-season deal is a genuinely significant cash discount taken off the retail price of the boat. Contact [email protected] , 01-2802020 or call in to the MGM Office to get more information. It’s already time to start thinking about the coming season! Get ahead now!

Published in MGM Boats

Sailors will be familiar with the Sun Odyssey range from Jeanneau. For over 30 years, these boats have populated marinas and have been widely enjoyed by families and club racers alike. What started with the Sun Odyssey 36 back in 1989 is now a range of 5 modern and sleek cruisers, the newest of which is launching this January at the Dusseldorf Boat Show.

The new Sun Odyssey 350, designed by Marc Lombard, will take over from the hugely successful SO349, the best-selling monohull in Ireland and the best-selling boat in its class worldwide. Also in the range is the flagship SO490, the 440, the 410 and the 380, the latter pair being on display now at MGM Boats in Dun Laoghaire.

Sun Odysseys are a staple of MGM Boats, with over 600 units sold since 2000. Whether in Malahide or Dun Laoghaire, Crosshaven or Carrickfergus, you will see various models bearing the MGM Boats sticker in marinas nationwide.

The 410, in particular, has received rave reviews since its launch in 2019 and has proven to be a well-suited package for the Irish market.

Designed from the ground up to be a performance-oriented family cruiser, the 410 is available with multiple layouts, rigging, keel, and sail plans. There is a specification to suit everyone. In terms of design, Marc Lombard has excelled in bringing the latest innovative solutions to the boat, maximising performance and usability.

 The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 with its subtly raked reverse bow is available from MGM Boats The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 with its subtly raked reverse bow is available from MGM Boats

On the exterior, you will notice the subtly raked reverse bow, which adds crucial length to the waterline and allows for a sharp wave-piercing prow, increasing both efficiency and sea-keeping. Furthermore, the sharp running chine along the entire length of the hull provides stability when stationary and hugely increases performance when heeled over. At a roll angle of around 12 degrees, the running chine increases the waterline to that of a 46ft boat and she really takes off.

The innovations continue on deck with the Sun Odyssey 410, the marque incorporates the revolutionary Jeanneau  ‘walk-around’ cockpitThe innovations continue on deck with the Sun Odyssey 410, the marque incorporates the revolutionary Jeanneau  ‘walk-around’ cockpit

The innovations continue on deck. The 410 incorporates the revolutionary ‘walk-around’ cockpit, meaning there is no coaming or furniture to step over when moving around the boat. This also enables the helmsman to steer from the extremity of the beam, port and starboard. The fold-down swim platform, hydraulic on MGM’s demo boat, opens the cockpit to the sea and totally changes the comfort and space levels when at anchor or in light conditions. The cockpit table, with its folding leaves, is slightly offset, further aiding movement through the boat.

An interior shot of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410. The galley is among the largest in its class, yet it does not subtract from the rest of the cabinAn interior shot of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410. The galley is among the largest in its class, yet it does not subtract from the rest of the cabin

Inside you have 3 well-appointed cabins, a large galley and a vast saloon dining area. The central chaise-longe is an excellent spot to relax and offers wine storage underneath. The galley is among the largest in its class, yet it does not subtract from the rest of the cabin. It’s great to see a full-size chart table on a modern boat, and the master cabin forward will leave even the most committed land-lobbers with little to complain about. It features an island bed with a proper innerspring mattress, ample wardrobe space and a discreet combined vanity sink/dresser. These features are made possible by Lombard’s exceptional hull design with its near-vertical hull sides, giving more volume inside.

The 410 and the complete Jeanneau lineup will be on display in Hall 16 at the Dusseldorf Boat Show from 20th – 28th January and there will be excellent deals available.

Contact the sales team at [email protected] now to arrange a visit.

Published in MGM Boats

Jeanneau expands its DB Yachts line with the new DB/37, which had its world premiere at boot Düsselforf on Saturday 21 January.

Benefiting from all the savoir-faire and creativity of Jeanneau, the DB/37 is available in inboard and outboard versions and features a streamlined silhouette designed by Camillo Garroni, with a distinctive personality.

This new model perfectly represents the DB Yachts line, upholding the core principles that made the DB/43 a success.

The deck plan privileges exterior space and easy movement on board, and while at anchor, side terraces can extend the cockpit toward the sea.

Faithful to the promise of the DB Yachts line, “More than you expect”, the DB/37 seduces all those adept at cruising with private living spaces and a refined interior, unique aboard a day boat.

Inviting and protective, the DB/37 is designed for you to fully benefit from the sea, to experience and share unforgettable moments. A true party boat, with an optimal interior layout, she also offers the possibility of extended stays onboard — and all of this with the stylish allure of elegant lines.

Jeanneau is display the inboard version of the new DB/37 until next Sunday 29 January in Hall 5 at Stand C19. Irish agents for Jeanneau, MGM Boats in Dun Laoghaire, will be on hand throughout the show for more details.

Published in Boot Düsseldorf

MGM Boats in Dun Laoghaire will have a full sales team at boot Düsseldorf from 21-29 January — the largest indoor boat show in the world.

Aside from their dedicated brokerage stand (E45 in Hall 5), MGM Boats will have agents on hand for all the brands they represent in Ireland, such as Prestige Motor Yachts (Hall 6), Aquador Boats (Hall 4), Delphia Yachts (Hall 1) and Lagoon Catamarans (Hall 15).

That’s not to mention the impressive Jeanneau range, from sail (Hall 16) to power (Hall 1) and day boats (Hall 5), the latter stand hosting the world premiere of the premium DB/37 on Saturday 21 January.

If you’re still on the fence about a visit, MGM Boats are making the very tempting offer of a full refund on flights and accommodation (up to €1,200) if you order a new boat from them at the show.

Get in touch with Martin Salmon (+353 87 226 3598 or [email protected]) who can also put you on the list for an introduction to MGM Boats’ full range on display.

Published in MGM Boats

Jeanneau will unveil the DB/37, the second model in its new line of premium day boats, with its world premiere at boot Düsseldorf next month.

This brand-new 37-foot model is the perfect representation of the DB Yachts line, Jeanneau says. In addition to a streamlined design, entirely open to the sea, with fine materials and polished finishes, the DB/37 reveals an unprecedented interior volume for a day boat.

Following the DB/43, the DB/37 is the result of a collaboration between and world-renowned naval architects. Boasting excellent handling, its elegant lines were drawn by Italian designer Camillo Garroni and its hull was designed by Michael Peters Yacht Design.

From day boat to party boat to cruiser, the DB/37 offers great versatility and a unique design, promising exceptional experiences on the water.

The world will get its first look up close at the DB/37 during boot Düsseldorf from 21-29 January 2023. And Irish agents for Jeanneau, MGM Boats in Dun Laoghaire, will have all the details on how to get on the buyers’ list.

Published in MGM Boats

Saying they are “bound by common values”, French boatbuilding institutions Jeanneau and Multiplast are joining forces to develop a new high-performance and accessible sailboat: the Sun Fast 30 One Design.

It’s promised that the new design will offer “an intense sailing experience” while also aiming to become a reference one-design class for offshore sailing, with an ambitious and international racing programme to boot.

The project to design a new 30-foot one-design offshore racer was initiated by the UNCL-Racing Division from the Yacht Club de France, the Royal Ocean Racing Club in the UK and the Storm Trysail Club in the US, with the aim of making sailing more accessible for the next generation of offshore sailors.

Multiplast brings its expertise in the conception and development of offshore racing boats to the VPLP design, and will also manage relations with the clubs for the launch of the class as well as supervising sales to support Jeanneau’s distribution network.

Jeanneau, meanwhile, will manufacture the Sun Fast 30 One Design at its boatyard in Cheviré, near Nantes and provide all the services, guarantees and technical support offered by its organisation.

Beyond performance, respect for biodiversity and aquatic environments is at the heart of this joint venture, with the brands emphasising the use in its construction of Arkema’s Elium thermoplastic resin which is made of 20% recycled material and is itself recyclable.

As a result, Jeanneau and Multiplast are touting the Sun Fast 30 One Design as the first production recyclable sailboat.

Expect more news on the progress of the Sun Fast 30 One Design from Jeanneau, who are exclusively marketed in Ireland by MGM Boats.

Published in MGM Boats

Following a successful stint in Cannes last week, MGM Boats will be on the Prestige and Jeanneau stands for the duration of the Southampton International Boat Show which kicks off this Friday 16 September.

The Dun Laoghaire-based boat sales agents will have a full sales team working the show and available to show a host of new boats from its ranges.

For the Prestige marque, that means the 420F, 460F, 520F and 590F motor yachts, alongside Jeanneau’s Sun Odyssey (380, 410, 440 and 490) and Sun Fast 3300 sail boats.

Powerboats from Jeanneau on show include the Cap Camarat (7.5 WA Série3, 9.0 WA and 10.5 WA Série2), Merry Fisher (795 Série2, 795 Sport Série2, 895, 895 Sport an1095) and NC37.

And the Lagoon Catamarans brand will be represented by the Lagoon 46 and Lagoon 42.

The MGM Boats sales team looks forward to seeing you in Southampton. For more details, get in touch with [email protected].

Published in MGM Boats

MGM Boats’ partnership with Jeanneau has been particularly fruitful thus far in 2022. Spring’s reveal of the DB range of premium day boats, led by the Jeanneau DB/43, was followed by the Irish debut of the Sun Odyssey 440 — with the first boat delivered to Dun Laoghaire last month.

And the future looks even brighter, firstly as two historic lines of Jeanneau powerboats will each welcome a new flagship in time for September’s boat show bonanza: the Merry Fisher 1295 Fly and the Cap Camarat 10.5 CC.

Magnificent in the interior and on the exterior, with new signature windows in the hull, the Merry Fisher 1295 Fly is perfectly designed for unforgettable family cruising experiences. It’s a motor yacht whose quality is evident in even the smallest details.

A top-down view of the Merry Fisher 1295 FlyA top-down view of the Merry Fisher 1295 Fly

This new model features unprecedented living spaces for relaxing with family on board, with a generous aft cockpit that opens onto the sea with an electrically controlled starboard terrace; a unique forward cockpit with three sun loungers integrated into the deck plan; and a flybridge with U-shaped saloon and generous sundeck alongside the fully equipped helm.

Inside, the focus is on optimal flow of movement between living spaces — with a galley that opens onto the aft cockpit, a large starboard-side door onto the recessed side deck and forward cockpit, panoramic views from the saloon and three cabins that offer an incomparable level of comfort.

The Merry Fisher 1295 Fly doesn’t lack in the propulsion department, either, with three 300HP outboard engines to work in tandem with a hull specially developed for safe cruising, fuel efficiency and maximum comfort.

Meanwhile, in the marque’s 40th anniversary year, the Cap Camarat 10.5 CC represents the largest ever Center Console — part of a design brief to adapt to a variety of activities, from fishing and other watersport to simply sunbathing.

In addition to a versatile, ergonomic deck layout and excellent cruising performance — adopting the hull from the Michael Peters-designed 10.5 WA Serie2, with timeless lines by Sarrazin Design — this is the only 34-foot Center Console offering four comfortable berths.

The Cap Camarat 10.5 CC is the only 34-foot Center Console offering four comfortable berthsThe Cap Camarat 10.5 CC is the only 34-foot Center Console offering four comfortable berths

With its powerful twin 300HP or twin 425HP engines and joystick control, cruising is fast and easy, with full peace of mind for fun outings with family and friends.

Both the Merry Fisher 1295 Fly and the Cap Camarat 10.5 CC will be presented at the Cannes Boat show from 6-11 September and the Southampton International Boat Show from 16-25 September.

Agents from Irish dealers MGM Boats will be in attendance as always so be sure to get in touch for more details.

Looking beyond 2022, MGM Boats will welcome the first Irish delivery of Jeanneau’s new Sun Odyssey 380 in March 2023. But before then Jeanneau will follow the launch of its 60ft and 65ft sailboats with the surprising and innovative Jeanneau Yachts 55 — set to be revealed at boot Düsseldorf in January.

Born 20 years ago, the Jeanneau Yachts line has always been dedicated to owners who love the open waters and are seeking excellence in cruising and instinctive handling for complete peace of mind while sailing offshore.

Unique is the operative word for the Jeanneau Yachts 55Unique is the operative word for the Jeanneau Yachts 55

That means yachts with majestic lines, at once elegant and high-performance, designed with a desire to marry the beautiful with the practical, to expand living spaces and to offer ever-more refined comfort.

Faithful to this promise, the Jeanneau Yachts 55 offers a fresh look with a revolutionary layout turned towards the exterior yet designed with privacy and wellbeing in mind.

For more on these remarkable boats, see the attached press kits below and follow MGM Boats on Facebook for the latest updates.

Published in MGM Boats
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Jeanneau is celebrating 40 years of its iconic Cap Camarat range of cruisers.

Since the creation of the line in 1982, an incredible 62 models have been launched by the French boating marque — and Cap Camarats continue to lead as the prime example for cruising in Europe.

Today, over 35,000 Cap Camarats cruise on waters around the world, whether used for sport or relaxing with family, and new models are continually renewing the range’s spirit, Jeanneau says.

What’s more, the maker says that its outboard line has also become an international reference in its class.

And across all their variances and differences, all share the same heritage: incomparable seaworthy qualities, clever improvements, unequalled comfort on board and a timeless elegance.

For further details get in touch with MGM Boats, Irish agents for Jeanneau.

Published in MGM Boats

The new Jeanneau DB/43 is a unique offer in the premium segment of day boats, combining an exclusive style and polished finish with an unparalleled capacity for entertaining.

Faithful to Jeanneau’s values, with ease of handling and liveability, the DB/43 offers new solutions to maximise your enjoyment and quality of life on board.

The DB/43 features a number of unique characteristics, both clever and subtle, aboard inboard and outboard versions.

They enable this model to meet the expectations of boaters seeking a very open boat with a distinctive character, while also offering comfort on board and solid, seaworthy qualities.

From its bold, streamlined style to its ingenious open design, warm and well-appointed interior and significant strength in the engine department, the DB/43 demonstrates power, elegance and harmony, setting a new milestone in this segment.

For further details get in touch with MGM Boats, Irish agents for Jeanneau.

Published in MGM Boats
Tagged under
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For all you need on the Marine Environment - covering the latest news and updates on marine science and wildlife, weather and climate, power from the sea and Ireland's coastal regions and communities - the place to be is Afloat.ie.

Coastal Notes

The Coastal Notes category covers a broad range of stories, events and developments that have an impact on Ireland's coastal regions and communities, whose lives and livelihoods are directly linked with the sea and Ireland's coastal waters.

Topics covered in Coastal Notes can be as varied as the rare finding of sea-life creatures, an historic shipwreck with secrets to tell, or even a trawler's net caught hauling much more than just fish.

Other angles focusing the attention of Coastal Notes are Ireland's maritime museums, which are of national importance to maintaining access and knowledge of our nautical heritage, and those who harvest the sea using small boats based in harbours where infrastructure and safety pose an issue, plying their trade along the rugged wild western seaboard.

Coastal Notes tells the stories that are arguably as varied as the environment they come from, and which shape people's interaction with the natural world and our relationship with the sea.

Marine Wildlife

One of the greatest memories of any day spent boating around the Irish coast is an encounter with Marine Wildlife. It's a thrill for young and old to witness seabirds, seals, dolphins and whales right there in their own habitat. And as boaters fortunate enough to have experienced it will testify, even spotting a distant dorsal fin can be the highlight of any day afloat. Was that a porpoise? Was it a whale? No matter how brief the glimpse, it's a privilege to share the seas with Irish marine wildlife.

Thanks to our location in the North Atlantic, there appears to be no shortage of marine life to observe. From whales to dolphins, seals, sharks and other ocean animals, the Marine Wildlife category documents the most interesting accounts around our shores. And we're keen to receive your observations, your photos, links and video clips, too!

Also valuable is the unique perspective of all those who go afloat, from coastal sailing to sea angling to inshore kayaking to offshore yacht racing, as what they encounter can be of great importance to organisations such as the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG). Thanks to their work we now know we share the seas with dozens of species who also call Ireland home. But as impressive as the list is, the experts believe there are still gaps in our knowledge. Next time you are out on the ocean waves, keep a sharp look out!

Weather

As an island in the North Atlantic, Ireland's fate is decided by Weather more so than many other European countries. When storm-force winds race across the Irish Sea, ferry and shipping services are cut off, disrupting our economy. When swollen waves crash on our shores, communities are flooded and fishermen brace for impact - both to their vessels and to their livelihoods.

Keeping abreast of the weather, therefore, is as important to leisure cruisers and fishing crews alike - for whom a small craft warning can mean the difference between life and death - as it is to the communities lining the coast, where timely weather alerts can help protect homes and lives.

Weather affects us all, and Afloat.ie will keep you informed on the hows and the whys.

Marine Science

Perhaps it's the work of the Irish research vessels RV Celtic Explorer and RV Celtic Voyager out in the Atlantic Ocean that best highlights the essential nature of Marine Science for the future growth of Ireland's emerging 'blue economy'.

From marine research to development and sustainable management, Ireland is developing a strong and well-deserved reputation as an emerging centre of excellence. Whether it's Wavebob ocean energy technology to aquaculture to weather buoys and oil exploration, the Marine Science category documents the work of Irish marine scientists and researchers and how they have secured prominent roles in many European and international marine science bodies.

Power From The Sea

The message from the experts is clear: offshore wind and wave energy is the future. And as Ireland looks towards the potential of the renewable energy sector, generating Power From The Sea will become a greater priority in the State's 'blue growth' strategy.

Developments and activities in existing and planned projects in the pipeline from the wind and wave renewables sector, and those of the energy exploration industry, point to the future of energy requirements for the whole world, not just in Ireland. And that's not to mention the supplementary industries that sea power projects can support in coastal communities.

Irish ports are already in a good position to capitalise on investments in offshore renewable energy services. And Power From The Sea can even be good for marine wildlife if done properly.

Aside from the green sector, our coastal waters also hold a wealth of oil and gas resources that numerous prospectors are hoping to exploit, even if people in coastal and island areas are as yet unsure of the potential benefits or pitfalls for their communities.

Changing Ocean Climate

Our ocean and climate are inextricably linked - the ocean plays a crucial role in the global climate system in a number of ways. These include absorbing excess heat from the atmosphere and absorbing 30 per cent of the carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere by human activity. But our marine ecosystems are coming under increasing pressure due to climate change.

The Marine Institute, with its national and international partners, works to observe and understand how our ocean is changing and analyses, models and projects the impacts of our changing oceans. Advice and forecasting projections of our changing oceans and climate are essential to create effective policies and management decisions to safeguard our ocean.

Dr Paul Connolly, CEO of the Marine Institute, said, “Our ocean is fundamental to life on earth and affects so many facets of our everyday activities. One of the greatest challenges we face as a society is that of our changing climate. The strong international collaborations that the Marine Institute has built up over decades facilitates a shared focusing on our changing ocean climate and developing new and enhanced ways of monitoring it and tracking changes over time.

“Our knowledge and services help us to observe these patterns of change and identify the steps to safeguard our marine ecosystems for future generations.”

The Marine Institute’s annual ocean climate research survey, which has been running since 2004, facilitates long term monitoring of the deep water environment to the west of Ireland. This repeat survey, which takes place on board RV Celtic Explorer, enables scientists to establish baseline oceanic conditions in Irish waters that can be used as a benchmark for future changes.

Scientists collect data on temperature, salinity, water currents, oxygen and carbon dioxide in the Atlantic Ocean. This high quality oceanographic data contributes to the Atlantic Ocean Observing System. Physical oceanographic data from the survey is submitted to the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) and, in addition, the survey contributes to national research such as the VOCAB ocean acidification and biogeochemistry project, the ‘Clean Atlantic’ project on marine litter and the A4 marine climate change project.

Dr Caroline Cusack, who co-ordinates scientific activities on board the RV Celtic Explorer for the annual survey, said, “The generation of long-term series to monitor ocean climate is vital to allow us understand the likely impact of future changes in ocean climate on ecosystems and other marine resources.”

Other activities during the survey in 2019 included the deployment of oceanographic gliders, two Argo floats (Ireland’s contribution to EuroArgo) and four surface drifters (Interreg Atlantic Area Clean Atlantic project). The new Argo floats have the capacity to measure dissolved ocean and biogeochemical parameters from the ocean surface down to a depth of 2,000 metres continuously for up to four years, providing important information as to the health of our oceans.

During the 2019 survey, the RV Celtic Explorer retrieved a string of oceanographic sensors from the deep ocean at an adjacent subsurface moored station and deployed a replacement M6 weather buoy, as part of the Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network (IMDBON).

Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the IMDBON is managed by the Marine Institute in collaboration with Met Éireann and is designed to improve weather forecasts and safety at sea around Ireland. The data buoys have instruments which collect weather and ocean data including wind speed and direction, pressure, air and sea surface temperature and wave statistics. This data provides vital information for weather forecasts, shipping bulletins, gale and swell warnings as well as data for general public information and research.

“It is only in the last 20 years, meteorologists and climatologists have really began to understood the pivotal role the ocean plays in determining our climate and weather,” said Evelyn Cusack, Head of Forecasting at Met Éireann. “The real-time information provided by the Irish data buoy network is particularly important for our mariners and rescue services. The M6 data buoy in the Atlantic provides vital information on swell waves generated by Atlantic storms. Even though the weather and winds may be calm around our shores, there could be some very high swells coming in from Atlantic storms.”