Menu

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: rheinisch

#CANOEING: Eoin Rheinisch, a three time Ireland Olympian in canoe slalom, has retired.

In a statement, the Kildare man looked back over his career.

In 1996, I watched the Atlanta Olympics with my brothers at our home in Leixlip. Inspired by my sporting heroes expertly negotiating the coloured poles hanging down over the heaving white water, I made a decision that would shape the rest of my life. I wanted to represent Ireland at an Olympic Games. The past 18 years of chasing that dream - and other related goals - have been an incredible experience but the time has come for me to move on to the next chapter of my life.

I have given the decision to retire much thought and it is not an easy thing to do. I also considered allowing retirement to drift past unannounced. But I wanted to highlight what sport has done for me and thank all of the wonderful people that have helped me throughout my career.

During the incredible 90 seconds of a slalom race, I am on my own to face down those coloured poles and heaving water. But the preparation to reach that stage has involved commitment and support from sporting bodies and countless individuals at every stage of my career. This has been an all-consuming pursuit involving full-time training and travel outside of Ireland for more than 200 days a year.

That type of commitment would not have been possible without the support of the Irish Sports Council, Irish Institute of Sport, Olympic Council of Ireland, Canoeing Ireland and the various private sponsors that have believed in me.

Over the years, my sporting idols have changed but my real deserved heroes are my parents, brothers, close friends and partner. This career choice and what it involves can often be a selfish pursuit and, despite this, they have always been there for me no matter how bad the outlook is. I don't say it often enough ... "thank you".

I have been so fortunate to have the gift of good health that has allowed me to have such a long sporting career. My parents, my own injuries and illnesses along the way have taught me to never take this gift for granted. Representing Ireland at three Olympic Games has been an honour and a privilege. Finishing 4th in Beijing was a standout moment. Coming through under extreme pressure is one of the most exhilarating feelings I know. My own personal highlight was winning a World Cup in Spain during the selection process for the Athens Olympics.

Every highlight had plenty of accompanying lows, which were a necessary part of my development. Overcoming obstacles and responding well to dips in performance have helped shape the type of person I am today.

I am still involved in high-performance sport thanks to the education provided by the Institute's Pursuit of Excellence Programme. I want to pass my experience on to the current crop of junior and under 23 athletes and have already started working with them. I have no doubt that future Olympians will emerge from this inspirational group of youngsters.

I am sure there are even more challenges in the future and I hope to use both my sporting experience and formal education, including a degree in Business and Marketing, as I face them down.

Karl Dunne of Canoeing Ireland said: "Eoin has been a great ambassador for the sport of canoeing throughout his career, my overriding impression of Eoin has always been one of professionalism. While he may be hanging up his competitor paddles, Canoeing Ireland are delighted that there is real legacy in Eoin taking up the position as National Coach to the U23 and Junior Canoe Slalom Squads. For the first time in the organisations history we have a true home grown high performance coach . On behalf of all at Canoeing Ireland, I wish Eoin the very best of luck as he moves from the water to the riverbank".

Pat Hickey, President Olympic Council of Ireland and IOC executive Member, said: "Eoin has been a great ambassador for canoeing and for Olympism. I followed his career with interest since he first came to our attention and his 4th place at the Beijing Olympic Games is just one of the many highlights along the way. His training, preparation and attitude has always been most professional and he is a terrific role model for the next generation. I wish him well for the future".

John Treacy, CEO, Irish Sports Council, added: "Eoin is one of the outstanding Irish athletes of his generation. He has had a great career, one we were proud to support. More than that, he is a true gentleman and has always been a pleasure to work with, a professional in every aspect of his preparation and performance. On behalf of the Council I want to wish him well in his retirement from international sport".

Eoin Rheinisch's Main Achievements:

· 3 Time Irish Olympian – Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012.

· 4th Place at the Beijing Olympics

· World Cup Gold Medallist – La Seu D'Urgell, Spain.

· European and World Championship Finalist.

· 7 Time World Cup Finalist

Published in Canoeing

#CanoeSlalomTacen: Ireland’s Ciarán Heurteau came within 1.24 seconds of qualifying for the final of the Canoe Slalom World Cup in Tacen in Slovenia this morning. In an exciting semi-final, the 26-year-old had a clear run in 107.22 seconds. This slotted him into eighth with eight competitors to go and he was eventually pushed into 15th. The 10th-placed qualifier clocked 105.98.

Eoin Rheinsich came down the course in a raw time of 108.19, but a touch on gate 13 cost him a two-second penalty. He finished 25th.

Canoe Slalom World Cup, Tacen, Slovenia – Day Two (Irish interest)

Men

K1 – Semi-Finals (Top 10 Qualify for Final): 15 C Heurteau 107.22, 25 E Rheinisch 110.19 (incl 2 sec pen)

Published in Canoeing

#CanoeSlalomTacen: Eoin Rheinisch and Ciarán Heurteau both qualified for the semi-finals of the men's K1 at the canoe slalom World Cup at Tacen in Slovenia today. Heurteau clocked an excellent time of 100.02 seconds with no penalties in his second run this afternoon. The French-born Irishman was under pressure as he had not guaranteed qualification with his first run.

Rheinisch did not compete in the second run as his first-run time of 102.21 had proved sufficient to qualify him to tomorrow’s semi-finals.

 Hannah Craig did not qualify in the women's K1.

Canoe Slalom World Cup, Tacen, Slovenia – Day One (Irish interest)

Men

K1 – Heats (Top 40 Qualify): 9 C Heurteau 100.02 seconds (2nd run); 25 E Rheinisch 102.21 (1st run); 67 P Hynes 118.28 (2nd run; incl. 6 sec pen)

Women

K1 - Heats (Top 30 Qualify); 37 H Craig 170.88 (2nd run; incl 52 sec pen)

Published in Canoeing

#CanoeSlalomTacen: Eoin Rheinisch started well at the Canoe Slalom World Cup in Tacen this morning. The Ireland paddler had a clear first run in a time of 102.21, placing him fourth in the K1 competition at this very early stage. Ciarán Heurteau was judged to have had a touch at gate four, adding a two-second penatly to his time of 104.77, and leaving him down the rankings. Patrick Hynes had a run of 123.17, including 10 seconds in penalties. The second run is due later today.

Published in Canoeing

# CANOE SLALOM WORLD CUP: Ciaran Heurteau was Ireland’s sole qualifier for the semi-finals on the first day of the canoe slalom World Cup in Augsburg, Germany. Heurteau, who has an Irish mother but was brought up near Paris, secured his place with his first run, and finished 23rd of the 40 qualifiers on a difficult course. Eoin Rheinisch placed 49th, missing a semi-final for the second successive World Cup. He also missed out in Cardiff.

Liam Jegou, who is just 17, did well but was disappointed with placing 44th in the men’s C1. Hannah Craig fell ill and did not compete in the women’s K1.

Canoe Slalom World Cup, Augsburg, Germany, Day One (Irish interest)

Men

K1 – Heats (First 40 Qualify for Semi-Finals): 1 Slovenia (P Kauzer) 98.22 secs; 23 C Heurteau 104.42 (incl 2 sec pen; 1st run); 49 E Rheinisch 107.52 (2nd run); 61 P Hynes 114.76 (2nd Run);

C1 – Heats (First 20 Qualify): 44 L Jegou 118.32 (incl 4 sec pen; 2nd run).

Women

K1 – Heats: H Craig did not start.

Published in Canoeing

# EURO CANOE SLALOM: Ireland’s two competitors in the men’s K1 (racing kayak) at the European Canoe Slalom Championships in Krakow in Poland today came up short of making the final. The programme had to be radically altered because of the recent flooding and only the first 15 of 57 in a single run made it to the final. Ciaran Heurteau was ajudged to have missed the 15th gate and the resulting 50-second penalty ruled him out. However, Eoin Rheinisch was originally in the hunt, initially placing 8th after clocking 91.54 seconds including a two-second penalty for hitting gate 19. But that penalty was upped to 50 seconds and he finished 46th, with Heurteau 47th. Rheinisch’s original run would not have made it in any case as the competitors coming after him pushed him down the field.

Canoe Slalom European Championships, Krakow, Poland, Day One (Irish interest)

Men

K1 Heat One (First 15 to Final): 1 Czech Republic (V Hradilek) 82.96; 46 E Rheinisch 139.54 (89.54 plus 50 sec penalty); 47 C Heurteau 140.20 (86.20 plus 54 sec penalties).

Published in Canoeing

Ireland's Ciaran Heurteau and Eoin Rheinisch finished in the top 40 in the heats of the canoe slalom World Cup in Prague today and qualified for tomorrow's semi-finals. Heurteau improved on a first run which put him 37th to finish in 25th and Rheinisch, who was placed 10th after the first run, sat out the second run and was placed 28th. 

Canoe Slalom World Cup, Prague, Czech Republic – Day One (Irish interest)

Men – K1 – First Round: 1 V Hradilek (Czech Republic) 82.43; 25 C Heurteau 88.89; 28 E Rheinisch 89.16; 78 P Hynes 112.47.

Women – K1 – First Round: 1 I Pavelkova (Czech Republic) 97.43; 41 H Craig 112.95; 56 A Conlon 169.34.

Published in Canoeing

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.”