Kiama X is Zhik’s new range of marine clothing is designed for coastal sailing and boating. It is for premium levels of comfort it is tailored specifically for women and men to enable free movement with a sleek fit.

The high cut, fleece lined collar neatly houses the hi-vis offshore hood for all weather protection. Plus, the self-coloured reflective elements are discreetly positioned around the jacket. They only show when they are needed, giving it a sleek look and making it ideal for onshore wear too.

The jacket fabric is a two layer waterproof breathable using a laminated membrane that shares the same core technology as Zhik’s highly durable Isotak® offshore fabric. A super soft, wicking fleece inner lining adds to insulation and comfort levels along with fleece lined hand warmer pockets. 

Generous storage is catered for with roomy, secure cargo pockets and a large zippered chest pocket. A 600 denier, abrasion resistant nylon is extensively used for the jacket seat, and also on the matching Kiama trousers. All seams are fully taped using Zhik’s proprietary Qulock™ system and, along with adjustable cuffs, Kiama X has everything the majority of coastal cruising sailors need to keep the water out.

Kiama X Jacket:

Available in Black and Flame Red

Men’s sizes XS - XXXL; Women’s size XS - XL

RRP €365.00

Kiama Trousers

Available in Black

Unisex Sizes XS - XXXL

RRP €365.00

Whether maintaining a factory fresh finish on your boat or trying to return an old and oxidized finish to its original lustre, working with gelcoats can sometimes be a challenge. 3M introduces a new set of products available in Ireland from CH Marine to its 3M Perfect-It line that are ready to tackle any tough marine project.

These new waxes and compounds are formulated specifically for gelcoat surfaces, and are easy to use for both buffing professionals and watercraft owners. With increased wet times, less mess and lower VOCs, this system delivers incredible results on any gelcoat surface, even in warm climates.

The 3M gelcoat system consists of three grades of cutting compounds, each formulated to handle varying levels of scratches and oxidation. Each product is designed to leave a great finish, so it is not necessary to use one after the other.

3M Perfect-It Gelcoat Light Cutting Polish + Wax

When a brilliant finish and durable protection are needed for P1500 and finer scratches, 3M Perfect-It Gelcoat Light Cutting Polish + Wax is the perfect solution for light or dark coloured gelcoat.

3M Perfect-It Gelcoat Medium Cutting Compound + Wax

This compound plus wax combines fast cutting power, a high-gloss finish and durable wax protection. Use this for any P1000 and finer scratches.

3M Perfect-It Gelcoat Heavy Cutting Compound
This fast-cutting compound removes heavy oxidation, scratches and other defects. Use 3M Perfect-It Gelcoat Heavy Cutting Compound for any P800 scratches or finer. The Heavy compound is designed to be followed up with a coat of 3M Perfect-It Boat Wax.

3M Perfect-It Boat Wax
3M Perfect-It Boat Wax keeps all sorts of surfaces looking great. It’s safe for gelcoat, paint, fiberglass and metals and has a pleasant tropical scent. The pure wax finish helps protect against the elements.

Since the condition of gelcoat surfaces can vary greatly, 3M has developed a simple navigation tool on its bottles to help decide which products in the system are appropriate for each buffing job.
P = Prewash ahead of finishing
1 = Cut to remove oxidation, scratches, and other defects
2 = Polish to remove minor oxidation and scratches, as well as swirl
W = Wax to leave a great shine while protecting the surface from the elements. Wax can be used after removing scratches and oxidation with the Heavy compound, or on its own periodically

Each product is available in multiple sizes to cover any job, big or small. 3M also offers an online Gelcoat Finishing Guide and a set of step-by-step procedures to help achieve dependable finishes every time.

The range is available in Ireland from CH Marine here

Leading Irish Marine Firm CH Marine has taken over the interests of Bantry Bay Canoes, one of Ireland’s largest and best known canoe and kayak suppliers.

This Bandon-based company was previously owned by the major UK canoe and kayak chain - Canoe Shops Group. Although Bantry Bay Canoes now joins the CH Marine Group of companies, it is the intention of the new owners to keep it as a separate trading entity while employing combined buying power to bring better value to the market.

“We are delighted to have acquired Bantry Bay Canoes” says Nicholas Bendon, CEO of CH Marine. “They hold significant experience and expertise in the kayak world and we are very happy to have retained the expert services of Ciaran, the general manager. We look forward to supporting Ciaran as he continues to advance the company with more great ranges, exciting new products and, of course, the expertise and customer service that Bantry Bay Canoes is known for.”

Bantry Bay Canoes offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of kayaks and equipment available in the country, covering all disciplines. The vast range includes leisure sit-ons, touring, sea kayaking, fishing, whitewater, funboats and rescue kayaks. Bantry Bay Canoes sells top brands such as Perception, Hobie, Feelfree, Ocean, Wavesport, Dagger, Werner, Palm & Yak and many more quality names.

For more information contact Ciaran on 023-8829771 or at [email protected]

A light south–easterly breeze, a holiday atmosphere in Royal Cork Yacht Club and a stillness in the air greeted competitors for the final days racing in the CH Marine Autumn Series writes Bob Bateman.

The trees on the way to Crosshaven mellowed with golden and brown colours following a month that has been mild for the most part and it is true some sailors would have liked a little more breeze but the good weather allowing sailing will certainly help to shorten the winter. Cork harbour was busy today, the CH Marine league was active both in the inner and outer harbour. The Optimists were on the Curlane Bank as were the Toppers.

The Lasers on a four day training stint and angling boats could be found anchored anywhere and large trawlers were outward bound heading for the fishing grounds. Into this mix came the tall ship “Roald Amundsen” from Cologne to it’s twinned sister city of Cork. Jack Palmer (17), an enthusiastic sailor from Cobh was one of those on board..

The Class three and four Cruisers and White Sail got in two races with David O’Brien as PRO and course for race one was to number three back to eight out again to three back to five and finish. Meanwhile classes one, two and 1720 were sailing windward leeward courses just east of Roche’s Point.

A long rolling sea in Cork harbour and spring tides welcomed today's CH Marine Autumn League at Royal Cork Yacht Club writes Bob Bateman.

After six races sailed Kieran Dorgan's Beneteau 36.7 Altair looks the boat to beat in IRC one. After one discard, Dorgan has a 4.5 lead over Paul & Deirdre Tingle's Alpaca X34. Third is today's first race winner Rob McConnell's Fool's Gold.

Classes one, two and the 1720 sportsboats started beyond Whitegate on the Eastern bank and sailed two races round the cans under Race Officer Peter Crowley. 

In race two, there was plenty of wind from the west south–west but after a deluge wind dropped to five knots. Fleets three and four whitesail started over at the Dognose bank with a beat to Cage mark and a two sail reach to no 3 buoy at the entrance to harbour and a spinnaker run in, not for the faint hearted.

Results are posted here

Racing will be held again next Sunday and concludes the following Saturday with a prizegiving dinner. 

It might sound clichéd at this time of the year but yesterday really was a real case of John Keats poem 'To Autumn'. There was a great sense of 'mists and mellow fruitfulness' in Crosshaven for the second day of the CH Marine Autumn League at Royal Cork Yacht Club writes Bob Bateman.

The foggy morning gave way to a hazy sunshine. Classes one and two sailed outside the Harbour in a six to seven knot breeze with Peter Crowley as duty race officer.

Despite the ebb tide flowing these fleets got in in two good races.

The race officer for, classes three,four and White Sails John Downing gave up his quest for breeze inside the harbour and headed out to sea off Ringabellla Bay and got the fleets away for one race. The ebb tide flowing out of Cork Harbour made it somewhat of a challenge for competitors and a dying breeze on the second spinnaker leg made it even more difficult to get over the finish line but all managed it.

Not so lucky were the white sails as some were outside the limit and were DSQ'D

Altair (K Dorgan/J Losty) leads the biggest fleet of Royal Cork's CH Marine Autumn league writes Bob Bateman. After the first two races of the Cork Harbour league, the Beneteau 36.7 is IRC one division leader on three points from Paul and Deirdre Tingle's X34, Alpaca. Third is the J109 Justus skippered by Dan Buckley.

Results from all divisions are here. 

Racing continues next weekend.

The CH Marine Autumn Series at Royal Cork Yacht Club is rapidly approaching writes Kieran O'Connell. A highlight of the Cork Harbour sailing season the event attracts large numbers of sailors from a wide variety of clubs from around Ireland. Download the event Notice of Race and entry form below.

This year the CH Marine Autumn Series will commence on Sunday, October 2nd with the first two races and will follow with two races Sunday in October finishing on Sunday October 30th. Racing will commence each day at 1055hrs, and will be followed each day by food, music and daily prize giving. Notice of Race and Entry forms downloadable from CH Marine Autumn Series

Over the last few years there has been a great 1720 fleet building for the CH Marine Autumn Series, with 13 boats competing last year. This year is looking like the 1720 class will not disappoint with a large number of early entries.

On the final day of racing the CH Marine Autumn Series dinner and overall prize giving will be held at the club commencing at 19.30hrs. 

Subject to availability, complimentary berthing on swinging moorings or marina berths will be provided to yachts visiting. For berthing arrangements please contact Mark Ring at Royal Cork office +353(0)214831023

Starting this Saturday is CH Marine's Life Jacket Awareness Week. The Cork yacht shop has got special offers, competitions and helpful information all about life jackets & safety equipment. The week kicks off with a visit by the RNLI Lifejacket Safe Check Team to CH Marine's Cork City branch this Saturday from 11.00–16.00 hrs.

Team CH Marine member Micheal O'Suileabhain from Kinsale Yacht Club finished second overall at the Optimist Braassemermeer Easter Regatta in Holland yesterday. According to the IODAI, the series was cut short with the arrival of storm 'Katie'. It meant the series was completed in nine races and the battle for the Easter regatta's giant egg was between Micheal and two Dutch sailors. Just two points separated the top three. An Irish team were competing in the 242–boat fleet drawn from 15 countries.