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Displaying items by tag: Grand Soleil

The Key Yachting team will exhibit Nautitech and Grand Soleil among the eighty new boats on display at the UK's South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show 2024 at Ocean Village, Southampton, from Friday, 19 April 2024, to Sunday, 21 April 2024.

This is an ideal opportunity for serious buyers who want to experience a high-quality range of boats in stunning surroundings.

The show will feature the marine industry's most exciting and innovative global power and sail brands and an extensive range of ancillary services, such as associated gear, finance, and insurance.

The Key Yachting team will be at the show facilitating viewings of Nautitech and Grand Soleil, including: 

Grand Soleil 42LC - The Grand Soleil 42 Long Cruise is the new model in the Blue Water range: Comfort, large spaces on board and autonomy in navigation distinguish this new twelve-metre hullGrand Soleil 42LC - The Grand Soleil 42 Long Cruise is the new model in the Blue Water range: Comfort, large spaces on board and autonomy in navigation distinguish this new twelve-metre hull

N44 OPEN - Multihull European Yacht of the Year in 2023. With enhanced performance and a sharp look, the Nautitech 44 Open is on top of its classN44 OPEN - Multihull European Yacht of the Year in 2023. With enhanced performance and a sharp look, the Nautitech 44 Open is on top of its class

N40 OPEN Visit the new and improved 'Millesime' version of the 40 Open, sailing since 2023. This N40 is currently on brokerage and available at a special show price, ready to sail away!N40 OPEN Visit the new and improved 'Millesime' version of the 40 Open, sailing since 2023. This N40 is currently on brokerage and available at a special show price, ready to sail away!

For any queries, please get in touch with Bill Stringer at [email protected]

Published in J Boats & Grand Soleil
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September's J Cup Ireland gets an early preview on Friday when J boat agents for Ireland, Key Yachting, will host a special gathering for J Boat and Grand Soleil sailors at the Royal Irish Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

Key Yachting's Wayne Palmer and Bill Stringer will host the drinks and catch up from 6 pm. All are welcome.

The second edition of the J Cup Ireland will take place from 7-8 September this year and follows a successful inaugural regatta last year.  As regular Afloat readers know, the 2023 event saw an impressive 40-boat contest on Dublin Bay.

Published in J Cup Ireland

The Key Yachting Brokerage team are delighted to have a Grand Soleil 44 coming to the market soon.

The Grand Soleil 44 represents the true Italian design and style of Cantiere del Pardo yachts; it is the perfect balance between cruising and racing performance without sacrificing comfort and elegance onboard.

‘Samatom’ is an excellent example of this fantastic Grand Soleil model. She was the first 44 to be launched in September 2020 and has been highly successful in the Irish IRC racing scene since, including placing first in her class in Sovereign's Cup 2021, winning her division in Cork Week 2022, a podium in the Round Ireland Race in Class in 2022 and a podium finish in the ISORA 2022 series.

Samatom, Grand Soleil 44, interiorSamatom, Grand Soleil 44, interior

‘Samatom’ is a three-cabin, two-head version and comes with everything you need to get out racing or cruising with a large sail inventory, including North Sails and recent additional Quantum Sails and a range of electronics, including B&G chart plotters and Cyclops Smart Tune load sensor.

She will be available to view in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland, soon.

The full specification will be available on the Key Yachting Brokerage page next week.

For further information, contact Irish agent Mark Mansfield at [email protected] or +353 87 2506838

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The Key Yachting team will be at BOOT Düsseldorf, the largest indoor boat show, showing the latest models from 3 of our key brands; J Boats, Grand Soleil and Tofinou.

The show takes place between 21st - 29th of January 2023 at the Messe Düsseldorf in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Find out the models on show below.

J Boats

J Boats will be exhibiting the J/45, J/99 and the J/112E, 3 performance staples in the J Boats range. As Irish sailors will know, Mike and Ritchie Evans J /99 Snapshot became the Irish ICRA boat of the year in 2022. A new J112e is due in Dun Laoghaire in June 2022 for an Irish owner.

The J112E will be on show at BOOT Düsseldorf by Key YachtingThe J112E will be on show at BOOT Düsseldorf by Key Yachting

The J45 from Key Yachting will be on display at BOOT Düsseldorf 2023

The J99 will be on show at BOOT Düsseldorf by Key YachtingThe J99 will be on show at BOOT Düsseldorf by Key Yachting

Grand Soleil

Grand Soleil will proudly present the brand new, fast and high-performance 40, which only recently premiered at Cannes Yachting Festival 2022. She is a smaller sister to the Grand Soleil 44, such as Bob Rendell's Samatom from Howth, which has shown great form on Irish race courses recently.

The Grand Soleil 40 on show at BOOT Düsseldorf by Key YachtingThe Grand Soleil 40 on show at BOOT Düsseldorf by Key Yachting

Tofinou

Tofinou will be taking their newest model, the 9.7. This model is a versatile day boat with a hull inspired by the latest racing boats.

The Tofinou 9.7 on show at BOOT Düsseldorf by Key YachtingThe Tofinou 9.7 on show at BOOT Düsseldorf by Key Yachting

Key Yachting are now taking appointments for the J Boats, Grand Soleil and Tofinou stands; if you would like to visit us at the show, then contact Key Yachting agent in Ireland, Mark Mansfield at [email protected] or at 00 353 87 250 6838

For more information about the show, click here

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Key Yachting is excited to be heading to Cannes Yachting Festival this year with Grand Soleil with a range of models, among our three other brands.

The festival is taking place from 6th – 11th September, we will be located in Port Canto, the sailing area, for the duration of the show.

Grand Soleil 44, Samatom on way to 2nd in Class in Round Ireland race 2022Grand Soleil 44, Samatom on way to second in Class in the 2022 Round Ireland Race Photo: Afloat

Grand Soleil yachts are an icon of ‘Made in Italy’ style. With over 40 years of history, Grand Soleil has left its mark on a fundamental chapter in the history of modern sailing.

The festival will see the world premiere of the Grand Soleil 40 and 72 Performance.

The new Grand Soleil 40 Performance has all the credentials to replicate the success of the GS 44, well know in Ireland due to the success of GS 44 Samatom, owned by Mr Bob Rendell of Howth.

It maintains the style, elegance and safety seen throughout the range. A fast and responsive boat that reflects its sporting personality in its performance on the water. The GS40 will share most of the attributes of the GS 44, with both looking very similar.

As most Irish sailors will know, a previous GS 40 model has also been very successful. Nieulargo, GS 40, was the winner of the 2021 Dun Laoghaire to Dingle race.

Grand Soleil 71

Grand Soleil 71, which will also Premiere at Cannes Yachting festivalGrand Soleil 71, which will also Premiere at Cannes Yachting Festival

Performance, design, innovation: the extensive construction experience of the shipyard is combined with the development of innovative solutions that place increasing emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency. The new GS 72 will represent the pinnacle and synthesis of GS’s shipbuilding experience. The aim: to launch a spacious boat to guarantee ample accommodation and comfort on board, while maintaining high levels of performance.

The new GS 40 and 72 Performance will sit alongside the 44 Performance, 42 Long Cruise and 52 Long Cruise, all staples in the Grand Soleil range.

Cannes Yachting Festival will be a unique opportunity to see a great selection from the Grand Soleil range. Definitely not one to miss!

If you’d like more information about Grand Soleil or would like to book an appointment at Cannes Yachting Festival to see the range, then contact us at [email protected] or contact Irish Agent Mark Mansfield at [email protected].

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It has been a great year so far for J/Boats and Grand Soleil in Ireland.

The SSE Round Ireland Race 2022, held by the Wicklow Sailing Club, saw great race results. J-Boats impressively took all three podium spots, including the overall winner, J/111, SL Energies Groupe Fastwave, owned by Laurant Charmy from France.

J/99 Snapshot from Howth—2nd overall and winner class Class 3 in Round Ireland raceJ/99 Snapshot from Howth—2nd overall and winner class Class 3 in Round Ireland race Photo: Bob Bateman

J/Boats and Grand Soleils filled six of the top seven places, with J/Boats winning Class 1, 2 and 3.

J/121, Darkwood took the win overall in IRC Class 1, closely followed by the Grand Soleil 44 Samatom, which also won best ISORA yacht.

IRC Class 3 saw the J/99 Snapshot win, as well as the best ICRA Yacht, an excellent success for the crew. Class 2 was won by the overall winner, SL Energies Groupe Fastwave.

J/111—SL Energies Group FastwaveJ/111—SL Energies Group Fastwave Photo: Afloat

We also recently saw great results from Irish and UK J-Boats at Volvo Cork Week 2022.

One hundred ninety-two boats and around 2,000 sailors participated in the Royal Cork Yacht Club event.

Racing was held on five courses for 14 classes, the biggest Cork Week for several years.

Key Yachting’s J99 Jam made the trip to Ireland from Hamble for its first Cork Week.

Samatom—Grand Soleil 44—Winner ICRA nationals at Cork week—Coastal class. Samatom was also 2nd in Class on the Round Ireland race and top Isora boat overall.Samatom—Grand Soleil 44—Winner ICRA nationals at Cork week—Coastal class. Samatom was also 2nd in Class on the Round Ireland race and the top ISORA boat overall. Photo: Afloat

J/112 Happy Daize Photo: Key YachtingJ/112 Happy Daize Photo: Key Yachting

 J/121, DarkwoodJ/121 Darkwood Photo: Rick Tomlinson

Although the sun was out for most of the week, the wind was light and shifty, making for complex racing conditions. Despite the challenges, J/112E Happy Daize won class 1 overall, closely followed by J/111 Journeymaker 2 in 2nd place.

Class 2 racing at Cork Week Photo: Rick TomlinsonClass 2 racing at Cork Week Photo: Rick Tomlinson

John Maybury and his crew from RIYC on the J/109 Joker 2 had a great result, winning Class 2 overall. The J/109 Storm followed in 2nd place, with the J/109 Chimera taking 3rd.

J/109 Journeymaker 2 Photo: Key Yachting J/112 Happy Daize Photo: Key YachtingJ/111 Journeymaker 2 Photo: Key Yachting

The Coastal Class was won by the J/109 Mojito, with the Grand Soleil 44 Samatom winning the Coastal IRC ICRA Class.

J109 Mojito at Volvo Cork Week 2022 Photo: Rick TomlinsonJ109 Mojito at Volvo Cork Week 2022 Photo: Rick Tomlinson

Seeing lots of our clients and owners at both events outstanding.

We look forward to seeing more great racing from J Boats and Grand Soleils this year.

Key Yachting is the agent for both J-Boats and Grand Soleil’s, as well as Nautitech and Tofinou.

For any For information on the Key Yachting brands in Ireland, contact Mark Mansfield at [email protected] or call 00353 872 506 8383

Published in J Boats & Grand Soleil
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Key Yachting, the Irish agent for both J Boats and Grand Soleil, are delighted to note that, along with two Grand Soleil's entered, nine J Boats entered in this year's Round Ireland event commencing this Saturday.

The two Grand Soleils are both well known in Irish racing circles.

Bob Rendell's Grand Soleil 44 Samatom won its class at last year's Sovereigns Cup, and Denis and Anne Marie Murphy's Grand Soleil 40, Nieulargo from Royal Cork, was the 2021 Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race winner.

Both should be in with a good shout if the conditions are to their liking.

Bob Rendell’s Grand Soleil 44 SamatomBob Rendell's Grand Soleil 44 Samatom Photo: Afloat

Of the nine J Boats entered, the one to watch may be Michael O'Donnell's J/121 Darkwood from the Solent, which, along with Michael O'Donnell, will include several other Irish within her crew. Darkwood has been very successful in the RORC races this year.

Andrew Hall from the UK will race his J/125 Jackknife, which can be very competitive, particularly off the wind.

Chris Power Smith's evergreen J122 Aurelia from the Royal St George Yacht Club always shows well.

Michael and Richard Evans will compete in their J99 Snapshot, which won Sovereigns week overall last year. Two J109s, two J111s, plus a J105 make up the nine.

Mark Mansfield, Irish Agent for Key Yachting, wishes all the J Boats and Grand Soleil entries well in the race. Mark will be racing aboard Bob Rendell's Grand Soleil 44.

For further information on any Grand Soleil or J Boat, Mark can be contacted at 087 2506838 or [email protected]

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Key Yachting is already looking forward to September and the exclusive world premiere of the new Grand Soleil 40 at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival.

A fast and responsive boat that reflects its sporting personality in its performance on the water, the new Grand Soleil 40 has all the credentials to replicate the great success of the GS 44 — winner of the last ORC World Championship — while maintaining the feeling of style, elegance and safety seen throughout the range.

Available in both Performance and Race versions, the design once again bears the signature of Matteo Polli.

Key Yachting’s Irish agent Mark Mansfield notes that this new design is following in footsteps of previous successful Grand Soleil 40s such as Nieulargo, winner of ICRA Boat of the Year for 2021 and the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle race.

The lines of the hull and the naval architecture of the GS 40 maintain the strong vocation for performance, without sacrificing volume to the advantage of space and comfort on board. A boat easy to use, luxurious and at the same time competitive and a thrill to sail.

In collaboration with the Nauta Design studio, the layout maximises the volume with fine finishes and timeless design. Below deck, the spaces have been optimised to ensure maximum comfort onboard for the owner and their guests.

As well as the Race and Performance design options, the GS 40 has a three-cabin, one-heads layout and an optional three-cabin, two-heads configuration.

“The design brief for the new Grand Soleil 40 was very similar to that of the GS 44, but with the request to further raise the bar, given the smaller size,” naval architect Matteo Polli says.

“The overall length of 40 feet, one of the most common on the market, presents a great challenge in finding a compromise between internal volumes and sporting characteristics.

“Thanks to the experience gained on the 44 and a well-established team of designers, it was possible to find the perfect combination of performance and comfort.”

Find out more about the new Grand Soleil 40 from Key Yachting HERE. And contact Mark Mansfield at [email protected] or at 00353 872506838.

Published in J Boats & Grand Soleil

Demand for brokerage boats in UK and Ireland is exceeding supply and now is the perfect time to sell your boat with Key Yachting.

There has never been a better time to sell your boat, with yards expected delivery slots creeping well into 2023 for new boats, demand for pre-loved boats has never been greater.

UK Sales director – Hannah Le Prevost “Currently we have clients waiting for new listings to come on to the market and some brokerage models don’t even make it to the open market before they are sold, as demand is so high.”

The Brokerage Market in both UK & Ireland has been very buoyant recently with sales of second-hand J 109, J99, J122, J70 and J 80 all recently completed. Key Yachting Ireland currently has three Brokerage boats under offer and is looking for further performance-orientated and cruising boats to list.

Irish Broker – Mark Mansfield “We have more buyers than sellers, so now is a great time to list with above-market prices being achieved. If you are not planning to use your boat in 2022, why not talk to the Key Yachting team, in UK or Ireland – as It really is a seller’s market!

Juggerknot J 99 —recently sold to a Client in the United StatesJuggerknot J 99 —recently sold to a Client in the United States

Why use Key Yachting to sell your boat?

Key Yachting UK & Ireland has an unrivalled knowledge of J Boats, Grand Soleil, Tofinou, and Nautitech, which not only benefits the seller but the new owner as well. Key Yachting’s Headquarters based in the UK is located in Hamble the home of the UK yachting industry. Its modern office holds a prime position in MDL Hamble Point Marina. Brokerage boats are within view of the office, offering both ease of access for potential clients and first-class care during their time with us.

Wakey Wakey, J 109 recently sold to Kinsale and now called Artful DodgerWakey Wakey - J109 recently sold to Kinsale and now called Artful Dodger

Key Yachting’s Ireland office is operated on a mobile basis, with Broker “Mark Mansfield” travelling to boat locations for valuations and viewings. Key Yachting uses two online marketing forums – Yacht World, the world’s leading brokerage marketing service, where your boat will have maximum exposure to the global boat purchasing market. Additionally, your yacht will be displayed on Key Yachting’s own website alongside the new models and be promoted out via social media.

Key Yachting has built a database of prospective owners, which is unequalled by any other company and produces regular brokerage e-shots with a reach of over 4,000 recipients, in the UK, Ireland, Europe, and Worldwide. Key yachting has years of practical experience in new and used boat sales, the team will be able to analyse the market and advise on market positioning, providing documented details of similar boats sold, and currently on the market, so you know your boat is strategically positioned to sell. Prior to listing your boat, key yachting will usually visit the vessel to complete a thorough checklist of her condition and inventory, allowing us to suggest ideas to improve appearance and saleability keeping costs in mind, as you can only make one first impression.

Photos, video clips and comprehensive video are produced at the earliest opportunity of the sales process, to show the boat at her very best and allow us to share the details with prospective buyers.

Following a successful sale, the Key Yachting team can offer ongoing support to the buyer in the form of spare parts, upgrades, berthing etc.

Key Yachting’s primary business is the sale of new and brokerage boats but Key Yachting also offer marine services including marina berthing, storage ashore, and professional boat maintenance, spares, commissioning, and upgrades.

For more information email Irish Key Yachting Agent, Mark Mansfield: [email protected]

Published in J Boats & Grand Soleil
15th December 2021

Does Size Matter?

Does size matter? The latest sailing innovation from Grand Soleil: the Grand Soleil Long Cruise 72 argues it does!

This is where long-distance sailing meets quality, spaciousness, design and pure performance.

The new Grand Soleil 72 follows the same path as the other Grand Soleil models offering a Long Cruise version as well. The Long Cruise version will be distinguished by its deckhouse characterized by a large 270° view window.

Grand Soleil Long Cruise 72Grand Soleil Long Cruise 72

If you want to find out more about this beautiful yacht click here or contact Irish Grand Soleil Agent, Mark Mansfield at [email protected] , or at 087 250 6838

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About the Irish Navy

The Navy maintains a constant presence 24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout Ireland’s enormous and rich maritime jurisdiction, upholding Ireland’s sovereign rights. The Naval Service is tasked with a variety of roles including defending territorial seas, deterring intrusive or aggressive acts, conducting maritime surveillance, maintaining an armed naval presence, ensuring right of passage, protecting marine assets, countering port blockades; people or arms smuggling, illegal drugs interdiction, and providing the primary diving team in the State.

The Service supports Army operations in the littoral and by sealift, has undertaken supply and reconnaissance missions to overseas peace support operations and participates in foreign visits all over the world in support of Irish Trade and Diplomacy.  The eight ships of the Naval Service are flexible and adaptable State assets. Although relatively small when compared to their international counterparts and the environment within which they operate, their patrol outputs have outperformed international norms.

The Irish Naval Service Fleet

The Naval Service is the State's principal seagoing agency. The Naval Service operates jointly with the Army and Air Corps.

The fleet comprises one Helicopter Patrol Vessel (HPV), three Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), two Large Patrol Vessel (LPV) and two Coastal Patrol Vessels (CPV). Each vessel is equipped with state of the art machinery, weapons, communications and navigation systems.

LÉ EITHNE P31

LE Eithne was built in Verlome Dockyard in Cork and was commissioned into service in 1984. She patrols the Irish EEZ and over the years she has completed numerous foreign deployments.

Type Helicopter Patrol Vessel
Length 80.0m
Beam 12m
Draught 4.3m
Main Engines 2 X Ruston 12RKC Diesels6, 800 HP2 Shafts
Speed 18 knots
Range 7000 Nautical Miles @ 15 knots
Crew 55 (6 Officers)
Commissioned 7 December 1984

LÉ ORLA P41

L.É. Orla was formerly the HMS SWIFT a British Royal Navy patrol vessel stationed in the waters of Hong Kong. She was purchased by the Irish State in 1988. She scored a notable operational success in 1993 when she conducted the biggest drug seizure in the history of the state at the time, with her interception and boarding at sea of the 65ft ketch, Brime.

Type Coastal Patrol Vessel
Length 62.6m
Beam 10m
Draught 2.7m
Main Engines 2 X Crossley SEMT- Pielstick Diesels 14,400 HP 2 Shafts
Speed 25 + Knots
Range 2500 Nautical Miles @ 17 knots
Crew 39 (5 Officers)

LÉ CIARA P42

L.É. Ciara was formerly the HMS SWALLOW a British Royal Navy patrol vessel stationed in the waters of Hong Kong. She was purchased by the Irish State in 1988. She scored a notable operational success in Nov 1999 when she conducted the second biggest drug seizure in the history of the state at that time, with her interception and boarding at sea of MV POSIDONIA of the south-west coast of Ireland.

Type Coastal Patrol Vessel
Length 62.6m
Beam 10m
Draught 2.7m
Main Engines 2 X Crossley SEMT- Pielstick Diesels 14,400 HP 2 Shafts
Speed 25 + Knots
Range 2500 Nautical Miles @ 17 knots
Crew 39 (5 Officers)

LÉ ROISIN P51

L.É. Roisin (the first of the Roisín class of vessel) was built in Appledore Shipyards in the UK for the Naval Service in 2001. She was built to a design that optimises her patrol performance in Irish waters (which are some of the roughest in the world), all year round. For that reason a greater length overall (78.8m) was chosen, giving her a long sleek appearance and allowing the opportunity to improve the conditions on board for her crew.

Type Long Offshore Patrol Vessel
Length 78.84m
Beam 14m
Draught 3.8m
Main Engines 2 X Twin 16 cly V26 Wartsila 26 medium speed Diesels
5000 KW at 1,000 RPM 2 Shafts
Speed 23 knots
Range 6000 Nautical Miles @ 15 knots
Crew 44 (6 Officers)
Commissioned 18 September 2001

LÉ NIAMH P52

L.É. Niamh (the second of the Róisín class) was built in Appledore Shipyard in the UK for the Naval Service in 2001. She is an improved version of her sister ship, L.É.Roisin

Type Long Offshore Patrol Vessel
Length 78.84m
Beam 14m
Draught 3.8m
Main Engines 2 X Twin 16 cly V26 Wartsila 26 medium speed Diesels
5000 KW at 1,000 RPM 2 Shafts
Speed 23 knots
Range 6000 Nautical Miles @ 15 knots
Crew 44 (6 Officers)
Commissioned 18 September 2001

LÉ SAMUEL BECKETT P61

LÉ Samuel Beckett is an Offshore Patrol Vessel built and fitted out to the highest international standards in terms of safety, equipment fit, technological innovation and crew comfort. She is also designed to cope with the rigours of the North-East Atlantic.

Type Offshore Patrol Vessel
Length 90.0m
Beam 14m
Draught 3.8m
Main Engines 2 x Wärtsilä diesel engines and Power Take In, 2 x shafts, 10000kw
Speed 23 knots
Range 6000 Nautical Miles @ 15 knots
Crew 44 (6 Officers)

LÉ JAMES JOYCE P62

LÉ James Joyce is an Offshore Patrol Vessel and represents an updated and lengthened version of the original RÓISÍN Class OPVs which were also designed and built to the Irish Navy specifications by Babcock Marine Appledore and she is truly a state of the art ship. She was commissioned into the naval fleet in September 2015. Since then she has been constantly engaged in Maritime Security and Defence patrolling of the Irish coast. She has also deployed to the Defence Forces mission in the Mediterranean from July to end of September 2016, rescuing 2491 persons and recovering the bodies of 21 deceased

Type Offshore Patrol Vessel
Length 90.0m
Beam 14m
Draught 3.8m
Main Engines 2 x Wärtsilä diesel engines and Power Take In, 2 x shafts, 10000kw
Speed 23 knots
Range 6000 Nautical Miles @ 15 knots
Crew 44 (6 Officers)

LÉ WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS P63

L.É. William Butler Yeats was commissioned into the naval fleet in October 2016. Since then she has been constantly engaged in Maritime Security and Defence patrolling of the Irish coast. She has also deployed to the Defence Forces mission in the Mediterranean from July to October 2017, rescuing 704 persons and recovering the bodies of three deceased.

Type Offshore Patrol Vessel
Length 90.0m
Beam 14m
Draught 3.8m
Main Engines 2 x Wärtsilä diesel engines and Power Take In, 2 x shafts, 10000kw
Speed 23 knots
Range 6000 Nautical Miles @ 15 knots
Crew 44 (6 Officers)

LÉ GEORGE BERNARD SHAW P64

LÉ George Bernard Shaw (pennant number P64) is the fourth and final ship of the P60 class vessels built for the Naval Service in Babcock Marine Appledore, Devon. The ship was accepted into State service in October 2018, and, following a military fit-out, commenced Maritime Defence and Security Operations at sea.

Type Offshore Patrol Vessel
Length 90.0m
Beam 14m
Draught 3.8m
Main Engines 2 x Wärtsilä diesel engines and Power Take In, 2 x shafts, 10000kw
Speed 23 knots
Range 6000 Nautical Miles @ 15 knots
Crew 44 (6 Officers)

Ship information courtesy of the Defence Forces

Irish Navy FAQs

The Naval Service is the Irish State's principal seagoing agency with "a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements". It is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles.

The Naval Service is based in Ringaskiddy, Cork harbour, with headquarters in the Defence Forces headquarters in Dublin.

The Naval Service provides the maritime component of the Irish State's defence capabilities and is the State's principal seagoing agency. It "protects Ireland's interests at and from the sea, including lines of communication, fisheries and offshore resources" within the Irish exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Naval Service operates jointly with the Army and Air Corps as part of the Irish defence forces.

The Naval Service was established in 1946, replacing the Marine and Coastwatching Service set up in 1939. It had replaced the Coastal and Marine Service, the State's first marine service after independence, which was disbanded after a year. Its only ship was the Muirchú, formerly the British armed steam yacht Helga, which had been used by the Royal Navy to shell Dublin during the 1916 Rising. In 1938, Britain handed over the three "treaty" ports of Cork harbour, Bere haven and Lough Swilly.

The Naval Service has nine ships - one Helicopter Patrol Vessel (HPV), three Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), two Large Patrol Vessel (LPV) and two Coastal Patrol Vessels (CPV). Each vessel is equipped with State of the art machinery, weapons, communications and navigation systems.

The ships' names are prefaced with the title of Irish ship or "long Éireannach" (LE). The older ships bear Irish female names - LÉ Eithne, LÉ Orla, LÉ Ciara, LÉ Roisín, and LÉ Niamh. The newer ships, named after male Irish literary figures, are LÉ Samuel Beckett, LÉ James Joyce, LÉ William Butler Yeats and LÉ George Bernard Shaw.

Yes. The 76mm Oto Melara medium calibre naval armament is the most powerful weapon in the Naval Services arsenal. The 76mm is "capable of engaging naval targets at a range of up to 17km with a high level of precision, ensuring that the Naval Service can maintain a range advantage over all close-range naval armaments and man-portable weapon systems", according to the Defence Forces.

The Fleet Operational Readiness Standards and Training (FORST) unit is responsible for the coordination of the fleet needs. Ships are maintained at the Mechanical Engineering and Naval Dockyard Unit at Ringaskiddy, Cork harbour.

The helicopters are designated as airborne from initial notification in 15 minutes during daylight hours, and 45 minutes at night. The aircraft respond to emergencies at sea, on inland waterways, offshore islands and mountains and cover the 32 counties. They can also assist in flooding, major inland emergencies, intra-hospital transfers, pollution, and can transport offshore firefighters and ambulance teams. The Irish Coast Guard volunteers units are expected to achieve a 90 per cent response time of departing from the station house in ten minutes from notification during daylight and 20 minutes at night. They are also expected to achieve a 90 per cent response time to the scene of the incident in less than 60 minutes from notification by day and 75 minutes at night, subject to geographical limitations.

The Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service (FOCNS) is Commodore Michael Malone. The head of the Defence Forces is a former Naval Service flag officer, now Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett – appointed in 2015 and the first Naval Service flag officer to hold this senior position. The Flag Officer oversees Naval Operations Command, which is tasked with the conduct of all operations afloat and ashore by the Naval Service including the operations of Naval Service ships. The Naval Operations Command is split into different sections, including Operations HQ and Intelligence and Fishery Section.

The Intelligence and Fishery Section is responsible for Naval Intelligence, the Specialist Navigation centre, the Fishery Protection supervisory and information centre, and the Naval Computer Centre. The Naval Intelligence Cell is responsible for the collection, collation and dissemination of naval intelligence. The Navigation Cell is the naval centre for navigational expertise.

The Fishery Monitoring Centre provides for fishery data collection, collation, analysis and dissemination to the Naval Service and client agencies, including the State's Sea Fisheries Protection Agency. The centre also supervises fishery efforts in the Irish EEZ and provides data for the enhanced effectiveness of fishery protection operations, as part of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. The Naval Computer Centre provides information technology (IT) support service to the Naval Service ashore and afloat.

This headquarters includes specific responsibility for the Executive/Operations Branch duties. The Naval Service Operations Room is a coordination centre for all NS current Operations. The Naval Service Reserve Staff Officer is responsible for the supervision, regulation and training of the reserve. The Diving section is responsible for all aspects of Naval diving and the provision of a diving service to the Naval Service and client agencies. The Ops Security Section is responsible for the coordination of base security and the coordination of all shore-based security parties operating away from the Naval base. The Naval Base Comcen is responsible for the running of a communications service. Boat transport is under the control of Harbour Master Naval Base, who is responsible for the supervision of berthage at the Naval Base and the provision of a boat service, including the civilian manned ferry service from Haulbowline.

Naval Service ships have undertaken trade and supply missions abroad, and personnel have served as peacekeepers with the United Nations. In 2015, Naval Service ships were sent on rotation to rescue migrants in the Mediterranean as part of a bi-lateral arrangement with Italy, known as Operation Pontus. Naval Service and Army medical staff rescued some 18,000 migrants, either pulling people from the sea or taking them off small boats, which were often close to capsizing having been towed into open water and abandoned by smugglers. Irish ships then became deployed as part of EU operations in the Mediterranean, but this ended in March 2019 amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment in the EU.

Essentially, you have to be Irish, young (less than 32), in good physical and mental health and with normal vision. You must be above 5'2″, and your weight should be in keeping with your age.

Yes, women have been recruited since 1995. One of the first two female cadets, Roberta O'Brien from the Glen of Aherlow in Co Tipperary, became its first female commander in September 2020. Sub Lieutenant Tahlia Britton from Donegal also became the first female diver in the navy's history in the summer of 2020.

A naval cadet enlists for a cadetship to become an officer in the Defence Forces. After successfully completing training at the Naval Service College, a cadet is commissioned into the officer ranks of the Naval Service as a Ensign or Sub Lieutenant.

A cadet trains for approximately two years duration divided into different stages. The first year is spent in military training at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Cork. The second-year follows a course set by the National Maritime College of Ireland course. At the end of the second year and on completion of exams, and a sea term, the cadets will be qualified for the award of a commission in the Permanent Defence Force as Ensign.

The Defence Forces say it is looking for people who have "the ability to plan, prioritise and organise", to "carefully analyse problems, in order to generate appropriate solutions, who have "clear, concise and effective communication skills", and the ability to "motivate others and work with a team". More information is on the 2020 Qualifications Information Leaflet.

When you are 18 years of age or over and under 26 years of age on the date mentioned in the notice for the current competition, the officer cadet competition is held annually and is the only way for potential candidates to join the Defence Forces to become a Naval Service officer. Candidates undergo psychometric and fitness testing, an interview and a medical exam.
The NMCI was built beside the Naval Service base at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, and was the first third-level college in Ireland to be built under the Government's Public-Private Partnership scheme. The public partners are the Naval Service and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and the private partner is Focus Education.
A Naval Service recruit enlists for general service in the "Other Ranks" of the Defence Forces. After successfully completing the initial recruit training course, a recruit passes out as an Ordinary Seaman and will then go onto their branch training course before becoming qualified as an Able Body sailor in the Naval Service.
No formal education qualifications are required to join the Defence Forces as a recruit. You need to satisfy the interview board and the recruiting officer that you possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Defence Forces.
Recruit training is 18 weeks in duration and is designed to "develop a physically fit, disciplined and motivated person using basic military and naval skills" to "prepare them for further training in the service. Recruits are instilled with the Naval Service ethos and the values of "courage, respect, integrity and loyalty".
On the progression up through the various ranks, an Able Rate will have to complete a number of career courses to provide them with training to develop their skills in a number of areas, such as leadership and management, administration and naval/military skills. The first of these courses is the Naval Service Potential NCO course, followed by the Naval Service Standard NCO course and the Naval Service senior NCO course. This course qualifies successful candidates of Petty officer (or Senior Petty Officer) rank to fill the rank of Chief Petty Officer upwards. The successful candidate may also complete and graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership, Management and Naval Studies in partnership with Cork Institute of Technology.
Pay has long been an issue for just the Naval Service, at just over 1,000 personnel. Cadets and recruits are required to join the single public service pension scheme, which is a defined benefit scheme, based on career-average earnings. For current rates of pay, see the Department of Defence website.