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Ocean Economy — Ireland's seafood industry remains a cornerstone of coastal communities, supporting almost 16,000 jobs as the sector adapts to lower quotas, tighter supplies and changing global markets.
Ireland’s seafood sector saw a sharp contraction in landing volumes in 2025 but continued to deliver growth in value, according to Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). This demonstrated “strong global demand even as supply tightened”, its latest Business of Seafood report says. Landing volumes…
Safety First — Round Ireland Race competitor Stephen Breen poses alongside Spirit of Shackleton in Wicklow ahead of the race start, supporting the Irish launch of the Swiss-developed Airmarker marine distress location system.
A Swiss-developed marine safety device designed to improve search-and-rescue operations at sea is being launched in Ireland at the start of the Round Ireland Yacht Race in Wicklow this weekend. Airmarker, a balloon-based location system, will make its Irish debut…
Timber Traveller — The Hartley 27 Tidesong under way. Designed by renowned New Zealand naval architect Richard Hartley, the four-berth cruiser is now offered for sale in Howth Harbour for €14,000.
A classic Hartley 27 cabin cruiser with a recent marine survey and a guide price of €14,000 has come onto the market in Howth Harbour in North Dublin. The vessel, named *Tidesong*, is a traditional wooden cruiser based on plans…
UK Sailmakers Ireland is delighted to announce a major expansion of our market area and local network. Moving forward, our operations will officially extend to cover Scotland, Wales, and Northern England, significantly broadening our regional footprint. This growth aligns perfectly with the…
File image of the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich
“Surreal” is how a British couple sailing across the English Channel described their encounter with a Russian warship that fired warning shots near their vessel. According to Marine Industry News, retirees Alan and Jane Kelvey were sailing their 12m yacht…
Cruising Value — The immediate-delivery Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 combines modern styling, easy handling and a cruising specification designed for extended family sailing.
A Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 available for immediate handover is being offered with savings of more than €50,000, according to the seller. With more than 450 examples sailing worldwide, the Oceanis 40.1 has established itself as one of Beneteau's most successful…
“No
When Imperial Russia went to war with Imperial Japan in 1904, most of the Russian Navy was based in the Baltic and had to be sent off on the Grand Imperial Voyage right round Africa, and just about everwhere else,…
Custom Fit Edge — North Sails is promoting its bespoke sail design service, offering sailors personalised advice, custom quotations and tailored sail plans to match individual boats and performance goals.
North Sails has launched a campaign encouraging sailors to seek personalised sail solutions tailored to their boats and sailing ambitions. The sailmaker is offering custom quotations backed by expert advice, with recommendations tailored to boat specifications, sailing style, and performance…
Trusted Waters — Afloat has reported on Irish sailing, boating and maritime affairs for more than 60 years, from its early print editions to today’s digital marine news platform.
Trust in news in Ireland has fallen significantly over the past year, according to the Digital News Report Ireland 2026 published by Coimisiún na Meán. The annual study shows that 42% of Irish people say they trust most news most…
Bay Story — Passengers gather aboard a Dublin Boat Tour RIB in Dún Laoghaire ahead of a special Bloomsday cruise tracing James Joyce landmarks around Dublin Bay and the River Liffey.
James Joyce's Dublin will be explored from a different angle this Bloomsday with two special boat tours around Dublin Bay and the River Liffey. Dublin Boat Tour, operating from the Irish National Sailing & Powerboat School in Dún Laoghaire, has…
Beacon Of Courage — Charlie Dalin celebrates his record-breaking Vendée Globe triumph. Tributes from around the world have honoured the French sailor's achievements, courage and lasting legacy.
Tributes have poured in from across the sailing world following the death of French offshore racing star Charlie Dalin, the reigning Rolex World Sailor of the Year who received the sport's highest honour in Dún Laoghaire last year. Dalin died…
St Marks’s Campanile provided an impressive backdrop for the Beneteau Gran Turismo 50’s in-water debut during the recent Venice Boat Show
Beneteau’s Gran Turismo 50 made her international in-water debut during the 2026 edition of the Salone Nautico Venezia from 27-31 May at the historic Arsenale di Venezia. Venice offered a unique backdrop for this first public appearance afloat, setting up…
United Voice — Delegates from across Europe gather in Istanbul for the 2026 European Boating Industry General Assembly, where members discussed sustainability, market intelligence and future priorities for the recreational boating sector.
The European Boating Industry (EBI) has expanded its membership and outlined future priorities at its 2026 General Assembly in Istanbul, Turkey. Hosted by the Yacht and Boat Industry Association of Turkey (YATED), the meeting brought together representatives from across Europe's…
Harbour Hustler — Quarter Tonner Bandit, a familiar performer on Cork Harbour and Kinsale race courses, is now on the market in Crosshaven with trailer, sail inventory and racing upgrades included.
A well-known Cork Harbour and Kinsale racer has come onto the market with an asking price of €5,950. Bandit, a Modified Bolero Quarter Tonner designed by David Thomas and built by Nick Stratton Yachts Ltd, is currently for sale through…
West Marine’s Buffalo, NY store
US boat retail chain West Marine is closing 59 stores as it files for bankruptcy, as Marine Industry News reports. A court hearing is scheduled for Thursday (11 June) as the beleaguered company attempts to restructure with an “omnichannel” model,…
Next Generation — Sea Cadets and volunteers gather aboard HMS Belfast during The Big Help Out 2026, highlighting youth development, volunteering and the preservation of maritime heritage.
Eighty Sea Cadets stepped aboard HMS Belfast in London for The Big Help Out, taking part in a day of learning and creativity with volunteers from Imperial War Museums (IWM). Hands-On History: Cadets took part in interactive activities aboard HMS…

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