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Classic Calling: Deerhound, the 50ft Hood-designed ketch once owned by the Guinness family of Howth, is on the market in Co Waterford after around 15 years in indoor storage.
One of Ireland's best-known classic cruising yachts has returned to the market. The 50ft ketch Deerhound, formerly owned by the Guinness family of Howth, is being offered for sale in Co Waterford with an asking price of €35,000. The Hood-designed…
Reef Revival: A vibrant coral reef illustrates the rich marine ecosystems explored in Dr Peter Vine's new audiobook, which reflects on 50 years of coral reef science, environmental change and the prospects for recovery.
The complexity of the richest coral reefs on the planet is the theme of an audiobook version of marine scientist Dr Peter Vine’s authoritative work.Growth and Decay of Coral Reefs: 50 Years of Learning is a summary of how reefs…
Harbour Buzz: Visitors explore the Barcelona International Boat Show at Port Vell, where expanded water sports, diving and boating experiences will headline the 2026 event.
The Barcelona International Boat Show will return to Port Vell from 14 to 18 October with an expanded programme designed to appeal to a broader boating audience. Now in its 63rd edition, Spain's leading boating exhibition will introduce new exhibition…
Blueprint for Change: Consultant Kieran Mulvey's review recommends establishing a standalone Department of the Marine alongside sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening Ireland's seafood sector.
Consultant Kieran Mulvey made the recommendation in a report prepared for Minister of State for Fisheries Timmy Dooley to inform a new five-year strategy for the fisheries sector under the Programme for Government. Mulvey said discussions across the sector consistently…
Adventure Ready — The all-new Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin combines all-weather protection, high-speed performance and versatile cruising, with the redesigned model now available from MGM Boats.
The all-new Axopar 29 range is now available from MGM Boats, bringing a significant update to one of Europe's best-known adventure boat designs. Leading the new line-up is the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin, a versatile all-weather cruiser that builds…
Search Zone: Locator map showing the last reported position of the Irish-flagged sailing yacht Maple at 37°05′N, 19°00′E in the Ionian Sea. Graphic: Afloat.ie
An international search is underway for the Irish-flagged sailing yacht Maple after Italian and Greek maritime rescue authorities issued an all-ships distress broadcast seeking assistance from vessels in the Ionian Sea. The search is being coordinated by the Italian Maritime…
Wear It Well: The official Cork Week 2026 Musto collection includes performance apparel and accessories designed for sailors ashore and afloat, with embroidered event branding throughout the range.
The official Cork Week 2026 Musto clothing collection has gone on sale, with the full range now available online ahead of next week's regatta. CH Marine is once again the official supplier of event merchandise, offering a selection of Musto-branded jackets,…
Trade Up – North Sails is encouraging owners to upgrade to new custom sails with a summer trade-in promotion, offering preferential pricing on orders placed before 31 July.
North Sails is encouraging boat owners to trade in older sails and upgrade to new ones this summer through a limited-time promotion running until 31 July. The campaign offers preferential pricing on new sails for sailors looking to improve performance,…
Ocean Agenda – Ireland hosts a two-day EU Ocean Act conference in Wexford this week, bringing together policymakers, researchers and stakeholders to examine the future of European ocean governance.
EU ocean diplomacy is one of the themes of a conference on the EU Ocean Act in Wexford this week. The two-day conference at the National Opera House in Wexford has been planned as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency programme.…
Bay Break — Tall ship Maybe lies peacefully at anchor in Scotsman's Bay before weighing anchor to continue her 2026 Sail Training Ireland programme around the Irish coast.
The classic sail training vessel Maybe has resumed her Irish summer programme after spending the night at anchor in Scotsman's Bay on the south side of Dublin Bay. The 1933-built gaff-rigged ketch provided an eye-catching sight beneath Killiney Hill before…
Cruising Classic — The 1983 Hallberg-Rassy 352 Passade is lying in Kilrush, Co Clare, and comes to the market with a 2022 Vetus 42hp engine, extensive upgrades and an asking price of €59,500.
A well-maintained 1983 Hallberg-Rassy 352 cruiser has been listed for sale through Crosshaven Boatyard with an asking price of €59,500. Currently lying in Kilrush, Co Clare, Passade has been in the same ownership since 2007 and has benefited from significant…
Record Run — Sir Robin Knox-Johnston's 60-foot catamaran British Airways I powers away from Dublin Bay at the start of its successful 1986 Round Ireland speed record attempt.
Forty years after Sir Robin Knox-Johnston set a new Round Ireland speed record, the achievement will be celebrated at a special anniversary event at the National Yacht Club in Dún Laoghaire on Thursday evening. The event marks the 40th anniversary…
European Forum — Delegates from 18 European countries met in Sweden to discuss environmental regulation, waterway access, boating safety, alternative fuels and future policy affecting recreational boating.
Environmental regulation, boating safety and the future of sustainable propulsion were among the key topics discussed at the latest meeting of the European Boating Association (EBA). Delegates from 18 countries met in Sweden in April 2026 to review financial, governance…
Aegean Bound — Xcalibur Team HYC will contest the 2026 Rolex Aegean 600 aboard a chartered XR 41, taking on a 605-nautical-mile offshore challenge against a 76-boat international fleet.
A Howth Yacht Club crew will represent Ireland in the 2026 Aegean 600 when the international offshore race starts from Athens, Greece, on Sunday, 5 July. Skipper Darren Wright leads Xcalibur Team HYC in the 605-nautical-mile race, which begins at…
Port Progress — Belfast Harbour reported turnover of £97.1 million and underlying profit before tax of £44.4 million in 2025, with major investment planned under its 2050 Masterplan.
Belfast Harbour has reported another year of strong financial performance and major investment, according to its 2025 Annual Report. Turnover increased by 10.2% to £97.1 million, while underlying profit before tax rose 21% year-on-year to £44.4 million. The Trust Port…
Cruising Confidence — North Sails has launched its new NPL TOUR cruising sail service, combining custom sail design with long-term durability, an extended warranty and premium aftercare for cruising sailors.
North Sails has launched its new NPL TOUR cruising sail service, aimed at sailors seeking durable, custom-built sails for coastal and offshore cruising. The company says the new offering combines advanced sail design with lightweight, durable materials to provide long-term…

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