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Trade News
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,…
Fjord Factor — An aerial view of Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, often called the ‘Norway of Arabia’, shows the deeply indented coastline that has fuelled renewed discussion of a short canal linking inlets south of the Strait of Hormuz.
Construction of  a very short canal in Oman on the southern side of the Strait of Hormuz could help to solve current issues with shippingsince the US invasion of Iran, according to economist Pablo Rodas-Martini.Writing on LinkedIn, the former chief…
Driving Transition — Philip Easthill, Secretary-General of European Boating Industry, says a technology-neutral approach supported by infrastructure and investment is essential to the sector's energy transition.
European Boating Industry (EBI) has published a new roadmap outlining how marina infrastructure can support the energy transition in recreational boating across Europe. The document, titled Energy Transition for Recreational Boating in Europe: A Roadmap for Alternative Fuel Infrastructure, sets…
Coastal Comfort – Dubarry’s new women’s UV and Sun Protection Clothing range combines Riviera technical polo styling with lightweight crew shorts designed for active sailing and warm-weather cruising.
Dubarry has launched a new women’s UV and Sun Protection Clothing range aimed at sailors and watersports enthusiasts ahead of the summer season. The collection combines technical performance with casual styling and includes new women’s crew shorts alongside the Riviera…
With the racing season well underway, UK Sailmakers Ireland are looking forward to the next big events including the Round Ireland Race, Cork Week and Calves Week. We have had a super busy season! J/109 Artfull Dodjer IRL 1713 with…
Sun Shield – Dubarry’s new Men’s UV and Sun Protection Clothing range combines the Imperia technical shorts with a lightweight long-sleeved polo designed for summer sailing and watersports.
Dubarry has expanded its Men’s UV and Sun Protection Clothing range with the launch of new technical sailing shorts and a lightweight performance polo. The new collection is aimed at sailors and watersports users seeking lightweight clothing with built-in protection…
Signal Strength – Garmin’s new Signal VHF marine radios combine touchscreen controls, AIS integration and compact helm design to improve offshore communication and onboard safety.
Garmin has launched a new range of compact marine VHF radios designed to improve onboard communication and situational awareness. The new Garmin Signal VHF 400 and VHF 220 feature a slimline design with a 3.5-inch colour touchscreen and edge-to-edge glass…
Changing Harbours — Offshore energy support activity alongside leisure craft at Dún Laoghaire highlights the growing overlap between marine recreation, marina operations and offshore development.
The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) has raised concerns that parts of Ireland’s leisure marine and marina sector risk being overlooked within the evolving marine spatial planning process linked to offshore renewable energy development. In correspondence with the Department responsible for…
“Future
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The United Nations agency for the sea has adopted the first-ever international code of safety for the use of autonomous ships. The IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee is meeting in London at its 111th session, which…
“EU
The European Commission has published new guidance on customs and VAT rules for recreational craft across the EU. The guidance was welcomed by the European Boating Industry (EBI) and the European Boating Association (EBA), which said the document provides long-awaited…
“Bicentenary
Cowes Week has announced North Sails as its new title sponsor ahead of the regatta’s 200th anniversary in 2026. North Sails Cowes Week 2026 will take place from 1–7 August, with more than 500 boats already entered for the bicentenary…
“Orange
A new Swiss-designed marine safety device aimed at improving search and rescue visibility at sea has launched in Ireland at Dún Laoghaire Harbour. AirMarker, an aerial distress marker that deploys a bright orange helium balloon above the waterline, made its…
“Sail
North Sails has launched a new early-order campaign aimed at boat owners planning ahead for the 2026 sailing season. The promotion encourages customers to secure new sails before the end of May, with delivery scheduled for August. Advertising material released…
“Craft
The Wooden Boat Stage will return to the Southampton International Boat Show in 2026 with an expanded presence following its debut success last year. The show takes place from September 18th to 27th, and organisers say the enlarged stage will…
“Wave
Dubarry has launched a new range of waterproof sailing trainers aimed at delivering grip, comfort and support both on and offshore. The trainers are designed for active sailing and watersports use, combining lightweight construction with quick-drying performance and enhanced deck…
Harbour Haven: Aerial view of Schull Harbour in West Cork with moored yachts and sheltered waters along Ireland’s scenic southwest coastline
The European Parliament has backed key measures supporting boating and nautical tourism in its latest tourism strategy resolution. The report was adopted in Brussels by 439 votes to 42, with 129 abstentions, signalling strong political support for the sector. Lawmakers…