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Displaying items by tag: Storm Betty

Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels and waterways users that the Grand Canal’s Circular Line in Dublin (Lock C1 through to Lock C7) is now reopened.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the Circular Line had been closed to navigation due to fallen trees across the canal in the aftermath of Storm Betty in mid August.

Published in Inland Waterways

Waterways Ireland advises all masters of vessels and waterways users that the Grand Canal’s Circular Line in Dublin (Lock C1 through to Lock C7) is currently closed to navigation due to fallen trees across the canal in the aftermath of Storm Betty at the weekend.

The cross-border body for Ireland’s inland waterways did not provide a timeframe for the line’s reopening but said it “apologies for any inconvenience caused”.

Published in Inland Waterways

The Clontarf Baths have been left “destroyed” by the impact of Storm Betty as it passed over Ireland late on Friday and early Saturday (18-19 August), as RTÉ News reports.

A lifeguard at the baths who joined the clean-up operation on Saturday morning said damage caused is “very upsetting” and it could be up to a fortnight before the baths are returned to normal.

“It’s paradise working here, and to see it like this after the work we’ve put in to keep it clean and safe, and it’s just destroyed,” Anne Miller said.

Boats from nearby Clontarf Yacht & Boat Club were also damaged by the storm, with a wooden Kestrel that’s been in the club for nearly 50 years among three vessels affected.

Across Dublin Bay in Dun Laoghaire, a Cape 31 was blown off its hard-standing cradle and into the water, where it was later retrieved by crane.

RTÉ News has more on the story HERE.

Published in Weather

As Storm Betty approaches Ireland, the Irish Coast Guard is issuing important advice for those engaging in water-based or coastal activities. According to Met Éireann, a deepening Atlantic depression is expected to bring very strong winds with heavy rain or showers across the country through this evening and night, and for a time on Saturday.

The strongest winds are predicted to hit southern coastal and midland counties, with severe or damaging gusts possible. Heavy rain or showers may also result in localized flooding, and there is a possibility of coastal flooding, particularly on the south and east coasts.

"Marine warnings have been updated to include a Status Red Storm warning"

Marine warnings have been updated to include a Status Red Storm warning from Carnsore Point, Co. Wexford, to Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, to Mizen Head, Co. Cork. South to southeast winds, veering south-westerly will reach storm force 10 and occasionally violent storm force 11 for a time on Irish coastal waters from Carnsore Point to Dungarvan to Mizen Head. There is also a status yellow Gale warning for all coasts of Ireland.

The Irish Coast Guard strongly advises those planning any water-based or coastal activities to check the weather carefully at www.met.ie and consider if the conditions are suitable. Strong winds can result in relatively rough seas, resulting in perilous sea conditions that could be challenging for water-based activities this weekend.

In stormy conditions, the general advice from the Coast Guard is to stay back from cliffs, exposed coastal areas, and piers where breaking waves can be hazardous. If you see someone in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and request the Coast Guard. Stay safe and stay informed during Storm Betty.

Published in Coastguard
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The Round Britain & Ireland Race

The 2022 Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race will feature a wide variety of yachts racing under the IRC rating rule as well as one design and open classes, such as IMOCA, Class40 and Multihulls. The majority of the fleet will race fully crewed, but with the popularity of the Two-Handed class in recent years, the race is expected to have a record entry.

The Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race starts on Sunday 7th August 2022 from Cowes, Isle of Wight, UK.

The 2022 Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race is organised by The Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with The Royal Yacht Squadron.

It is run every four years. There have been nine editions of the Round Britain and Ireland Race which started in 1976 Sevenstar has sponsored the race four times - 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and has committed to a longterm partnership with the RORC

The 2022 Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race is a fully crewed non-stop race covering 1,805 nautical miles and is open to IRC, IRC Two Handed, IMOCA 60s, Class40s, Volvo 65s and Multihulls that will race around Britain and Ireland, starting from the Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes on the Isle of Wight starting after Cowes Week on Sunday 7 August 2022

The last edition of the race in 2018 attracted 28 teams with crews from 18 nations. Giles Redpath's British Lombard 46 saw over victory and Phil Sharp's Class40 Imerys Clean Energy established a new world record for 40ft and under, completing the course in 8 days 4 hrs 14 mins 49 secs.

The 1,805nm course will take competitors around some of the busiest and most tactically challenging sailing waters in the world. It attracts a diverse range of yachts and crew, most of which are enticed by the challenge it offers as well as the diversity and beauty of the route around Britain and Ireland with spectacular scenery and wildlife.

Most sailors agree that this race is one of the toughest tests as it is nearly as long as an Atlantic crossing, but the changes of direction at headlands will mean constant breaks in the watch system for sail changes and sail trim

Sevenstar Round Britain & Ireland Race Records:

  • Outright - OMA07 Musandam-Oman Sail, MOD 70, Sidney Gavignet, 2014: 3 days 03:32:36
  • Monohull - Azzam Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, VO 65, Ian Walker, 2014: 4 days 13:10:28
  • Monohull All-Female - Team SCA, VO 65, Samantha Davies, 2014: 4 days 21:00:39
  • Monohull 60ft or less - Artemis Team Endeavour, IMOCA 60, Brian Thompson/Artemis Ocean Racing, 2014: 5 days 14:00:54
  • Monohull 40ft or less – Imerys Clean Energy, Class40, Phil Sharp, 2018: 8 days 4:14:49