Menu

Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

Displaying items by tag: Unique Venue

#ChampionsLeague - The south Welsh port of Newport has been transformed into a bespoke accommodation and events space due to increased demand from visitors arriving this weekend (2nd – 4th June) for the Champions League Final.

An area of quayside on the South Dock has been transformed into a custom-built events and activity space by French events company, Hopscotch Groupe, on behalf of their client Nissan.

Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) Magellan which Afloat adds is making direct cruises from Dublin beginning this Monday, will be berthed in the Welsh port as a unique accommodation experience for guests of the event.

This inventive use of the port was a result of collaborative working between ABP South Wales, Cruise and Maritime Voyages, and Hopscotch Groupe. It provides an innovative solution to a problem that arose due to the increase in demand for accommodation and events space in the region during this peak period.

The port of Newport covers 685 acres of land and is owned and operated by ABP South Wales. It has excellent links to the nearby M4 and direct rail locations.

Ralph Windeatt, Port Manager, ABP South Wales said: “The port of Newport was chosen to host this events space due to its fantastic location. Strong road, rail, and sea links made it a natural choice as its uniquely positioned to offer a wide-variety of services to customers, including those that are non-cargo related.”

With a fleet of five cruise ships, Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) is Britain's leading independent cruise line. CMV offer a traditional cruise experience sailing from more UK ports than any other cruise operator. The 46,052grt Magellan can accommodate up to 1250 guests providing a wide range of comfortable lounges and leisure facilities.

CMV Commercial Director Chris Coates said ‘We are delighted that our cruise ship Magellan was chosen by Hopscotch for Nissan to accommodate their guests in Newport. Not only has this made it possible for all their guests to stay at the same location, we believe that Magellan will provide a truly unique venue and experience.”

Published in Cruise Liners

Irish Sailing

The Irish Sailing Association, also known as Irish Sailing, is the national governing body for sailing, powerboating and windsurfing in Ireland.

Founded in 1945 as the Irish Dinghy Racing Association, it became the Irish Yachting Association in 1964 and the Irish Sailing Association in 1992.

Irish Sailing is a Member National Authority (MNA) of World Sailing and a member of the Olympic Federation of Ireland.

The Association is governed by a volunteer board, elected by the member clubs. Policy Groups provide the link with members and stakeholders while advising the Board on specialist areas. There is a professional administration and performance staff, based at the headquarters in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

Core functions include the regulation of sailing education, administering racing and selection of Irish sailors for international competition. It is the body recognised by the Olympic Federation of Ireland for nominating Irish qualified sailors to be considered for selection to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games. Irish sailors have medalled twice at the Olympics – David Wilkins and Jamie Wikinson at the 1980 games, and Annalise Murphy at the 2016 games.

The Association, through its network of clubs and centres, offers curriculum-based training in the various sailing, windsurfing and powerboating disciplines. Irish Sailing qualifications are recognised by Irish and European Authorities. Most prominent of these are the Yachtmaster and the International Certificate of Competency.

It runs the annual All-Ireland Championships (formerly the Helmsman’s Championship) for senior and junior sailors.

The Association has been led by leading lights in the sailing and business communities. These include Douglas Heard, Clayton Love Junior, John Burke and Robert Dix.

Close to 100 sailors have represented Ireland at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Membership of Irish Sailing is either by direct application or through membership of an affiliated organisation. The annual membership fee ranges from €75 for families, down to €20 for Seniors and Juniors.