Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
![East Antrim Boat Club Prizegiving Celebrations 2023 (from left to right) Zoe Whitford, Tom Coulter, Mayor Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, Jenna Reid and Lucy Whitford East Antrim Boat Club Prizegiving Celebrations 2023 (from left to right) Zoe Whitford, Tom Coulter, Mayor Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, Jenna Reid and Lucy Whitford](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000B0lLPyvDM5w/s/635/I0000B0lLPyvDM5w.jpg)
East Antrim Boat Club Prizegiving Celebrates Successful Keelboat and Dinghy Season
25th November 2023 Northern Ireland Waters
East Antrim Boat Club at Larne in County Antrim, Northern Ireland recently celebrated a successful Keelboat and Dinghy series at its annual prizegiving. The keelboat series was raced across four months, from May to August, with an overall winner each…
![Times past - the Snipe dinghy Valkyria sailing on Lough Erne. The boat has been stored indoors for years and is now offered 'at no cost' as a restoration project Times past - the Snipe dinghy Valkyria sailing on Lough Erne. The boat has been stored indoors for years and is now offered 'at no cost' as a restoration project](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I00003mF4hTF.VwM/s/767/I00003mF4hTF.VwM.jpg)
Snipe Dinghy 'Valkyria' Restoration Project is Offered on Lough Erne
23rd November 2023 Historic Boats
Sailing enthusiasts around Lough Erne in County Fermanagh have a proud record of restoring old boats as well as building new craft in traditional designs. Some years ago, the late Fred Ternan set up a small organisation called Lough Erne…
![Newcastle RNLI Coxswain Gerry McConkey, mechanic Shane Rice and crew members Lochlainn Leneghan, Declan McClelland, Karl Brannigan and Declan Barry have all received a framed RNLI Chief Executive commendation for their efforts that saw them launch their all-weather lifeboat and go to sea for 10 hours in weather conditions that deteriorated to gale force nine winds and rough seas Newcastle RNLI Coxswain Gerry McConkey, mechanic Shane Rice and crew members Lochlainn Leneghan, Declan McClelland, Karl Brannigan and Declan Barry have all received a framed RNLI Chief Executive commendation for their efforts that saw them launch their all-weather lifeboat and go to sea for 10 hours in weather conditions that deteriorated to gale force nine winds and rough seas](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000IPY7J24jUBo/s/767/I0000IPY7J24jUBo.jpg)
Six Newcastle RNLI Crew Recognised for Bringing Capsized Rowing Boat Crew to Safety in Gale Force Winds
22nd November 2023 RNLI Lifeboats
Six crew members from Newcastle RNLI in County Down have been recognised for their courage, determination and teamwork in bringing the crew of a racing rowing boat to safety after it capsized off Ardglass Harbour in June last year. Coxswain…
![Pictured Left to Right – Tom Bell (Lifeboat Press Officer) Laura (Manager Co-Op Ballyholme) Bryan Lawther (Bangor RNLI) Murdo Murrey (Co-Op Community Charities Representative) Pictured Left to Right – Tom Bell (Lifeboat Press Officer) Laura (Manager Co-Op Ballyholme) Bryan Lawther (Bangor RNLI) Murdo Murrey (Co-Op Community Charities Representative)](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000k6Cu0LrZ9nc/s/767/I0000k6Cu0LrZ9nc.jpg)
Bangor RNLI Lifeboat Benefits from Belfast Lough's Community Generosity
22nd November 2023 RNLI Lifeboats
Bangor RNLI station on Belfast Lough is one of three local charities in Bangor and Ballyholme to benefit from the generosity of the local community. On Monday, 20 November, volunteers from Bangor RNLI were delighted to be presented with a…
![The Rivers Trust logo The Rivers Trust logo](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000YM.8V.Bvkd0/s/500/I0000YM.8V.Bvkd0.jpg)
River Conservation Charity Calls for Real-Time Sewage Alerts in Northern Ireland
22nd November 2023 Northern Ireland Waters
The Rivers Trust supports the findings of new report that rings alarm bells about the critical state of water quality management in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. The Surfers Against Sewage Water Quality Report for 2023 says that in Northern…
![Satellite view of Lough Neagh, which was “choked” by blooms of toxic blue-green algae in the summer of 2023 Satellite view of Lough Neagh, which was “choked” by blooms of toxic blue-green algae in the summer of 2023](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I00003pd3DzunStQ/s/500/I00003pd3DzunStQ.jpg)
Experts Say Years Before Impact of Toxic Algal Blooms on Lough Neagh is Fully Understood
19th November 2023 Northern Ireland Waters
Warning signage is being removed from locations around Lough Neagh following this past summer’s blooms of toxic blue-green algae. But as BBC News reports, it could be years before the ecological impact on the lough is fully understood. Ulster Angling…
![File image of Carrybridge RNLI’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat and rescue water craft File image of Carrybridge RNLI’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat and rescue water craft](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I00002NCgjxQhaU4/s/500/I00002NCgjxQhaU4.jpg)
Following their fellow Northern Ireland lifeboat volunteers in Larne, as reported last month on Afloat.ie, the crew at Carrybridge RNLI will feature in the latest series of Saving Lives at Sea on BBC Two at 8pm next Thursday 23 November.…
![The Black-legged Kittiwake has declined by 42% since the last census, but the population in Northern Ireland “bucks this trend” and shows an increase of 33%, according to a published census The Black-legged Kittiwake has declined by 42% since the last census, but the population in Northern Ireland “bucks this trend” and shows an increase of 33%, according to a published census](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000.xADKJnRaxg/s/767/I0000.xADKJnRaxg.jpg)
Over 75 Per Cent of Seabird Species Breeding in Ireland Have Increased
16th November 2023 Marine Wildlife
Over three-quarters of seabird species breeding in Ireland have increased, with only two species declining, according to a census just published. The “Seabirds Count” census shows that Ireland is particularly important for species such as Roseate Tern and European Storm-petrel…
![Top of the Nacra 17s - Anna Burnet and John Gimson’s bid for Paris 2024 gold enjoyed a timely boost as they were crowned Nacra 17 European champions for the second time in three years Top of the Nacra 17s - Anna Burnet and John Gimson’s bid for Paris 2024 gold enjoyed a timely boost as they were crowned Nacra 17 European champions for the second time in three years](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000LIr7vs5Q09o/s/767/I0000LIr7vs5Q09o.jpg)
Cross Channel Record Holders Become Nacra 17 Euro Champions
16th November 2023 Northern Ireland Waters
The UK catamaran pairing that set the fastest cross-channel time between Northern Ireland and Scotland in September have become European Champions in the mixed Nacra 17 class. Great Britain's Anna Burnet and John Gimson clinched the title at a light-weather edition…
![Foyle College Ambassadors were engaged in river and woodland habitat studies in Ness Woods Foyle College Ambassadors were engaged in river and woodland habitat studies in Ness Woods](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000dEs4AI1nyp8/s/500/I0000dEs4AI1nyp8.jpg)
In late October and early November, Foyle College became the latest and final school to complete the 2023 Foyle and Carlingford Ambassador Programme after a week of engagement and educational workshops across the Foyle catchment area. On the Monday, 21…
![Ross and Andrew Vaughan are the overall leaders of the RS400 Winter Series at Royal North of Ireland YC on Belfast Lough Ross and Andrew Vaughan are the overall leaders of the RS400 Winter Series at Royal North of Ireland YC on Belfast Lough](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000I3.bl7KEUvo/s/767/I0000I3.bl7KEUvo.jpg)
Kennedy and Kane Produce the Goods on Day Two of RS400 Winter Series at Royal North of Ireland YC
13th November 2023 RS Sailing
Week two of the RS400 Winter Series at Royal North of Ireland YC series on Belfast Lough arrived dank and dismal on Sunday with light rain and a forecast including 29-knot gusts; what a contrast to the previous bright and…
![The Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club crew competing in JOG from left to right, Peter McConnell, Phil Clandillon and Gavin Doig The Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club crew competing in JOG from left to right, Peter McConnell, Phil Clandillon and Gavin Doig](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000RJnMezym82c/s/767/I0000RJnMezym82c.jpg)
Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club Crew Enjoyed JOG Success Until Penelope was Dismasted
12th November 2023 Northern Ireland Waters
Until his Dehler 34 Penelope was dismasted competing in The Junior Offshore Group (JOG) racing in the Round the Isle of Wight race earlier this year, Peter McConnell, an outport member of Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club on Belfast Lough…
![The winners of day one, Ross and Andrew Vaughan, at the RS400 Winter Series at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club The winners of day one, Ross and Andrew Vaughan, at the RS400 Winter Series at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000PD1g6o4AxdU/s/767/I0000PD1g6o4AxdU.jpg)
Vaughans Lead RS400 Winter Series After Three Races at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club
7th November 2023 RS Sailing
Counting a 3,2,4, Ross and Andrew Vaughan lead the RS400 fleet by one point on Belfast Lough after the first day of racing in the Winter Series trophy hosted by the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club. Lying second on…
![Heather Kennedy officially took up the Lifeboat Operations Manager position at Portaferry on 12 October 2023 Heather Kennedy officially took up the Lifeboat Operations Manager position at Portaferry on 12 October 2023](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I00004riW4uVaHgU/s/767/I00004riW4uVaHgU.jpg)
Former Portaferry RNLI Crew Member Heather Kennedy is New Lifeboat Operations Manager
6th November 2023 RNLI Lifeboats
A former lifeboat crew member who joined the volunteer team at Portaferry RNLI on Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland in 1980 when she was just 17 has recently returned to her hometown, where she has now taken up the reins…
![Summer Ambassadors get an introduction to the programme in Newry and hike to Cloughmore Stone overlooking Carlingford Lough Summer Ambassadors get an introduction to the programme in Newry and hike to Cloughmore Stone overlooking Carlingford Lough](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000qk60JCBEWMg/s/500/I0000qk60JCBEWMg.jpg)
NI Schools and Young People Complete Foyle and Carlingford Ambassador Programme
31st October 2023 Environment
Following July’s programme of events, the Foyle & Carlingford Ambassador summer programme was completed after a week of engaging and educational workshops across the Carlingford catchment this August. Young people signed up from across the catchment to take part. A…
![This year, competitors are coming from near and far fro the RS400 Winter Series at Cultra; aside from the home RNIYC fleet, joining them will be RS400s from Carrick, Ballyholme, Strangford, Newcastle, Coleraine, Antrim and Dublin! With at least one helm flying over each weekend from London This year, competitors are coming from near and far fro the RS400 Winter Series at Cultra; aside from the home RNIYC fleet, joining them will be RS400s from Carrick, Ballyholme, Strangford, Newcastle, Coleraine, Antrim and Dublin! With at least one helm flying over each weekend from London](https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000ATVJin0sBFc/s/767/I0000ATVJin0sBFc.jpg)
The RS400 Winter Series returns to Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club for its 17th Year on Belfast Lough next weekend. Resuming this Sunday (5th November) and running until the 17th of December, the series concludes with the infamous Christmas…