Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
As previously reported on Afloat.ie, James Nixon's Strangford Lough Yacht Club's River Class history was published in December last and has proved so popular that a re-print of another 100 copies has been ordered. Already 50 of these have been…
Four Out of Five British Boat Owners May Quit Long-Term Cruising in EU Waters
24th March 2021 Cruising
A survey carried out amongst Cruising Association (CA) members who keep their boats on the rivers and canals of Schengen countries has revealed that 80% are likely to sell their boats and give up cruising altogether, or move their base…
Seven Sailing Clubs in Northern Ireland Get Sports Sustainability Funding
23rd March 2021 Northern Ireland Waters
Seven sailing clubs in Northern Ireland have been awarded funding totalling £174,343 through the Department of Communities Sports Sustainability Fund. They are Ballyholme who got the largest sum at £49,138, Carlingford Lough - £3,957, Carrickfergus SC - £29,716, Down Cruising…
“It Could Easily Be You” Warn Those Who Have Been Rescued by HM Coastguard (Video)
23rd March 2021 Coastguard
Coastguards across the UK are warning those planning to go anywhere near the coast or beaches over the Easter period to be on their guard. Conditions at sea or on coastal land can change very quickly and unexpectedly, making it…
Humboldt Penguins Arrive at Exploris Aquarium on Strangford Lough
23rd March 2021 Northern Ireland Waters
Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry on Strangford Lough has welcomed new residents. Fourteen Humboldt Penguins from the Curraghs Wildlife Park in the Isle of Man are settling well in their new home. Exploris illustrates and exhibits the large variety of animals…
The RNLI has been working with partners behind the scenes through the challenges of lockdown to recruit, train and prepare their lifeguards for what is expected to be another busy summer on Northern Ireland’s beaches. The charity will deliver their…
Northern Ireland Dinghy Sailors Battling for Final Spots at 2021 Olympic Games
22nd March 2021 Northern Ireland Waters
Three Northern Ireland sailors are all battling for a place at the Tokyo Olympic Regatta with qualification events taking place this week and in the next few weeks. Ryan Seaton, Oisin McClelland and Liam Glynn have been training for over…
49er Sailor Ryan Seaton Could Miss Birth of Child Trying to Qualify for Tokyo Olympics
21st March 2021 Tokyo 2020
Northern Ireland Olympic sailor Ryan Seaton of Carrickfergus Sailing Club is set to miss the birth of his first child in his bid to reach the Olympic Games in Tokyo. As Afloat previously reported, Seaton and team-mate Seafra Guilfoyle along…
Entries for the world-famous Round the Island Race opened at 00.01 this morning, 19 March. Organised by the much-respected Island Sailing Club, the Round the Island has always been one of the UK’s largest participation sporting events and regularly attracts…
RYA Northern Ireland Seek Further Clarity on Red Diesel Withdrawal from Recreational Boaters
16th March 2021 RYA Northern Ireland
The Royal Yachting Association of Northern Ireland (RYA Northern Ireland), together with British Marine and the Cruising Association, met yesterday with representatives from HM Revenue and Customs and HM Treasury to discuss the difficulties for private pleasure craft in Northern…
The volunteer crew at Newcastle RNLI in Co Down returned to sea recently after normal training exercises had to be curtailed due to Covid-19. While the station has remained fully operational throughout the pandemic and volunteers have remained on call…
Where's the White Diesel? No Options for Leisure Boaters in Northern Ireland Says Cruising Association
16th March 2021 Northern Ireland Waters
From 30 June non-commercial vessels wishing to refuel in Northern Ireland must do so with white diesel. What’s the snag? There are no marine white diesel pumps in Northern Ireland, and demand is insufficient for commercial operators to make provision…
British Marine & RYA Highlight New Costs of Trading Second-Hand Boats Between the UK & EU
8th March 2021 Marine Trade
Following the release of the UK - EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement British Marine and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) have been working to understand the impact of various aspects of the agreement on both the marine industry and recreational…
Only a few days after Carrybridge RNLI which operates on Upper Lough Erne, received a generous donation from the Enniskillen Royal Boat Club, its Atlantic 85 Inshore lifeboat answered a shout yesterday (7th) to help a vessel with two people onboard…
Enniskillen Royal Boat Club Rowers Donate to Carrybridge RNLI on Lough Erne
7th March 2021 RNLI Lifeboats
It’s 580 km from Malin Head to Mizen Head and this was the distance covered by members of the Enniskillen Royal Boat Club in a fund-raising virtual row in aid of the Carrybridge RNLI on Lough Erne and Action Mental…
Hundreds of recreational boat owners in Northern Ireland could be affected by an HM Treasury decision outlining that from June they will be required to use white diesel instead of red. As part of the Spring Budget announcement, the UK…