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Displaying items by tag: Irish Coast Guard (ICG)

#PORTS & SHIPPING – One of the world's largest and most advanced ultra deepwater installation and cable laying construction vessels, the AMC Connector arrived into Dublin Bay this morning, having picked-up a pilot offshore of the Baily Lighthouse, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The Norwegian flagged 19,000 tonnes vessel which was only launched last year is capable of operating in waters beyond 3,000m. She is fitted with Dynamic Positioning (DP3) technology, which allows the vessel to maintain a precise and constant position using satellite technology while operating in harsh weather conditions.

AMC Connector is able to install power cables and umbilicals using its two heave-compensated offshore cranes and a VLS system with pay-load capacity of 9,000 tonnes. There are two carousel turntables for the cables, one capable of handling 6,000mt above deck and the second of 3,000mt capacity is sited below deck. There are two remotely operated vehicles (ROV) and a single centred moonpool in addition to two sliding to the port side.

The 156m ship has accommodation for up to 140 personnel plus a hospital. In front of the bridge and directly above the bow is a heli-deck which is designed for Sikorsky S-92 type helicopters. This is the same type of helicopter that was recently introduced as the new SAR helicopter for the Irish Coast Guard (ICG).

The red-hulled vessel is part of a modern fleet operated by the EMAS AMC, which is an Olso based offshore contractor offering subsea construction, installation, maintenance, repair and decommissioning services. They specialise in complex projects in any environment throughout the world.

Published in Ports & Shipping

The Half Ton Class was created by the Offshore Racing Council for boats within the racing band not exceeding 22'-0". The ORC decided that the rule should "....permit the development of seaworthy offshore racing yachts...The Council will endeavour to protect the majority of the existing IOR fleet from rapid obsolescence caused by ....developments which produce increased performance without corresponding changes in ratings..."

When first introduced the IOR rule was perfectly adequate for rating boats in existence at that time. However yacht designers naturally examined the rule to seize upon any advantage they could find, the most noticeable of which has been a reduction in displacement and a return to fractional rigs.

After 1993, when the IOR Mk.III rule reached it termination due to lack of people building new boats, the rule was replaced by the CHS (Channel) Handicap system which in turn developed into the IRC system now used.

The IRC handicap system operates by a secret formula which tries to develop boats which are 'Cruising type' of relatively heavy boats with good internal accommodation. It tends to penalise boats with excessive stability or excessive sail area.

Competitions

The most significant events for the Half Ton Class has been the annual Half Ton Cup which was sailed under the IOR rules until 1993. More recently this has been replaced with the Half Ton Classics Cup. The venue of the event moved from continent to continent with over-representation on French or British ports. In later years the event is held biennially. Initially, it was proposed to hold events in Ireland, Britain and France by rotation. However, it was the Belgians who took the ball and ran with it. The Class is now managed from Belgium. 

At A Glance – Half Ton Classics Cup Winners

  • 2017 – Kinsale – Swuzzlebubble – Phil Plumtree – Farr 1977
  • 2016 – Falmouth – Swuzzlebubble – Greg Peck – Farr 1977
  • 2015 – Nieuwport – Checkmate XV – David Cullen – Humphreys 1985
  • 2014 – St Quay Portrieux – Swuzzlebubble – Peter Morton – Farr 1977
  • 2013 – Boulogne – Checkmate XV – Nigel Biggs – Humphreys 1985
  • 2011 – Cowes – Chimp – Michael Kershaw – Berret 1978
  • 2009 – Nieuwpoort – Général Tapioca – Philippe Pilate – Berret 1978
  • 2007 – Dun Laoghaire – Henri-Lloyd Harmony – Nigel Biggs – Humphreys 1980~
  • 2005 – Dinard – Gingko – Patrick Lobrichon – Mauric 1968
  • 2003 – Nieuwpoort – Général Tapioca – Philippe Pilate – Berret 1978

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