Displaying items by tag: Blue Crab

12th March 2021

Public Urged To Be On the Lookout for Invasive Blue Crab

The blue crab found on Dollymount Strand on 15 February

Beach walkers have been urged to keep a lookout for invasive blue crab after a recent sighting in Dublin Bay.

As the Irish Examiner reports, the National Biodiversity Day Centre says a specimen was found on Dollymount Strand on 15 February, with a claw from the same species found on the same beach this past Tuesday (9 March).

It marks the first sighting of the crab, which is native marine wildlife on the US east coast, in Irish waters — though it has become established as an invasive species in the Mediterranean.

It’s as yet unknown whether the blue crab originated from the food trade, came as a stowaway in a ship’s hull or arrived by other means.

But the situation has prompted a call for vigilance by the public walking in coastal areas around Ireland — and for photographic evidence of any possible sighting.

The Irish Examiner has more on the story HERE.

Published in Marine Wildlife

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About the TP52 Racing Yacht

The TP52 racing yacht is a remarkable example of cutting-edge technology in the world of competitive yachting. Measuring 52 feet (15.85 metres) in length, this vessel is constructed entirely from carbon fibre, making it an incredibly light and agile craft.

The TP52 features a 6.25-metre high rig, complete with a fractional asymmetrical spinnaker and a self-tacking jib. This design reduces the workload of the crew, allowing for more efficient manoeuvres and freeing up the crew to focus on the mainsheet upwind and on two-sail reaches.

The spinnaker rigging set-up, measuring 15.00 m2, presents a challenge to even the most experienced crews, requiring them to be fit and perfectly coordinated. Maneuvering the boat requires athleticism due to the vessel's lack of inherent stability and the high speed generated by the fully battened mainsail and jib.

The TP52's hull is constructed of fibreglass-reinforced polyester in a foam sandwich layout, resulting in a weight of just 74kg. The fully battened mainsail and jib are made from a transparent Mylar laminate with orange or red Dacron trimming, while the spinnaker is manufactured from ripstop Nylon.

The mast is made up of three parts, featuring an aluminium bottom and middle section, with a polyester-fibreglass composite tip to increase mast bend and decrease overall weight. The capsizing moment, which can be generated by a heavy mast tip, is also reduced through this design. The TP52's foils are constructed from either aluminium or fibreglass, depending on the specific requirements of the vessel.

Overall, the TP52 racing yacht is an exceptional example of the latest advancements in yacht design and technology. Its lightweight construction, advanced rigging, and high-speed capabilities make it a top contender in the world of competitive yachting, challenging even the most skilled and experienced crews.