Menu

Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

Displaying items by tag: Irish registered vessels

#NEWBUILDS-Two of the latest newbuilds for Arklow Shipping, one built in Spain and the second ship  comleted from a South Korean shipyard,  both entered service late last year and raises the fleet total to 44 vessels.

The northern Spanish built Arklow Forest became the 10th 'F' class vessel which was launched from Astilleros de Murueta SA. She is a 2,998grt vessel with a  single-box hold with two portable bulkheads which can be placed into 10 positions for cargo separation. Her main engine plant is a MAN 6L27/38 2040kW gearbox with CPP, delivering about 12 knots.

Also entering service in late 2011 the Arklow Moor a 13,975dwt newbuild which formed the fifth in the series of 'M'-class vessels and she was built in South Korea by the Mokpo Shipyard Corporation. The class have four holds with a total grain capacity of 18,110 m3. They are fitted with a MaK 6M 43C main engine, 5,400kW, Jake reduction gearbox and Rolls Royce CPP which delivers about 14 knots.

Both newbuilds are registered in their owner's homeport and are Irish  flagged. Of the 44-strong fleet, the  majority of vessels (34) are managed by Arklow Shipping and the balance of vessels (11) are run by Arklow Shipping N.V.

Published in Ports & Shipping

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.