Tom MacSweeney
Tom MacSweeney writes a column for Afloat.ie. He is former RTE Marine Correspondent/Presenter of Seascapes and has a monthly Seascapes Podcast on the Community Radio Network and Podcast services
“Making the leap to travel to international events with much bigger fleets and a higher standard allows sailors to hone their sailing and racing skills at another level,” says Bill Thullier of the 420 National Association in an analysis, along…
The Rankin ‘Worlds’ Championships were called off for the second time at the weekend as strong winds again prevented the Cork Harbour fleet from racing. The Cobh-built dinghies had been due to race on Saturday and Sunday from the Royal…
The Secretary-General of the United Nations maritime safety agency, the IMO (International Maritime Organisation), has issued a strong warning about the deterioration of maritime security worldwide. "From the Black Sea to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, this…
“It is shaping up to be a fantastic weekend for the Rankin Worlds in Crosshaven,” say Conor English and Maurice Kidney, organisers of the great ‘Rankin Revival,’ which is planned to reach a height this weekend at the Royal Cork…
The 50-year-old former fishing vessel MV KATE is due to leave Kinsale Fisheries Pier on Sunday afternoon, bound for Gaza in an attempt to breach the Israeli naval blockade and deliver relief supplies to Palestinians. Previous attempts by vessels taking…
The Cork organisers of the Ocean-to-City Race are going worldwide. They have launched the ‘5 Miles From Home’ Virtual Challenge for September 2-6. Taking part is simple, they say, offering a worldwide entry option! Wherever in the world you may…
World-leading Shackleton experts, polar historians, explorers and adventure enthusiasts have been lined up by the organisers of the 26th Shackleton Autumn School to be held in Athy, Co.Kildare, from Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18. Nine experts in their…
The history of Monkstown Bay Sailing Club’s burgee goes back much further than the club's founding in June of 1970. As far back as 1872, members of the public who visit the club this Saturday, when it opens its doors as…
Two Cruise Ships at the Same Time Mark a Busy End to Season at Bantry
13th August 2026 Cruise Liners
Bantry Bay had a 'first' of two cruise ships at the same time as its ‘cruise ship visitor season came to an end.’ "The sight of two cruise vessels was both unusual and welcoming, demonstrating the Bay’s capacity to accommodate…
RNLI's Atlantic 85 MK4 Upgrade Will Enable More Cohesive and Efficient Searches
11th August 2026 RNLI Lifeboats
The RNLI has published details about the upgrading of the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat to the Atlantic 85 MK4. “The Atlantic 85 is the third generation of B-class lifeboat. Its predecessors were the Atlantic 21 and Atlantic 75. With over…
Kerry solo sailor Pat Lawless will leave Dingle on Monday afternoon bound for France as he begins the final stage of his preparations for the 2026 Golden Globe Race. Lawless must arrive at Les Sables-d'Olonne by 10 August to complete…
Shannon Foynes Port Company has secured a major regulatory approval for its proposed Foynes Island Deepwater Development Project. The decision clears an important milestone for one of Ireland's most significant planned port infrastructure schemes. The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA)…
While confirming a number of flood relief measures in Cork, as reported on Afloat.ie, Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran has left Leeside business people less satisfied with his statement that a tidal barrier to protect Cork City from flooding…
The Marconi Cup, the premier junior team-racing regatta for sailors aged 18 and under will be sailed in Glandore Harbour, West Cork, next Sunday, July 26. Teams from Glandore Harbour Yacht Club, Baltimore, Bantry, Crookhaven and Schull will sail in…
The Bertolleti Trophy Race at Kinsale YC on Friday night, raced in memory of the legendary Club Steward, was won by Stephen Lysaght’s Elan 333 Reavra Too in a corrected time of 48 minutes and 59 seconds under ECHO handicap.…
The Black Tom Trophy Race at Kinsale Yacht Club gets its name from the 'Black Tom' navigational buoy in Courtmacsherry Bay which is a rounding mark in the annual event. The All-In ECHO handicap Spinnaker race is scheduled for this…
MV Matthew Leaves Cork Bound for Black Sea Grain Trade After Three-Year Stay
17th July 2026 Port of Cork
The MV Matthew, the cargo ship at the centre of Ireland's largest-ever drugs seizure, left Cork Harbour under tow on Friday evening, bound for Varna, Bulgaria, where it is expected to undergo refit before returning to commercial service carrying grain…
The refurbished Soviet-era Admiral Nakhimov could become the world's most heavily armed surface warship, serving as the flagship of Russia's Northern Fleet. The ship was first visible in satellite imagery in Kola Bay on June 25. Kola Bay, also called…
After sailing around the world single-handed Cork’s Polish/Irish sailor, Jakub Ziemkiewicz, has decided to change his mind from never racing alone again on such a voyage. He is starting a four-year campaign to enter the McIntyre Golden Globe Race, also…
The Rankin Dinghy 'Worlds' scheduled for this weekend in Cork Harbour have been postponed because forecast weather conditions were considered too severe for the fleet. Organisers said the decision followed discussions with the Officer of the Day. Although the forecast…
