Afloat.ie Team
Afloat.ie is Ireland's dedicated marine journalism team.
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Kinvara Harbour Hosts Fleadh na gCuach This May Bank Holiday Weekend
1st May 2024 Maritime Festivals
Fleadh na gCuach or the Cuckoo Fleadh will transform the south Galway Harbour of Kinvara over this coming May bank holiday weekend. The traditional music and community-based art festival is known for its vibrant ambiance and exceptional talent, attracting musicians…
May Day used to be such a focus of seasonal celebration that it's almost unfortunate it has been collared for use as the international maritime distress call-sign. But for now, with this very recently taken photo, we'll revert to celebration…
New Tourism Ireland Campaign Invites German Holidaymakers to Explore Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and the River Shannon
1st May 2024 Aquatic Tourism
Tourism Ireland in Germany is rolling out a new campaign to promote Ireland’s Hidden Hidden Heartlands and cruising holidays on the River Shannon. This year, 240 inland cruisers on the Shannon are switching to sustainable HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fuel,…
Fishers Reminded of Safety Requirements for Use of Cranes and Lifting Equipment
1st May 2024 Fishing
The Department of Transport has issued a reminder to fishing vessel owners, skippers and crew of the safety requirements for the use of cranes and other lifting equipment on deck. In comes after a recent Marine Casualty Invesigation Board (MCIB)…
Call for 2025 & 2026 Applications for Ship Time on Ireland’s Research Vessels Now Open
1st May 2024 Marine Science
Applications are currently being accepted for ship time on Ireland’s national marine science research vessels in 2025 and 2026. In addition to the RV Tom Crean and RV Celtic Explorer, time is also offered on the ROV Holland I as…
Foyle Port Prepares for Record-Breaking Cruise Season with Six Inaugural Calls
30th April 2024 Foyle Port
Derry-Londonderry's Foyle Port is gearing up for a busy cruise season, with nine cruise liners expected to visit the port between May and September, including six inaugural calls. The Port is celebrating its 170th anniversary this year and is set…
Marine Institute's Explorers Education Programme Recognised for Promoting Ocean Literacy at Primary School Level
30th April 2024 Marine Science
The Marine Institute’s Explorers Education Programme has been recognised for promoting ocean literacy and driving marine education at the primary school level. The programme's annual Ocean Literacy, Engagement & Impact Report highlights a range of activities available to schools, supporting…
31 Skippers to Set Sail from New York in Qualifying Race for Vendée Globe
30th April 2024 Vendee Globe
On May 29, 31 skippers from around the world will set sail from New York towards the Vendée, for the final qualifying and selection race to qualify for the Vendée Globe: the most challenging sailing race around the world. The…
Leading Transat CIC Contender Jérémie Beyou on His Way to Lorient with Forestay Damage
30th April 2024 Solo Sailing
Jérémie Beyou, one of the top hopes for the Transat CIC solo race from Lorient to New York, is returning to Lorient after his J2 forestay was damaged. The skipper of Charal made the decision to turn around after discussions…
Crossroads Community Centre in Cong in County Mayo will be the venue for a boating safety event on Wednesday, 8th May, from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The free event, organised by Safe Water Training, is open to all and…
Wicklow Sailing Club's Lift-in of Boats Signals Round Ireland Race is Fast Approaching
30th April 2024 Round Ireland
Over the weekend, Wicklow Sailing Club successfully completed their lift-in of sailing cruisers, paving the way for the much-anticipated SSE Renewables Round Ireland Yacht Race on June 22nd. More than 40 boats have already signed up, and it is expected…
From Tuesday until Saturday Irish solo skipper Tom Dolan will compete out of Les Sables d’Olonne in the Solo Maître CoQ, the second of five events counting for the 2024 French Elite Offshore Racing Championship. “The crewed transatlantic race was a…
Arranmore Lifeboat Goes to Aid of Sailor After Yacht Gets Into Difficulty
29th April 2024 RNLI Lifeboats
Arranmore RNLI’s volunteer crew were roused in the early hours of Sunday morning (28 April) by Malin Head Coast Guard to assist a sailor onboard a yacht that lost power 18 miles west of the Co Donegal island. The initial…
A Surefire Cure for Seasickness and Other Tips from Former Lightkeeper Gerald Butler, Now Hosting Visitors to Galley Head For The Irish Landmark Trust
30th April 2024 Wavelength Podcast
Look for a surefire cure for seasickness, and no better person to ask than someone who worked on a lightship off the Irish coast. Lightship duty was both tough and boring, highly dangerous during wartime, and particularly hard on the…
After a sunny, spectacular start, the 48 solo sailors taking part in the Transat CIC had to deal with the first windy and bumpy night at sea, crossing a front with 30 plus knots of wind and a rough sea…
Seven UK national governing bodies of water-based sports have announced they’re coming together to form an alliance calling for clean open water across the UK. The Clean Water Sports Alliance of Angling Trust, British Rowing, British Triathlon, GB Outrigger, Paddle…
The intensity of the 59th Congressional Cup, the opening event for the 2024 World Match Racing Tour, reached its peak today as USA’s Chris Poole and his Riptide Racing team won his second consecutive Congressional Cup and Crimson Blazer. Poole…
France, Germany and Great Britain Top Paris 2024 Olympic Regatta Qualification Numbers
29th April 2024 Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing
At least 63 nations will be represented across 10 events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing Regatta this summer after qualifying concluded at last week's Last Chance Regatta in Hyères, south of France. The action will begin in Marseille on…
‘Layers of Dublin Port’ Mapped for First Time in New Conservation Strategy
30th April 2024 Dublin Port
Dublin Port Company (DPC) has mapped its rich natural, industrial, and cultural heritage in a new Conservation Strategy, which Minister of State Malcolm Noonan, TD, launched today. The ambitious document maps Dublin Port's layers, including findings on the floor of…
Killaloe Sailing Club in County Clare played host to the highly anticipated GP14 Munster Championships, the first championship of 2024. The event drew 27 teams from across Ireland to experience the excitement and charm of sailing on Lough Derg. For…
