Afloat – Ireland's Sailing and Boating Magazine
The boss of P&O Ferries admitted at a Westminster committee hearing, that he couldn't live on the £4.87 an hour some of its crew are paid, he told MPs at the Houses of Parliament. Chief executive Peter Hebblethwaite also revealed at…
Container Operator BG Freight Line Launches Greenest Newbuild Vessels to Drive Sustainability
8th May 2024 Ports & Shipping
Short-sea container feeder operator BG Freight Line has unveiled its greenest ships yet with four new lo-lo vessels that will help its customers significantly reduce their carbon emissions. The new ships will use a state-of-the-art scrubber to catch CO2 and…
Stena Line to Increase Cargo Capacity by 30% on Twin ‘4-Runner’ Class Vessels
8th May 2024 Stena Line
On behalf of Swedish ferry operator Stena Line, Stena RoRo has signed a conversion contract with China Merchants Jinling (Weihai) Shipyard for the installation of an additional cargo deck on board the Stena Foreteller and a twin, Stena Forerunner. The…
The Corncrake population has increased by 35 per cent in the past five years, particularly in breeding areas on the Atlantic seaboard. The numbers of Corncrakes recorded in the core breeding areas of Donegal, Mayo and Galway has increased by…
The New York Yacht Club American Magic rolled out its new AC75, named 'Patriot' for the 37th America's Cup Competition in Barcelona, Spain. The deck layout places the helms and trimmers side by side and well forward. The boat has…
Cunard’s Newest Ship Sails to Southampton for Inaugural Visit & Maiden Voyage
8th May 2024 Cruise Liners
Cunard Line’s Queen Anne, the newest cruise ship addition to their prestigious fleet, arrived in the UK at the Port of Southampton. This historic moment took place on the last day of April, and the occasion marks the first time…
In a dramatic rescue operation, a sheep fell from a ledge in the Waterford Estuary and was saved from being engulfed by the rising tide. The incident occurred on Wednesday, prompting the Irish Coast Guard to dispatch the volunteer lifeboat…
A new Offshore Nesting Bird Census (ONBC) has been initiated by the North Sea oil and gas industry to research how endangered seabirds use oil and gas platforms for nesting and rearing chicks. The census which has been created by…
New Opportunities With RNLI Fundraising Roles in Dublin and Down and on Causeway Coast
8th May 2024 RNLI Lifeboats
Applications are now open to become one of the RNLI’s face-to-face fundraisers along the Causeway Coast in Antrim, and in counties Down and Dublin. This vital role helps the lifesaving charity reach thousands of people every year, sharing safety messages…
The Department of Transport has been advised by Donegal County Council that it intends to begin refurbishment works at Rathmullan Pier and viaduct on the Fanad Peninsula north-east of Letterkenny. These works are starting with immediate effect and will be…
Waterways Ireland wishes advises masters of vessels on and users of the Shannon Navigation that the Office of Public Works’ hydrometric section is holding a water flow measurement regatta next Wednesday 15 May. The event will take place from 8am…
RNLI Trustee and Coxswain Paddy McLaughlin of Red Bay Receives Ireland Medal for Drowning Prevention
8th May 2024 RNLI Lifeboats
RNLI trustee and Red Bay lifeboat coxswain Paddy McLaughlin has been presented with the Lifesaving Foundation’s Ireland Medal in recognition of his outstanding work in saving lives from drowning. The medal was presented by Commodore Micheal Malone, Flag Officer Commanding…
Fastwave, the French 2022 winner of the SSE Renewables Round Ireland Race, is returning to defend its title. The addition of SL Energies Groupe Fastwave to the race has bolstered the already strong line-up. Skipper Laurent Charmy will sail his…
Dickson and Waddilove Lead Irish Hopes and Selection Trials at 49er Europeans
8th May 2024 Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing
The outcome of the final Irish Olympic sailing selection trial for Paris 2024 remains finely balanced between two rivals after the first qualifying races in La Grande Motte in the South of France. Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove from Dublin's Howth Yacht Club and Skerries…
Inis Oírr's Hazardous Pier and Water Rationing On Agenda for Meeting With Local Authority
8th May 2024 Island News
The dangerous situation of Inis Oírr pier is due to be discussed at a meeting between the island co-op and Galway County Council officials today (Wed). The local authority’s islands committee is travelling to Inis Oírr, weather permitting, for discussions.…
Pip Hare’s Vendée Globe campaign is sailing into some choppy waters with news that the veteran offshore solo sailor needs more funding by this summer or the boat likely won’t race in November. As Marine Industry News reports, Hare’s team…
Youghal RNLI’s lifeboat volunteers in East Cork launched twice over the May Bank Holiday weekend, to join the rescue efforts for a boat aground on rocks and a kayaker in difficulty. Late on Saturday afternoon (4 May) the crew were…
Irish Melges 15 Fleet Set to Double with Arrival of a Dozen New Melges into Howth Yacht Club
7th May 2024 Melges 15
Howth Yacht Club in Ireland is set to receive a full container of 12 Melges 15s next week, as the class continues to grow rapidly. This arrival will double the Irish fleet to 24 boats, with a strong fleet of…
Rob Craigie’s Round Ireland Ready Sun Fast 3600 Bellino is RORC Myth of Malham Race Winner
7th May 2024 RORC
The overall winner of RORC Myth of Malham Race, after IRC time correction, was June's Round Ireland Race entry Rob Craigie’s Sun Fast 3600 Bellino, racing Two-Handed with RORC Commodore Deb Fish. It's another win of a RORC points championships…
Smart's J109 'Jukebox' is Warsash Winner Spring Championships Winner in Build Up to European Champs on Dublin Bay
7th May 2024 J109
Cork Harbour tactician Mark Mansfield maybe setting his sights on the upcoming European Championships, as part of the JCup Ireland at the Royal Irish Yacht Club on Dublin Bay and the IRC European Championships the following weekend at the same…