Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Over 75 Per Cent of Seabird Species Breeding in Ireland Have Increased
16th November 2023 Marine Wildlife
Over three-quarters of seabird species breeding in Ireland have increased, with only two species declining, according to a census just published. The “Seabirds Count” census shows that Ireland is particularly important for species such as Roseate Tern and European Storm-petrel…
Cross Channel Record Holders Become Nacra 17 Euro Champions
16th November 2023 Northern Ireland Waters
The UK catamaran pairing that set the fastest cross-channel time between Northern Ireland and Scotland in September have become European Champions in the mixed Nacra 17 class. Great Britain's Anna Burnet and John Gimson clinched the title at a light-weather edition…
In late October and early November, Foyle College became the latest and final school to complete the 2023 Foyle and Carlingford Ambassador Programme after a week of engagement and educational workshops across the Foyle catchment area. On the Monday, 21…
Kennedy and Kane Produce the Goods on Day Two of RS400 Winter Series at Royal North of Ireland YC
13th November 2023 RS Sailing
Week two of the RS400 Winter Series at Royal North of Ireland YC series on Belfast Lough arrived dank and dismal on Sunday with light rain and a forecast including 29-knot gusts; what a contrast to the previous bright and…
Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club Crew Enjoyed JOG Success Until Penelope was Dismasted
12th November 2023 Northern Ireland Waters
Until his Dehler 34 Penelope was dismasted competing in The Junior Offshore Group (JOG) racing in the Round the Isle of Wight race earlier this year, Peter McConnell, an outport member of Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club on Belfast Lough…
Vaughans Lead RS400 Winter Series After Three Races at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club
7th November 2023 RS Sailing
Counting a 3,2,4, Ross and Andrew Vaughan lead the RS400 fleet by one point on Belfast Lough after the first day of racing in the Winter Series trophy hosted by the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club. Lying second on…
Former Portaferry RNLI Crew Member Heather Kennedy is New Lifeboat Operations Manager
6th November 2023 RNLI Lifeboats
A former lifeboat crew member who joined the volunteer team at Portaferry RNLI on Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland in 1980 when she was just 17 has recently returned to her hometown, where she has now taken up the reins…
NI Schools and Young People Complete Foyle and Carlingford Ambassador Programme
31st October 2023 Environment
Following July’s programme of events, the Foyle & Carlingford Ambassador summer programme was completed after a week of engaging and educational workshops across the Carlingford catchment this August. Young people signed up from across the catchment to take part. A…
The RS400 Winter Series returns to Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club for its 17th Year on Belfast Lough next weekend. Resuming this Sunday (5th November) and running until the 17th of December, the series concludes with the infamous Christmas…
RYANI Performance Manager to Speak in Second RYA Connected Online Session
30th October 2023 RYA Northern Ireland
Hear from the RYANI’s performance manager Andrew Baker in the second RYA Connected Online session on Monday 27 November, where the focus will be on the talent and performance pathways for sailing in Northern Ireland. The evening session will provide an…
Restrictions Lifted at Lough Neagh Beauty Spot After Discovery of Suspected Wartime Munition
27th October 2023 Northern Ireland Waters
Restrictions have been lifted at Oxford Island in Co Armagh after the discovery of a suspected wartime munition. The object has since been made safe after its examination by specialist PSNI officers at the Lough Neagh beauty spot and nature…
'Free to a Good Home' - Appeal to Find New Homes for Two Ballyholme Bay Project Yachts
25th October 2023 Historic Boats
Two Ballyholme Bay yachts, which would make a great match-racing pair, need a new home (or homes). They are 22 ft plank-built sloops which were built on the Clyde in approximately 1939 for members of Ballyholme Yacht Club on Belfast…
Local anglers have said it could take years for stocks to recover after a major fish kill in a Northern Ireland river. According to BBC News, it’s believed hundreds of juvenile salmon were lost as a result of a slurry…
Campaigners Appealing Dismissal of Legal Challenge to Larne Lough Gas Cavern Plans
22nd October 2023 Northern Ireland Waters
Local campaigners are taking their challenge against proposed gas caverns under Larne Lough to the Court of Appeal, following its dismissal by the High Court in August. As previously noted on Afloat.ie, all seven grounds of the legal challenge brought…
Ten RS Fevas from clubs around Belfast Lough rounded off their season with a Final Fling at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club recently. After the initial strong wind died down to just in time to allow the event to…
Waterways Ireland Confirms Daily Operation of Portora Lock on Erne System
18th October 2023 Inland Waterways
Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels and inland waterways users that Portora Lock on the Erne System is currently operation. The lock will be operated daily from 8am to 10.30pm. During these times, a lock-keeper will be present and will…
