Tom MacSweeney
Tom MacSweeney writes a column for Afloat.ie. He is former RTE Marine Correspondent/Presenter of Seascapes and now has a monthly Podcast on the Community Radio Network and Podcast services
The Royal Cork YC is hoping to re-establish the ‘Mixed Dinghies’ Class at the Crosshaven-based club in Cork Harbour. “Having been very quiet for a few years, the mixed dinghy fleet is making a comeback this season,” the club has…
42 sailors have now entered the next Global Solo Challenge which will start from La Coruna in Spain, the first boats setting off in September of next year. The 42nd entrant, announced this week is Italian Riccardo Tosetto, a yachting…
The Russian-flagged general cargo vessel, Pola Anatolia, has arrived at Foynes Port in County Limerick after a seven-day voyage from Kaliningrad. The Baltic port of Kaliningrad is the only ice-free port of Russia. It is home to the headquarters of…
There are over 5,000 superyachts in the world, of which Russian oligarchs own a relatively small number – over 50 according to estimates. These are subject to sanctions by the EU and the USA and a number have been seized…
Kinsale Yacht Club has launched its Under 25 Team’s J24 and named it ‘Kinsailor.’ The boat is the last J24 to have been built by Jeremy Rogers, who also built Contessas, on the Isle of Wight. “At 31 years old…
Seven thousand people from forty countries are reported to have signed a petition protesting planning permission for a wind farm overlooking the historic spot where the River Lee begins its course to the sea at Cork Harbour. The petition describes…
An exhibition about the Naval Service has opened at the Passage West Maritime Museum, recounting how the Cork Harbour village has been a strong provider of Navy personnel. Intriguingly, it includes a detailed account of 21 years’ service by local…
Common Fisheries Policy Review Group Seen as a Response to Increased Pressure from Fishing Industry
10th February 2022 Fishing
The announcement by Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue that he is establishing a Common Fisheries Policy Review Group is being seen as a response to increased pressure from the fishing industry for a strong level of preparation for changes in the…
The crew of Jarlath Cunnane’s expedition yacht Northabout which sailed expeditions to the Northwest and Northeast Passages is to protest outside the Russian Embassy in Dublin on Wednesday at 2 pm for one hour to highlight the plight of a…
The International Paralympic Committee has outlined the terms and timeline for sports seeking inclusion in the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, USA World Sailing CEO, David Graham, says the international federation for the sport is putting “the reinstatement of…
I’m encouraged by the opening of the Under 25 support programme for the season ahead. It is a further positive step towards bridging the gap through which young sailors were lost to the sport. That was when they wanted to…
Where will marine protected areas and marine conservation zones be located in Irish coastal waters and what effects will they have on sailing, watersports generally, angling, commercial fishing, shipping? The Marine Environment Section in the Water Division of the Department…
Marine Casualty Investigation Board Tells Clubs to Audit Their Safety Systems
30th December 2021 Tom MacSweeney
The annual report of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) for last year came a bit late this year to make as much impact as it could. It arrived in my email at the start of the month, a time…
Many of my memories from fifty years of journalism in all sectors of the media, from local weekly newspapers, to national dailies, radio and television, involve lifeboat stations. In tragedy and celebration that has been the focus of coastal communities,…
There is no doubt that youth involvement is key to the future of sailing. So it is wise for clubs to devote attention to developing youth sailing leading, hopefully, to onward transition into adult boats and classes and cruiser racing.…
“Personnel Issues Are a Blind Spot in the Coast Guard”- John O’Mahony, Volunteers Representative Association
12th November 2021 Tom MacSweeney
John O’Mahony, Chairman of the first representative association for Coast Guard volunteers, says that “Personnel issues are the worst failing in the Coast Guard. It’s like a blind spot.” He was Deputy Officer-in-Charge of the Toe Head Unit, originally the…
Monkstown Bay Sailing Club's Dinghy Racing Season Ends in Cork Harbour
8th November 2021 Monkstown Bay Sailing Club
Monkstown Bay Sailing Club's dinghy racing ended for the season on Saturday, with the conclusion of the October League in Cork Harbour which had extended into November to finish a series of eight races. Laser sailor Ronan Kenneally was the…
Former Commodore Dave Sullivan of Kinsale Yacht Club on Mentoring an Under 25 Keelboat Development
4th November 2021 Tom MacSweeney
More clubs around the country are developing cruiser racing opportunities for young sailors. It is, increasingly, being seen as vital to ensure that clubs themselves have a future. The biggest loss to sailing has been when young sailors leave dinghies…
Kerry Solo Sailor Peter Lawless Will Try Again to Sail Around the World Non-Stop
27th October 2021 Tom MacSweeney
Disappointment is always hard to take, but Peter Lawless is determined, even though he has, this time, failed in his ambition to become the first Irishman to sail around the world non-stop. The Kerry solo sailor left Kilrush Marina in…
Monkstown Bay Sailing Club is Buzzing With Dinghies in Cork Harbour
15th October 2021 Monkstown Bay Sailing Club
Monkstown Bay Sailing Club is based in the inner part of Cork Harbour and is buzzing with the start of its October League and, says Club Commodore, Sandy Rimmington, a revival of the 5O5 fleet and a plan to expand…
