The latest news from Northern Irish waters produced by Yachting Life & Afloat
RNLI and Girlguiding Ulster Join Forces for Water Safety
12 March 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The RNLI and Girlguiding Ulster have announced a new partnership that aims to teach and empower young girls to stay safe in, on and around the water. The partnership, which was launched on Saturday morning (8 March), coinciding with International…
Kearney and Nelson Dominate at GP14 Spring Series in Belfast
12 March 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The weather Gods were kind at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club on Belfast Lough last Sunday for the GP14 Spring Series, treating us to much-needed blue skies and a light but building westerly breeze. Spirits were further lifted by…
Join the Leisure 17 Festival at East Down Yacht Club
11 March 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
East Down Yacht Club is a stronghold for the Leisure 17 class in Strangford Lough, with a fleet of 26. They are hoping that other Leisure 17s from within and outside of the Lough will join them on the Bank…
1720 Eastern Championship Returns to Belfast Lough in September
8 March 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Twenty-five years ago, Alan Espey's 1720 Sportsboat Red-Green from Royal Ulster Yacht Club secured the class win at the Scottish Series, but even before that, in 1997, another Bangor based 1720 was making its mark at that year's Bangor Week.…
WISTA Launches in Northern Ireland, Celebrating Women in Shipping
6 March 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
A group representing women in the shipping and trading sector has flourished for 51 years since its inception in 1974 in a London pub. However, this week saw the Women in Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) launch for the first…
Native Oysters Return to Belfast Lough for Restoration Efforts
6 March 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Native oysters have made a return to Carrickfergus as part of efforts to restore Belfast Lough’s small but endangered population. Over 900 mature native oysters (Ostrea edulis) have been suspended in 30 purpose-built cages over the edges of Carrickfergus Marina’s…
First Call-Out of 2025 for Portaferry Lifeboat as Crew Assist 12 Stranded Sheep
3 March 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Pagers for Portaferry RNLI’s crew sounded at 9.12am on Sunday morning (2 March) after the alarm was raised that some sheep had become stranded on rocks close to Ballyquintin Point at the tip of the Ards Peninsula, where Strangford Lough…
Sorona: The Remarkable Restoration of a Classic S Cruiser
3 March 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The S Cruisers built at the Shipyard at Ballyholme on the east side of Bangor are synonymous with their designer and builder, Bertie Slater. Several of these S cruisers are still in existence. One in particular, Sorona, one of 22…
Golden Age of Scottish Yacht Design Gets Museum Focus
27 February 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
If you sail a classic wooden One Design in Ireland, there's a good chance it originated from the drawing board of one of the great Scottish yacht designers, geniuses who flourished internationally from 1870 onwards for almost a century as…
Larne Lifeboat Rescues Two on Small Fishing Boat After Breakdown
24 February 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Larne RNLI came to the aid of two people onboard a small fishing boat that broke down close to Ballylumford Power Station on Saturday evening (22 February). The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore D class lifeboat Terry…
Mowi Plans Salmon Farm and Tourism Development on Sanda Island
24 February 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Sanda Island, from the Scottish Gaelic: Sandaigh, is a small 453-acre island off the south end of the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. It is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its importance for both migrating and breeding…
Lower Bann: Cutts Lock Closing for Maintenance for Next Six Weeks
19 February 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Waterways Ireland advises users and masters of vessels that the Cutts lock on the Lower Bann navigation in Northern Ireland will be closed to all navigational traffic from this Thursday 20 February for approximately six weeks. This closure is to…
John Minnis Represents Northern Ireland Cruiser-Racer Interests on ICRA 2025 Committee
17 February 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
John Minnis who races the very successful Archambault A35 Final Call II out of Belfast Lough is the only person to represent Northern Ireland on the Irish Cruiser Racer Association (ICRA) 2025 Committee. He is one of thirteen members from…
69 Boats Registered for Scottish Series 2025, Four from Northern Ireland
16 February 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
There are 69 boats on the registered interest list for the Scottish Series Regatta in May 2025, and of these, four are from Northern Ireland. The Clyde Cruising Club, which organises the event, has said, "Interest has surpassed expectations at…
New Website Launched for Northern Ireland Sailing Team
16 February 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
RYA Northern Ireland has launched a new website for its recently formed Northern Ireland Sailing Team. The association says the new platform serves as a 'comprehensive resource' for those interested in sailing and racing. The website includes the latest team…
Loughs Agency Issues Statement on Fish Kill at Glenmornan River
15 February 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The Loughs Agency is investigating a pollution incident at the Glenmornan River in Artigarvan, Co Tyrone which has resulted in a significant fish kill. In a statement, the agency said the incident was first detected on Friday (14 February) when…
Royal Ulster Yacht Club Publishes 2025 Sailing Programme
14 February 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Royal Ulster's 2025 Sailing Programme covers all racing hosted by the club in Bangor on the south shore of Belfast Lough, and regattas classed under the Belfast Lough Regatta Conference and major sailing events. Among the standout fixtures are the…
Iain Percy to Speak at Down Cruising Club Event
13 February 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Down Cruising Club has an unusual clubhouse—an ex-lightship called Petrel, lying alongside an old pier at Ballydorn near Whiterock on the west side of Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland. At this club, Iain Percy CBE, a British Olympian who now…
Enniskillen Lifeboat Launches Twice for Weekend Call-Outs
11 February 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Enniskillen RNLI responded to two calls for assistance at the weekend. The first was on Friday evening (7 February), when the inshore lifeboat John and Jean Lewis was called by the coastguard at 6.30pm to search for an object reported…
West Highland Yachting Week Transitions to New Handicap System
10 February 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
One of Scotland’s longest-running yacht regattas has announced that they will be changing from their traditional CYCA handicap system to the new RYA AERA YTC handicap system for their 77th annual event in August 2025. The event has seen a…
Countries Prepare For The Irish Sea Nations Cup 2025 - Notice of Race Here!
7 February 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The countdown is on for the Irish Sea Nations Cup 2025, the new sailing competition that promotes regional engagement. Organised by the founders of prominent events like the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta, the IRC Welsh Championships and the Scottish Series,…
Details Revealed for the 2025 Irish Sea Nation’s Cup, Featuring Regattas Across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and Ireland
7 February 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Organisers have formally announced details of the 2025 combined regatta initiative for teams from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, England and Ireland. Following an inaugural meeting last December, four 2025 regattas in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland and Wales have combined to…
Northern Ireland Sailing Team Wins Celtic Cup Title in Killyleagh
3 February 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The Northern Ireland sailing team triumphed in the Celtic Cup, following a tight weekend of racing held at Killyleagh Outdoor Education Centre on the 1st and 2nd of February. The competition saw the top junior and youth sailors from Scotland,…
North West Angling Fair to Return to Banks of the Mourne in March
31 January 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Strabane is set to play host to thousands of fishing enthusiasts in March when the North West Angling Fair returns to the Melvin Sports Complex. The annual celebration of angling will host some of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain’s…
Bangor RNLI Receives £2,000 Donation from Ballyholme Yacht Club
30 January 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Bangor RNLI were presented with a cheque for £2000 by the members of Ballyholme Yacht Club following fundraising during their Boxing Day Regatta and open sea swim on Belfast Lough. Last night (Tuesday, 28 January), Bangor RNLI Visits Officers John…
January Sprints Showcase Competitive Dinghy Sailing at Ballyholme
30 January 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The fresh south-westerly breeze was chilly, but the sun shone, and the water was flat, giving the 24 sailors keen competition in the three divisions of the January Sprints at Ballyholme Yacht Club on Belfast Lough. Headed by Race Officer…
Espey and Ferguson Lead Home Contingent into RS400 Eurocup and UK & Irish National Championships
29 January 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The RS400 Class Association has published the Notice of Race for its Eurocup and UK & Irish National Championships, from 3rd to 8th August 2025 on Belfast Lough in Northern Ireland. Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club (RNIYC) is gearing…
Controversial 1959 Plan for Strangford Lough Declassified
26 January 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
A proposed barrage across the Strangford Narrows, making Strangford Lough into a freshwater lake, and an atomic power plant and airport on the reclaimed land were included in the astonishing 1959 plan to dam the Lough revealed under the recent…
Irish Sailors Appointed to Lead World Sailing Committees
24 January 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Irish sailors will chair two World Sailing Committees for 2025-2028 following the approval of the appointments by the World Sailing Council this week. Dublin match racer Diana Kissane will be vice–chair of the Equipment Rules Sub-committee. Kissane is a well-known Irish sailor, particularly recognised…
Bangor Lifeboat Launches Twice in One Night to Assist Angling Boat
23 January 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The volunteer crew of Bangor RNLI in Northern Ireland were tasked by HM Coastguard at 9.56pm on Wednesday evening (22 January) following reports that three people onboard a leisure fishing boat had run aground and were unsure of their exact…
East Down Yacht Club's Icicle Series: Ozarek and Stocking Lead After Week Two of Racing
21 January 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Halfway through East Down Yacht Club's six-week Icicle Series, Jacub Ozarek and Abbie Stocking, sailing a 29er, lead the good-sized handicap fleet of over 20 with an IlCA 7 (P Hamilton) in second place. Third is another ILCA 7 sailed…
Belfast Harbour Unveils £313m Strategy to Boost Offshore Wind Energy Capacity
21 January 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Belfast Harbour has unveiled a new strategy which sets out plans to position the port at the forefront of the clean energy transition as a key player in the development of offshore wind energy port capacity in the UK &…
Belfast Harbour's Harlander: Northern Ireland's First Autonomous Passenger Vehicle Set for Pilot Launch
15 January 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Belfast Harbour has visited its automotive engineering partner HORIBA MIRA to observe testing of the Harlander, Northern Ireland’s first autonomous passenger vehicle, before its delivery to Belfast in March. Harlander is Northern Ireland’s first self-driving vehicle and will operate in…
Ian Williams Triumphs at Inaugural Macao Match Cup, Secures First Title of 2025
12 January 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Great Britain’s Ian Williams and his Pindar by Manuport Logistics Team of Richard Sydenham, Jon Gundersen from Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland and Gerry Mitchell have been crowned champions of the inaugural Macao Match Cup, the opening event of the…
Junior Icebreaker Series Launches February 1st at Ballyholme Yacht Club
12 January 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The second series of the Junior Icebreaker or JIB will kick off on 1st February at Ballyholme Yacht Club on the Bay to the east side of Bangor on Belfast Lough. At that club, racing used to finish in early…
Pollution Incident Under Investigation at Ballyholme Beach
11 January 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
BBC News NI has reported that the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is investigating a pollution incident at Belfast Lough's Ballyholme Beach on Ballyholme Bay to the east of Bangor on the County Down coast. NIEA confirmed that it has…
Icy Conditions Don't Deter Competitors in East Down Yacht Club's Icicle Series
9 January 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The very cold snap in the New Year affecting all of Northern Ireland didn't deter the starters in the aptly named Icicle Series at East Down Yacht Club on the eastern shore of Strangford Lough. In fact, the -4 deg…
Northern Ireland Yachts Gear Up for Busy Racing Season on Irish Sea
7 January 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Northern Ireland yachts travelling up and down the Irish Sea this season to Howth, Dun Laoghaire, Tarbert and Oban in a crowded racing calendar As arrangements for the 2025 Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta from 10th till 13 July hot up,…
Strangford Lough Racing Cruiser Association Announces 2025 Series Schedule
4 January 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Strangford Lough Racing Cruiser Association was formed in 1973 by a group of like-minded sailors to promote the racing of cruising boats both inside the lough and offshore and to encourage cooperation between clubs in the lough and co-ordination of…
Portrush Lifeboat in Early Morning Launch for Medevac From Rathlin Island
3 January 2025 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Portrush RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch by HM Coastguard shortly after 5am on Friday morning (3 January) to assist with a medical evacuation off Rathlin Island. The volunteer crew launched at 5.28am into a bitterly cold morning and…
East Antrim Boat Club Hosts Thrilling Post-Christmas Regatta in Larne Lough
31 December 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
After a lively, colourful few weeks at the Larne-based East Antrim Boat Club with activities getting members in the Christmas mood – Kids' party, wreath making and Christmas Eve nibbles and mulled wine, came the post-Christmas annual regatta. The pre-Christmas…
Ellie Aldridge Named MBE After Historic Olympic Gold in Formula Kite at Paris 2024
30 December 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Britain's Ellie Aldridge has been made an MBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours following her groundbreaking victory in the women’s kite competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Aldridge made history as the first-ever Formula Kite gold medallist, defeating 19…
Michael McKee – A Long Life in Boats and Sailing
30 December 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
We regret to record the death of Michael McKee of Bangor, who faithfully adhered to the highest standards of seamanship in an extensive sailing career in which competent offshore sailing – whether cruising or racing – was his paramount interest.…
Two Call-Outs for Portrush Lifeboat Crew to People in Difficulty
29 December 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Portrush RNLI volunteers launched twice in recent days to two separate reports of people in difficulty off Northern Ireland’s North Coast. The all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch by the HM Coastguard at 10.24am on Saturday morning (28 December) to…
Extreme Weather Cancels Final Day of RS400 Frostie Series at RNIYC, Christmas Party Celebrated Instead
28 December 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Sadly, the final day of racing at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club RS400 Frostie Series on Belfast Lough was not to be. The forecast was for extreme wind, so it was called off the day before. On arrival at…
Belfast Harbour Invests £315,000 to Boost Community Initiatives in 2024
23 December 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Belfast Harbour has announced that it contributed a total of £315,000 to a diverse range of community organisations, charities, and initiatives in 2024 to help them deliver essential projects across the city and the wider region. Of that total, £109,000…
Bangor RNLI Crew Honoured with Gallantry Awards for Christmas Day Heroic Rescue
22 December 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The bravery of four members of Bangor lifeboat crew on Belfast Lough has been recognised by the RNLI for a rescue on Christmas Day 2021. Helmsman John Bell and crew Gavin Mitchell, Johnny Gedge, and Ewan Rathbone-Scott have all been…
UK Supreme Court Rejects Stormont’s Appeal of Larne Loughs Gas Cavern Ruling
21 December 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The UK Supreme Court has rejected a bid to overturn the recent ruling against Stormont’s approval of the proposed Larne Lough gas storage project. Three judges have refused DAERA’s application for permission to appeal June’s decision “because the applications do…
H Boat 'Final Fling' Leads Antrim Boat Club's Winter Series after Thrilling First Half of Races
20 December 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The first part of Antrim Boat Club's six-race Winter Series started on 3rd November when ten competitors signed up for the series at the club in the northwest corner of Lough Neagh, with Alfie Mayrs winning the first half of…
Scottish RC35s Prepare for 2025 Events By Pausing Championship for New Adventures
20 December 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
After a competitive 2024 RC35 race season, the season championship will take a pause for 2025. During 2025 some regular class members have opted to represent the RC35 class in events further afield. A number will be targeting the UK…
RYA Northern Ireland Recruiting for Racing Officer and Development Officer
18 December 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
RYA Northern Ireland is looking for applicants to fill the roles of Racing Officer and Development Officer. The Racing Officer will support RYANI and the new NI Sailing Team to deliver high-quality programmes and events across Northern Ireland and support…
Portaferry Lifeboat Rescues Two People and a Dog Cut Off by High Tide
17 December 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Pagers sounded for Portaferry RNLI’s volunteer crew at 11.42am on Sunday morning (15 December) to assist two people and their dog when they were cut off by the tide on Rough Island at the northern end of Strangford Lough. Conditions…
Espey and Ferguson Dominate RS400 Belfast Lough Winter Series Ahead of Final Showdown
16 December 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The penultimate week of the RS400 Winter Series brought classic winter racing conditions to Belfast Lough on Sunday (December 15). A steady 10–12 knots of breeze kept the 14-boat fleet on their toes, with occasional stronger gusts adding to the…
Ian Williams – With Strangford's Jon Gundersen – Crowned Match Racing World Champions for Record-Breaking Eighth Time in Shenzhen
16 December 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The 2024 World Match Racing Tour Shenzhen Bao’an Final concluded, where Britain’s Ian Williams Pindar by Manuport Logistics team of Jon Gundersen, Richard Sydenham, and Gerry Mitchell claimed their record-breaking eighth Match Racing World Championship title after a dramatic showdown…
Bangor RNLI Volunteers Honoured with King's Coronation Medals by Lord-Lieutenant
15 December 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Bangor RNLI volunteers were presented with Coronation medals from Lord-Lieutenant of Down On Saturday evening the volunteers from Bangor RNLI welcomed the Lord-Lieutenant of County Down to Royal Ulster Yacht Club for the presentation of HM Kings Coronation medals to…
Smell of Rotting Seaweed Disturbing Carrickfergus Residents, Council Hears
9 December 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Carrickfergus residents have complained to local councillors about the smell of rotting seaweed coming from the Co Antrim town’s drains. As the News Letter reports, DUP Alderman Billy Ashe raised the matter at a recent meeting of Mid and East…
British Maritime Minister Announces Nearly £1 Million for British Coastal Clusters
7 December 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
British maritime minister Mike Kane has announced nearly £1 million in investment for British coastal towns to grow local economies. “Funding will enable clusters to connect the maritime sector with local businesses, which will drive private investment into regional maritime,”…
Intense RS400 Racing Resumes at RNIYC Cultra with 23 Boats Competing
3 December 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The RS400 series resumed last Sunday at RNIYC Cultra on Belfast Lough after Storm Bert destroyed week 4. Thankfully, all boats were found safe and well where they had been tied down, and the weather for week 5 looked relatively…
Royal Ulster Yacht Club to Host Inaugural IRC Northern Ireland Championship in July 2025
2 December 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Royal Ulster Yacht Club (RUYC) has announced it will host the inaugural IRC Northern Ireland Championship on July 19–20, 2025 as part of the British IRC circuit. The new championship has been approved by the Royal Ocean Racing Club in…
Portrush Lifeboat Volunteers Receive Commendations From RNLI
30 November 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
On Saturday morning (30 November) five volunteer crew members at Portrush RNLI in Northern Ireland were presented with Medical Director Commendations from the charity that saves lives at sea. Colm Watters, Johnny Weston, Roo McCrudden, Dan Thorne and Ben Wilson…
RYA Northern Ireland Launches Grant Scheme to Boost Diversity in Sailing Community
28 November 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
RYA Northern Ireland has launched the Individual Grant Scheme to 'support sailors from lower socio-economic and underrepresented groups'. It is a bursary designed to improve access to sailing for sailors, coaches, or officials struggling to start or continue their journey…
Celebrated Northern Ireland Yachtsman Brian Buchanan: A Legacy of Sailing Excellence and Lifelong Learning
25 November 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Mention his name, and yachts, especially the several called Hesperia, come to mind. Brian Buchanan owned many yachts starting in the early '70s with Amethustos. The Morgan 36 Hesperia of Down, a Holland Two Tonner, Vaquero, then probably the most…
Sullivan Upper School Triumph at Sailing Schools Cup
24 November 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Sullivan Upper School in Holywood, Co. Down has been crowned as winner of the sailing Schools Cup which is part of the RYANI Youth Championships, Northern Ireland's largest annual multi-class sailing competition. The event hosted by Strangford Lough YC in…
Afloat.ie regrets to record the death of Brian Buchanan, for many years a leading figure in the offshore racing scene in Northern Ireland and internationally. Although he became best-known as the owner of "The Special One", the remarkable Frers 49…
Portrush Yacht Club Prepares for Santa Visit by Jetski
16 November 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Portrush Yacht Club was founded in 1894 and now has about 1000 members. It lies in the Town Harbour between two long beaches, the West and East Strands, on the spectacular northern Causeway Coast. This year on 15th December Santa…
Sunny Skies and Strong Breezes Make for Thrilling Racing at RS400 Frostie Series on Belfast Lough
12 November 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Day Two of the Frostie Series for the RS400s on Belfast Lough saw ideal sailing conditions that delighted participants and spectators alike. After nearly three weeks without sunshine, bright skies and a lovely westerly breeze breathed life into the event,…
Royal Ulster Yacht Club Celebrates Successful Racing Season with Annual Prizegiving Events
7 November 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The racing season ended at Royal Ulster Yacht Club on Belfast Lough at the end of October with the RUYC Autumn Series, after eight races on a variety of windward/leeward and round the lough courses. John Minnis's Archambault A35 Final…
Erne System: Restrictions at Portora Lock for Repair Works This Week
4 November 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels on the Erne System in Northern Ireland that essential repair work is taking place at Portora Lock in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh from now until next Monday 11 November. During this time, the lock will…
Spanish State Shipbuilder 'Racing to Finalise' takeover of Harland & Wolff in Deal to Save 1,000 Jobs
4 November 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Navantia, the Spanish state-owned shipbuilding firm, is “racing to finalise a takeover” of Harland & Wolff, Sky News has reported. The Madrid based shipbuilder, with its three yards dedicated to civil and military naval construction, is purportedly close to confirming…
Portaferry Lifeboat Responds to EPIRB Activation on Strangford Lough
3 November 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Portaferry RNLI’s volunteer crew responded last Monday afternoon (28 October) after an emergency position indication radio beacon (EPIRB) was activated in Strangford Lough at a location between Kircubbin and Greyabbey. The lifeboat left Portaferry Marina in Northern Ireland at 2.15pm…
Next Generation Marine Turbine Deployed At Strangford Lough
1 November 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
ORPC Ireland and Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) have announced the successful deployment and commencement of testing of a next generation marine hydrokinetic turbine at the Strangford Lough tidal test site. ORPC says the project “marks a significant milestone” as the…
Gordon Patterson & Ross Nolan of Cultra are "Sailors of the Month (Inshore Keelboats)" for October
1 November 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The 42-strong fleet racing in the Squib Freshwater Championship at Lough Derg YC in Dromineer in mid-October may have seemed like a no-brainer as a thoroughly good idea. But like most overnight successes, it has been some time in the…
Robert Espey and Mike Ferguson of Ballyholme are October "Sailors of the Month (Inshore Racing)
1 November 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
There was a remarkable display of sometimes flamboyant sailing talent making the scene for the Championship of Champions 2024 in the Royal North of Ireland YC's RS400s at Cultra on Belfast Lough in October. Yet while other household names in…
Staggering £160m Debt at Harland & Wolff Revealed as Historic Shipbuilder Entered Administration
31 October 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The historic shipbuilder Harland & Wolff, famous for launching liners, was in a debt of £160m when the Belfast Harbour-based firm last month went into administration, following recent revelations. BusinessLive reports that Teneo took charge of the process at the…
RYA Northern Ireland Celebrates 50 Years of Sailing Achievements
22 October 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The enormous Barnett Room , with its curved ceilings, stained glass windows, and artwork, was the grand venue in the Belfast Harbour Commissioners office for the Royal Yachting Association Northern Ireland's 50th Anniversary celebrations. As explained in the event programme,…
Scottish Series 2025: Dates Announced for Sailing Event in Tarbert
21 October 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The British and Irish sailing calendars are so crowded that it's wise to jump in early, and the Clyde Cruising Club in Scotland has done this by setting the dates for the Scottish Series eight months ahead. Tarbert in Loch…
Northern Ireland Sailor Wins British Sailing Champion's Paris Olympic ILCA 7 in Charity Raffle
18 October 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
British Sailing Team member Micky Beckett, who raised over £18,000 for the Andrew Simpson Foundation by raffling his ILCA 7, which he had raced in the Paris Olympics, has handed over the dinghy at Ballyholme Yacht Club on Belfast Lough…
Howth Lifeboat Launches at Night to Investigate Flashing Beacon Floating Offshore
15 October 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The volunteer crew of Howth RNLI launched their all-weather lifeboat late on Saturday night (12 October) following a call from the crew of a fishing trawler which observed a flashing beacon floating in the water three miles east of Howth…
Bangor Lifeboat Crew Rescue Four People in Separate Weekend Call-Outs
15 October 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Bangor RNLI in Northern Ireland came to the aid of four people in two separate call-outs over the weekend after a yacht and boat got into difficulty. The first call came at 5.54pm on Saturday (12 October) when the volunteer…
Exciting Start to Icebreaker Series at Ballyholme Yacht Club on Belfast Lough
9 October 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The long-running Icebreaker series at Ballyholme Yacht Club on Belfast Lough started Series One of the winter racing last Sunday with over 40 dinghies sailing in a damp, southeasterly breeze of 8 – 12 knots. The series began in the…
Ballyholme Yacht Club Receives Platinum Certification for Eco-Friendly ILCA 6 European Championship
6 October 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
In late July, Ballyholme Yacht Club on Belfast Lough hosted the huge ILCA 6 European Championship, with almost 370 youth sailors representing 27 European and 11 non-European countries participating. The hard work of the Club Green Team led by Charlie…
Ballyholme Yacht Club's Robert Espey is Irish Sailing Champions’ Cup Winner
6 October 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Robert Espey of Ballyholme Yacht Club is the winner of this year’s Irish Sailing Champions’ Cup which took place at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club in Cultra, Co. Down after a string of strong results. Espey, who raced on…
Royal Ulster Yacht Club Will Present The Sir Thomas Lipton Memorial Cup in Barcelona Next Week
4 October 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Next week in Barcelona Belfast Lough's Royal Ulster Yacht Club will once again celebrate its links with Sir Thomas Lipton and the America's Cup. Sir Thomas Lipton famously challenged for the America's Cup in his five yachts, each named Shamrock…
Erne System: World Championship Predator Boat Fishing Competition This Week
2 October 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels on and users of the Erne System that the World Championship Predator Lure angling competition will take place from Thursday 3 to Saturday 5 October. The event will take place at the Share Discovery…
Residential Cruise Ship Remains at Belfast Lough Anchorage for a Second Day
2 October 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
A residential cruise ship which finally departed on its inaugural around-the-world voyage on Monday after months of delays, however as Afloat highlighted yesterday only reached Belfast Lough where it still remains today. As BBC News reports, the US operator, Villa…
Irish Sailing Champions' Cup Returns This Weekend at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club
1 October 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
The Irish Sailing Champions’ Cup makes its return this weekend, the 5 – 6 October, at the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club in Co. Down. This annual event, renowned for showcasing Ireland’s top sailing talent, marks its 77th year.…
Luxury Residential Cruise Ship Stranded in Belfast for Four Months Departs – But only into Belfast Lough
1 October 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
A luxury residential cruise ship has set off from Belfast Harbour having been docked for four months after unexpectedly spending that time in the city ahead of a maiden three-and a half year world voyage. As The Belfast Telegraph reports,…
Atlantic Youth Trust and Tall Ship Leader Arrive in Bangor Harbour on Belfast Lough
30 September 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Last week, the tall ship Leader arrived in Bangor Harbour on Belfast Lough. This significant development will offer a fantastic opportunity to expand the Atlantic Youth Trust's development programme through maritime sail training voyages. Leader will serve participants from across…
Portaferry Lifeboat Launches to Rescue of Two People on Fishing Boat off Ardglass
16 September 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Portaferry RNLI were paged by Belfast Coastguard just after midnight on Friday night (13 September) to assist two people onboard a fishing vessel which had run aground close to the entrance of Ardglass Harbour on Northern Ireland’s east coast. The…
Northern Ireland Yachts Compete at Royal Irish's ICRA Nationals and IRC Euro Champs
16 September 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Two of the three prestigious events hosted by the Royal Irish Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire over the first half of September included five competing boats from Northern Ireland. John Minnis's Archambault 35 Final Call II and Paul Prentice's Sigma…
Belfast Harbour Hosts First European Space Agency Workshop on Port Decarbonisation and Environmental Sustainability
16 September 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Belfast Harbour has become the focal point for discussions related to innovative space-age ideas as it hosts the first-ever European Space Agency (ESA) Port Decarbonisation and Environmental Sustainability Workshop. The event, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 17th, will…
Ninety-Five Dinghies Gather for RYA NI Youth Championships at Strangford Lough Yacht Club
11 September 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Ninety five dinghies from Northern Ireland and the Dublin area gathered at Strangford Lough Yacht Club at Whiterock on the western shore of the Strangford Lough for the annual RYA NI Youth Championships last weekend. Jordan Conway, Charlie O'Malley, and…
Carrybridge Lifeboat Crew Help Eight People in Three Separate Rescues Over Seven Hours
10 September 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Carrybridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat Douglas Euan & Kay Richards diverted from a planned course to neighbouring Enniskillen RNLI lifeboat station on Saturday afternoon (7 September) to assess a six-metre vessel with engine difficulties some 2.5 miles downstream from Carrybridge. Winds…
Bangor RNLI Rescues Three People in Consecutive Call-Outs off the Coast of Down
10 September 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Bangor RNLI came to the aid of three people in consecutive call-outs yesterday (Monday, 9 September) after a report of a sailing boat with engine difficulty close to Bangor harbour and again later that evening to a sailor in distress…
East Down Yacht Club Enjoys Annual Commodore's Cruise at Strangford Sailing Club
7 September 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Last weekend seventy five members of East Down Yacht Club on the west shore of Strangford Lough made the trip either by boat or car to the annual gathering at Strangford Sailing Club on Audleys Roads near the Narrows at…
Irish 420 Sailors Compete at UK National Championships
3 September 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Two Irish crews were among the 41 entries for the UK 420 National Championships at Dale Yacht Club in southwest Wales. Cora McNaughton and Sean Cronin from Blessington SC and Malahide SC, and Daniel Copthorne and Matt Mapplebeck from Schull…
Gavin Vaughan's Round Ireland Sailing Voyage Raises £12,800 in Aid of Northern Ireland Charity
1 September 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
For Gavin Vaughan and his team, the fundraising voyage Round Ireland has now raised £12800 in aid of the Northern Ireland Pancreatic Cancer charity, NIPANC, which raises awareness of pancreatic cancer, provides support and helps fund research in Northern Ireland.…
River Foyle Prepares for Major Disabled Sailing Event
1 September 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Foyle Sailability Centre is set to become the location for one of Northern Ireland's largest disabled sailing competitions. On 7 September, over 60 boaters of all abilities will gather at the River Foyle for a day of fun-filled racing. This…
Loughs Agency Hosts Inclusive Surf Experience at Benone Beach
31 August 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Northern Ireland’s Loughs Agency recently held a day of inclusive surfing sessions at the North Coast’s Benone Beach, in collaboration with the Mae Murray Foundation and Long Line Surf School. The initiative welcomed participants of all abilities aged eight and…
Red Bay RNLI Rescues Two People and Two Dogs from 55-Foot Yacht in Rough Weather
28 August 2024 Northern Ireland Sailing & Boating News
Red Bay RNLI in County Antrim completed a nine-hour callout in rough weather conditions to rescue two people and their two dogs after their 55-foot yacht got into difficulty off the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland in the early hours…
