SEASCAPES WEEKLY NEWSLETTER now published on tommacsweeneyseascapes.ie Maritime news from home and overseas waters. National media doesn't bring you this. SEASCAPES does

#Pat #Lawless has reported no injury and no emergency has been declared. He has turned north to sail away from heavier weather in the South Atlantic. Race control say further information will be issued when he communicates with them on his intended port destination.

Pat sent a short SMS to GGR Race Control: “Pat here. Solent rig broken. Rig okay. Now sailing north. Out of the game.”

Golden Globe Race HQ report: The wire stay supporting the furling gear has failed completely. The main forestay, with its headsail reefing system, is attached ahead of the Solent stay and continues to hold the mast secure. Pat knows he will not be competitive without this sail. With only one headsail available and the rig’s backup support reduced, he has chosen to retire once again.

#Pat #Lawless sailing SILVERMINES HYDRO, has retired from the 2026 Golden Globe Race after reporting a serious failure of his Solent rig while lying just over 100 nautical miles behind race leader Damien Guillou.

The importance of safe #navigation and the threats to it will be examined by the #Nautical #Institute.. afloat.ie/port-news/port-and…

In Brussels, youth representatives from several countries have officially launched a new initiative - the Low Impact #Fishers of Europe #Youth Network

Thanks to all readers for response to SEASCAPES. Very much appreciated. We are, as highlighted in responses, an island nation with a lot to be proud of because of that.

The Irish #Coast #Guard search and rescue boat fleet is to be upgraded with new rigid hull inflatable inshore rescue boats, the first vessel is expected to be delivered in 2027 in a phased programme to 2031. Other operational improvements are also planned.

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has published the results of a comprehensive Sanitary Survey for #Killala #Bay, undertaken to meet EU legislative requirements for the classification of shellfish production areas. The survey carried out informs the classification and monitoring of Pacific oysters and any future classifications for the currently unclassified and inactive wild common cockle fishery within the bay.

The increasing amount of new risks and challenges to #seafarers is causing a lot of concern. The National #Maritime College at Ringaskiddy in Cork has announced a conference, to be held on Friday, October16, which will focus on realities for the modern seafarer under the title: “Navigating New Risks.” It will start at 9.30 a.m. and speakers will include Hugh Kennedy,-President of the Irish Maritime Law Association and Robert McCabe, Lead Researcher at the NMCI; as well as insurance company claims and underwriting experts and master mariners.

The only place to get your weekly maritime news round-up - on SEASCAPES... tommacsweeneyseascapes.ie Now posted Monday, October 5. Your comments welcome. The national media doesn't provide this service in an island nation.. SEASCAPES does!

#Pat #Lawless family report on Golden Globe Race: "Dad crossed the equator again he celebrated with a Tom Crean Brewery Kenmare IPA of course. Delighted for him, we're all so proud of him."

SEASCAPES OCTOBER 2026 ISSUE DATE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1. This month on SEASCAPES stories about the independent region that the western seaboard – the Wild Atlantic Way – once was … An island fisherman’s gansey from West Cork becoming as world famous as the Aran sweater and the disappointment of a project to preserve traditional fisheries which is closing down. tommacsweeneyseascapes.ie

Tomorrow.. first day of the month .. new edition of SEASCAPES PODCAST. A different view of the Wild Atlantic Way.. A gansey from West Cork goes worldwide and a traditional fisherman stops working.