Costly yachts make waves at boat show

“SAIL AWAY,” sang Enya and she’s probably the only one who can afford to.

Yachts costing up to €250,000 were impressing visitors to the Irish Marine Federation’s Boat Show, which opened at the RDS in Dublin yesterday.

It’s a showcase for the Irish marine industry which expects to net €20 million worth of sales from the five-day show.

The 150 exhibitors had powerboats, yachts, dinghies, diving equipment and jet skis on display.

“The yachting and boating industry has grown phenomenally over the last 10 years,” said Irish Marine Federation vice-chairman Barry O'Sullivan. “It used to have an exclusive image but it’s now spread out over a number of areas, including angling, canoeing, water sports and river boats.”

His company, O’Sullivan Marine, had several yachts worth the equivalent of several family cars. The Bavaria yachts, imported from Germany, range in price from €70,000 for a 32-footer to €250,000 for a 50-foot boat.

“They’re all ocean-going boats with cabin facilities. You could sail to America in them if you wanted,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

The guest of honour at the show did just that. English teenager Seb Clover, 15, became the youngest ever sailor to cross the Atlantic Ocean solo last month. He lost the race to his father Ian Clover but still gained the world record for his 2,700-mile journey.

The Boat Show also featured the First 27.7, the European Yacht of the Year. A major attraction for visitors was the ISIS 920, a new 9.2 metre luxury motor cruiser designed and built in Co Fermanagh. It is expected to be very successful for Irish company Ernecraft, fetching an average price of €116,000.

Under the Irish Marine Federation’s Getting Started scheme, people who buy new boats will receive a free tuition and safety course. Visiting the show, Minister for Communications and the Marine, Dermot Ahern TD, said the emphasis on safety was vital.

“Figures show that over half of the adult population engage in at least one water-based activity.

“It is vital that people put their own safety first, that they use the correct equipment and follow all relevant guidelines,” he said.

The Irish Boat Show is open until Sunday March 2. Admission charges are €10 for adults and €6 for old age pensioners and children.