BoatWarden a new, Irish developed, boat security product

BoatWarden is the solution for many boat owners who worry whether their boat is secure. Secure from the damage caused by leaks, broken moorings and, yes, theft too. An Irish company has developed a product range to solve these problems.

Click on the video below to see Kevin Hennessy explain how BoatWarden work

BoatWarden is a new electronic security system fitted into your boat which you control and monitor, from anywhere, using the BoatWarden phone App. From the comfort of your armchair, or from a beach in the Med., you can click on the App. and get an up to the minute status report, a location map, the alarm status, the battery levels and more. If anything goes wrong your boat will sound an alarm and siren and you will get an instant alert by text – this text will also be sent to a list of your friends too if you wish. Using the App. you can you can control your boat from anywhere. You can control the alarm, the bilge pumps, heating, lighting or just about any other device on your boat. BoatWarden is a complete solution to Protect, Monitor and Control your boat from your phone.

BoatWarden is designed to withstand the rigours of marine environment and there are BoatWarden products for most types of boat and outboard. Prices start at just €499 inc VAT for BoatWarden Pro the expandable solution for yachts and motor cruisers and €349 inc VAT for the BoatWarden Mobile designed for smaller boats and outboard engines.

BoatWarden

BoatWarden website and online ordering system at www.boatwarden.com

BoatWarden was developed in Ireland by Kevin Hennessey who has been boating all his life. Kevin’s father lost a boat that pulled from its moorings and Kevin nearly lost his own when it’s bilge alarm failed. He looked for a solution that did not exist and so in 2009 he began developing BoatWarden. In 2010 the first BoatWarden systems were installed. The beta users then told their friends and today close to 100 BoatWarden systems have been sold by word of mouth.

So, what does BoatWarden monitor? Everything is customisable, and your own unique requirements are easy to manage, but as a starting point, here’s some of the main ones:

Low Battery Alarm
If you don’t have shore-power you’ll be keen to monitor your boat’s battery levels – if they fall below 11v you’ll get a notification.

GPS Tracking
Remotely ask the system where it is and you’ll instantly get a reply. Similarly you can set a ‘fence’ around your boat and if your boat moves out of this (ie: stolen or dragging a mooring) you’ll hear about it instantly

Bilge Levels
The cold weather last winter has sadly shown many boaters just how easy it is for water to get in and do serious damage. BoatWarden has a unique bilge sensor which you simply install above your automatic float switch. It has a 10 second delay to allow for normal wave action, but if it detects high water it’ll send you an alert and also switch on your bilge pump for 2 minutes. This monitor provides a full solution, as well as peace of mind.

Outboard Security
Our unique BoatWarden outboard security system has been driven, in part, by our customers and their insurance companies. Outboard theft is sadly becoming more and more commonplace so we’ve designed a solution that includes an IP67-rated wire-snap that triggers the onboard alarms and notifies you immediately if it’s breached in any way. Tracking options, should the thieves continue to remove your outboard, are also available.

Unwanted Entry
Hatches, doors, windows and even canvas studs can be monitored to alert you (and the unwanted visitors) to the fact that there’s been a breach.

Shore Power Monitoring
This is particularly useful if you leave your boat to its own devices for periods of time. If a breaker trips, someone disconnects you, or you run out of credit at your marina then you run a very high risk of damage being done on board. Whatever the reason, if you lose your 240v then you’ll hear about it instantly.

Passive and Reactive
Not only will all of these features respond to activation – you can also remotely manage them. You can turn lights and blowers on and off, pump the bilge, check location, switch on and off functionality all from the shoreline or thousands of miles away.

The installation is smaller than a cigarette box and works from the boat’s own power and also its own back-up battery – monitoring your boat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Irish Naval Ship L.É. CIARA paid a surprise visit to the harbour town yesterday, Tuesday 12th March 2013, as part of its navigation exercises off  the mouth of Youghal Harbour and on the river Blackwater. The Officer Commanding L.É. CIARA is Lt Cdr Brian Sweeney with a crew of 40 approx. Locals and tourists were surprised to see the ship from the vantage points along the Quayside and no other than the proud parents of Chief Petty Officer Michael ( Rocky) Cashell from Youghal who was at the wheel of the LÉ Ciara as she steamed up the river Blackwater. Click on the video below to see the L.É. CIARA during her brief visit.

 

The ship’s principal armament is a 76mm (3 inch) OTO Melara Gun Compact. This has a 20-kilometre (12 mi) range and can fire 85 rounds per minute. It can be used in both anti-aircraft and anti-ship roles. It holds an 80 round magazine that can easily be reloaded by a two man team.[2] There are also two single 20mm Rh202 Rheinmetall cannons and four single 7.62mm machine guns.
She is equipped with surveillance equipment and a fishery protection information system which is regularly updated via a satellite link to the Irish Naval Service base at Haulbowline Island, Cobh.
The Ciara has a cruising speed of 46.3 km/h (25 knots) and a sprint speed of 55.6 km/h (30 knots). The crewmen have given the vessel the nickname Road Runner and the cartoon mascot is displayed on the funnel.[3] The nickname was chosen to signify that the Ciara is the fastest ship in the Irish Navy.
Name: LÉ Ciara (P42)
Acquired: 1988
Commissioned: 16 January 1989
Homeport: Haulbowline Naval Base
Nickname: Road Runner
Status: In active service
General characteristics
Displacement: 712 tonnes full load
Length: 62.6 m (205 ft)
Beam: 10 m (33 ft)
Draught: 2.72 m (8 ft 11 in)
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 10,600 kW (14,188 bhp)
Speed: 46.3 km/h (25.0 kn), cruising
55.6 km/h (30.0 kn), sprint
Complement: 39 (6 Officers and 33 ratings)
Armament: 1x76mm OTO Melara Cannon
2 x Rh202 Rheinmetall 20mm
4×7.62mm GPMG
Armour: Belted Steel

 

A funding allocation of €45,000 to repair Allin Quay in Youghal has been welcomed by David Stanton, Fine Gael TD for Cork East. The money is being made available as part of additional funding for harbours announced by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, this afternoon.

“I am very pleased that €45,000 has been allocated to carry out works to Allin Quay. This allocation covers 75% of the total project cost which will replace the double slipway on the quay. While this is not a very large project, the repaired quay will allow for improved accessibility to the water from Youghal town”, said Deputy Stanton.

Deputy Stanton noted that the work of officials from Local Authorities played a major part in securing the funding from the Department of the Marine. particular Youghal Town Council, in particular, ensured the project remained “shovel ready” by keeping tenders and costings up to date.

He also praised the work of Youghal Town Councillor and Mayor of County Cork Barbara Murray with whom he has worked in tandem in pushing the project.

“As a member of Cork County Council’s Coastal Management Committee, Cllr Murray has continued to support this very worthwhile project. She worked with Youghal Town Council, Cork County Council and also met with Minister Coveney. She was very eager to ensure that this project went ahead as it will prove an asset to marine tourism in Youghal.

“I am very pleased that the Allin Quay refurbishment will now go ahead. I understand from Minister Coveney that the funding will be drawn down before the end of this year so would hope that the project will begin as soon as possible”, concluded Deputy Stanton

Related video below shows the construction of the ‘New’ Jetty at the quay near the ferryslip, Youghal back in the ’70′s etc.  Uploaded by youtuber 22rochey

THE AILBRIN SOCIETY begins its new season with a bizarre murder case, a dramatic courtcase and a place in Irish history and folkore. In June 1828, the “Mary Russell” sailed into Cork harbour from the West Indies. Seven crewmen lay brutally and inexplicably murdered by its captain. The absorbing courtroom drama that followed was a sensation as survivors revealed a tale of danger and delusion.

The story of the “Mary Russell” was largely forgotten until Kathy Bunney located the grave of one of the murdered crewmen and began putting pen to paper.

“A Ship of Seven Murders” will be presented on Wednesday, 17th October at 8.30 pm in the Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal. Admission- members – free: non-members E5. New members always welcome.

 

Related story:

FOR the past 50 years, the graves of seven sailors who were brutally murdered have been carefully tended, even extending to the purchase of a new, specially engraved headstone.
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/good-samaritan-tends-graves-of-murdered-sailors-2326086.html

 

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Russell_(ship)_murders

A CAPSTAN from an old shipwreck has been discovered near the eastern point of Youghal outer harbour. Fisherman Barry Clohessy with his son Conor and Denis McCarthy made the unusual catch while out fishing on Saturday 18th August 2012. A capstan is a vertical-axled rotating machine developed for use on sailing ships to apply force to ropes, cables, and hawsers. The principle is similar to that of the windlass, which has a horizontal axle.

Click on the video below to see the Capstan raised from the deep at the Quay in Youghal

The video below is a demonstration of a Capstan at work. Sea shanties would often be sung when turning the capstan. A shanty (also spelled “chantey,” “chanty”) is a type of work song that was once commonly sung to accompany labour on board large merchant sailing vessels

Uploaded by hultonclint

Sea Shanties in Moby Dick (1956) The sea shanty singing in the video below is from the film Moby Dick. This particular clip was filmed in Youghal back in 1954. Directed by John Huston

Uploaded by hultonclint

In gale force winds and stormy conditions, the Youghal Harbour Pilot boat safely guides in freight ship Fingal Willemstad (Antilles Netherlands) carrying a heavy cargo of timber on Weds 15th Aug 2012. Published on 15 Aug 2012 by youghalnaturally

Youghal Harbour Pilot boat safely guides in freight ship Fingal Weds 15th Aug 2012 Part 2

Youghal Harbour Pilot boat heading out to guide in freight ship Fingal Weds 15th Aug 2012 Part 1

CORK EAST FINE GAEL TD, DAVID STANTON has welcomed the news that €18 million is to be allocated for a wastewater treatment plant in Youghal.  The funding announcement was made by Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, during a visit to Cork East Constituency today.

“I know that Minister Hogan recently met with representatives from Youghal Town and Cork County Councils.  At this meeting they discussed the urgent need to allocate funding to proceed with the long awaited wastewater treatment plant in Youghal.

“Youghal is in dire need of a wastewater treatment plant as the current situation, whereby untreated waste is being pumped directly into the sea is just not acceptable”, said Deputy Stanton.  “Funding of €18 million will now allow for construction of a modern and efficient wastewater treatment facility in Youghal which will mean an end to this.

“Tourism is now the main industry in Youghal now, and as much effort as possible must be made to ensure that this sector is developed.  In addition to the Blackwater Estuary which is an excellent asset for watersports, Youghal also has a number of great beaches around the town. It is important that the quality and cleanliness of the beach and estuary are maintained. The new wastewater treatment plant will ensure that water quality in the sea and estuary in the area remains of a high standard.

“I made a very strong case to Minister Hogan regarding a wastewater treatment plant for Youghal.  I am pleased that this much needed funding has now been approved and the project can now proceed.

 

RELATED VIDEO CLICK HERE: Dutch inventor cleans up water treatment

22/05 15:22 CET

On a recent visit to Youghal the Minister for Environment Heritage and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, met with representatives from Youghal Town and Cork County Councils.   They discussed the urgent need to allocate funding to proceed with the long awaited wastewater treatment plant.

“Youghal is in serious need of a wastewater treatment plant.  The current situation, whereby untreated waste is being pumped directly into the sea is just not acceptable”, said Deputy Stanton.

“Tourism is the main industry in Youghal now, and as much effort as possible must be made to ensure that this sector is developed.  In addition to the Blackwater Estuary which is an excellent asset for watersports, Youghal also has a number of great beaches around the town. It is important that the quality and cleanliness of the beach and estuary are maintained.  A proper, modern wastewater treatment plant is integral to this.

“I have made a very strong case to the Minister and I am very hopeful that we may see some funding being allocated for a wastewater treatment plant in Youghal over the next few weeks

Monday, 21 May 2012

Youghal Lighthouse Offered To Town Council – By Christy Parker

The transfer of Youghal Lighthouse into the care of Youghal Town Council was the subject of a presentation to December’s town council meeting by Tim Ryan, the Inspector of Local Aids to Navigation for the Commission of Irish Lights (CIL).

Mr Ryan began by explaining how the CIL, which dates back to 1665, remains tasked with responsibility for Irish lighthouses, north and south of the border, under the 1894 Merchant Shipping Act. The commission oversees general (outer harbour more or less) navigation across 80 lighthouses, 145 buoys, 488 beacons and several electronic aid mechanisms such as marine DGPS’s, along with 4,200 local (inner harbour) navigation aids, including sea farming.

Technological advances have now surpassed the need for many navigational aids, inclusive of lighthouses and every five years the CIL reviews its remit. Elaborating, Mr. Ryan explained that “there are two buoys south of Youghal to warn general shipping of the dangers from the Barr Rocks and the Blackball Ledge. The lighthouse in turn guides local shipping to the north or west of the dangers. Effectively, if need be, the lighthouse could be replaced by three more buoys.”

Under this criteria, a CIL review in 2010 deemed Youghal lighthouse an aid to local navigation only. Government funding, strictly audited, now only supports assistance to general navigation aids, so the commission wants to hand over the Youghal Lighthouse to the local authority. Similar arrangements continue to occur throughout the country, whereby the CIL will provide advice and assistance but will not advance monetary support.

On departing, the CIL would bequeath a large quantity of the 1,000 watt bulbs (two a year) required to flash warnings, but the remaining cost of maintaining the acquirement was estimated at about €5,000 a year. Cllr O’Connell, to general agreement, suggested that the structure could generate income towards this through tourism initiatives, as has occurred in, to similar circumstances elsewhere. She also wondered -half joking but fully serious- if the house could be handed over at a “knocked-down” price but the CIL representative pleaded that his organisation was as funds deficient as everyone else these days.

No house

Cllr Linehan-Foley reflected the widely-held sentiment that Youghal Lighthouse, in common with the Clock Gate and Town Walls is iconic to Youghal and has to be maintained. So far so good, but the discussion hit the rocks somewhat when Mr Ryan explained that the CIL is only parting with the lighthouse and its adjoining out houses. It will retain ownership of the nearby dwelling and garden that also occupy the compound. The reason for this is quite simply that this section –currently leased as a holiday home- has a market value, which the CIL is in the process of defining.

The CIL envisaged erecting a 2m high dividing fence between both aspects, while creating a separate entrance for the garden. Rejecting this notion, Cllr Liam Burke argued that, “It has been a complete site since Norman times. In fact the Norman’s brought over nuns from the Order of St. Ann in France to run the lighthouse. A dividing fence would tarnish its historical integrity and reduce its heritage value,” he argued as he asked that CIL consider providing the house as well.

Mr Ryan was not of a mind to give away houses however. He suggested two alternatives. “You could either buy it or, perhaps, lease it,” he urged. When light is thrown on the market value of the house and garden, he will inform the council.

 

Related Story: Click here to read ‘Ireland To Pay For Its Own Lighthouses’

 

The man who controls fishing rights on the river Blackwater, its estuary and in Youghal harbour has been encouraged to transfer them over to the local residents by Fianna Fáil councillor and election candidate in Cork East, Kevin O’Keeffe. The rights date back to 1753, and anyone who fishes on the river has to pay a fee to the Duke of Devonshire.

“Over the years local fishermen and tourists have contributed thousands to the Duke and his family for using the river. Given the difficult economic conditions and the effect they are having on the people of Youghal, I think that the Duke should make this concession in recognition of all that the people from the area have done for his family,” Cllr O’Keeffe said.

“The people of Youghal and the surrounding areas have been supporting the Duke and his ancestors for hundreds of years. He has access to considerable funding so there is no need for him to rely on this income stream. By giving back the fishing rights to Youghal it will not only help the people but also provide a strong source of potential funding for the town to raise much needed finances.”

The 12th Duke, Peregrine Cavendish, also claims right to the riverbed, which means that local authorities in Youghal cannot put moorings or any similar structures in place without permission. His Blackwater- related permissions were valued at €10 million alone in 2008. – www.corknews.ie

RTÉ – Documentary On One – Sunday 20th April 2008

Fishing the Blackwater-A documentary about fishing rights on the river Blackwater (44min 58sec)

[ click on icon link above to download or play the radio interview above ]

 

Related stories: Click Here Bridge Over Troubled Waters by Christy Parker and click here From The Independent.ie

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/bridge-over-troubled-blackwater-1353371.html

Bridge over troubled Blackwater By JEROME REILLY
Sunday April 20 2008

IT’S a saga with a rich cast of characters including Fred Astaire, Tiger Woods and Sir Walter Raleigh, but now Peregrine Andrew Mornington Cavendish, the 12th Duke of Devonshire, has agreed to the first discussion for 250 years of the vexed question of his family’s ownership of one of Ireland’s finest and most exclusive salmon rivers.

“I think that the issue of the ownership of the Blackwater — especially in relation to the harbour — the best thing that could happen is that we should sit down with the people of Youghal — the officials — and not deal with it through the media.” he said, breaking his silence on the controversy , which has pitted the well-liked Duke against local Irish interests.

The duke, worth more than €800m, is the largest private owner on the River Blackwater in Cork and owner of the 8,000 acre Lismore estate, which came into the family’s ownership in the early 18th century and was once owned by Sir Walter Raleigh.

The Duke’s Irish estate consists of the spectacular Lismore Castle, where his close friend Prince Charles, and his bride-to be Camilla Parker Bowles stayed before their wedding, and the fishing rights to two-thirds, or 12 miles of the tidal water of the Blackwater and a range of other fishing rights, totalling almost 20 miles of river.

It’s prime salmon fishing water and Tiger Woods, via his friend John Magnier of Coolmore, has indulged his passion for angling on the Blackwater, stalking the same banks where Fred Astaire regularly fished.

Control of the river by a generally absentee English landlord, despite the family’s popularity in the area, has been a contentious issue since the foundation of the State, but in the past few years there have been a number of disagreements of a more practical nature that has brought ownership into sharp focus.

The Duke has legally challenged the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources who ordered him to remove a weir at Clondulane on conservation grounds.

There has also been controversy about control of the mouth of the river and if local fishermen can harvest mussels in the estuary at Youghal while some local anglers also question the Duke’s rights to stop them casting a line into the river. The issue of drift net fishing in the estuary is moot at this time because the Government has banned it — though historically fishermen did pay a fee to the Duke for the right to fish for salmon returning to the Blackwater to spawn.

The Duke maintains all his historical rights including those of the harbour. These rights are contested by the local town council who would like to legally challenge the Duke but haven’t the money to do so.

The Duke leases some of his waters to a number of local salmon angling clubs who pay his estate for the privilege. However, his most prized asset on the river is the exclusive fishery lodge at Careysville where guests pay from €2,500 to €4,000 per week for accommodation and fishing.

But in an interview to be broadcast on RTE Radio One tonight at 7pm for a documentary titled Fishing the Blackwater, the Duke offers to sit down with officials from Youghal Town Council and discuss the river and its ownership.It’s the first time in 250 years that the family have agreed to discuss the issue.

“There are a number of issues which we would like to resolve and I would welcome an approach from the council to come and discuss them with us,” he says.

He added that following the Government decision to end drift-net fishing, his family had voluntarily suspended the issuing of their licences to drift net but that they still maintain the right to reinstate should the Government change its position.

He said that he regarded his estate’s ownership to be where the Blackwater reaches the sea, which is normally defined as a line across the river to the Youghal lighthouse. He added that he was aware that there are people in Youghal Council who would take issue with that.

- JEROME REILLY