Outgoing Commodore Neil Murphy presents the flag to incoming Commodore Kevin Monks

At the Annual General Meeting of Howth Yacht Club on Tuesday, 3rd December, Kevin Monks was elected as our new Commodore. Kevin takes over from Neil Murphy, who has led the Club's activities as HYC Commodore for the past two years. Let's hear directly from the new Commodore about his goals and objectives for his tenure:

“I am very proud and honoured to take up the mantle as Commodore of Howth Yacht Club, following the admirable tenure of outgoing Commodore Neil Murphy.

I would also like to thank the outgoing Committee members for their dedication over the past two years and extend my gratitude to all the Members who voted for me and supported my candidacy.

Welcome aboard our new committee members: Gary Cullen as Vice Commodore, Jill Somerville and Robert Kennedy as Rear Commodores, Emmet Dalton as Honorary Sailing Secretary, Bernie Condy as Honorary Secretary, Ken Bourke as Honorary Treasurer, and Lara Jameson, Karolina Kernan, Karena Knaggs, Tom McMahon, Phil Merry, and Darren Wright.

Neil Murphy and new HYC Vice Commodore Gary Cullen

With this great team and our various subcommittees, we are well-positioned to tackle the future development and sustainability of our club.

Neil Murphy and new HYC Rear Commodore Jill Sommerville

Neil Murphy and new HYC Rear Commodore Robert Kennedy

My main focus as Commodore is to promote competitive sailing and leisure boating. I will rely on the Committee's support to ensure the quality of our adult and junior sailing courses, host an exciting calendar of racing open events, revamp the fleet of HYC dinghies and keelboats, and broaden the Marina's services with the appointment of a new bosun.

Strategically, I aim to secure funding to enhance participation, sustainability, inclusion, and equal access to our sport through new infrastructure.

Particularly, the junior sailing section is crucial for our future success in competitions. I plan to improve it by establishing a new Junior Sailing Committee to increase both on and off-water training for our junior members.

The HYC Cruising Group, which has flourished under Susan Kavanagh and Sarah Toomey, offers another opportunity to engage existing and new members in long-term recreational sailing.

As we strive to broaden the sailing base among our membership, I would like to thank all members who volunteer their time and expertise to HYC for their continued support and future involvement. A big shout-out to you all.

I look forward to a productive relationship with our staff at HYC, who, under the guidance of our manager Aideen Doran, have been invaluable to the smooth running of our club. They are greatly appreciated and held in high regard by our members.

My goal as Commodore is to elevate our club's facilities, sailing, racing, and hospitality to the highest standards, making HYC a top destination for high-ranking competitions and visiting sailors, while also enhancing our engagement with the local community.

Finally, I encourage all our sailors, including myself, to spend more time racing, cruising, or venturing out for their first experience and training on the water in 2025.”