Dinghy Frostbite Winter Series Starts Sunday!

29 October 2025
Dinghy Frostbite Winter Series Starts Sunday!
 
The HYC Dinghy Frostbite Series is set to return this Sunday promising exceptional racing and friendly participation and lots of fun. Running every Sunday until March, the series attracts racers of all levels and competitors can look forward to well-organised races, quick turnarounds, and, hopefully, fair conditions.
 
 
The format features two races each Sunday morning, alternating between windward-leeward and triangular courses. A three-minute start sequence will further test tactical skills and boat handling.
 
The Frostbite Series has a rich history dating back to the 1970s, when fleets of over forty Lasers raced off Howth. Notable names from those early days, such as Gordon Maguire and Robert Dix, went on to achieve international acclaim. While the classes have evolved, the passion for winter dinghy racing remains strong. The series marked its 50th anniversary last winter, celebrating a proud legacy of competitive spirit.
 
 
This year, a strong line-up is already taking shape, with entries confirmed across the ILCA, Melges 15, RS Aero, and IDRA 14 classes. European Masters Champion Daragh Sheridan will compete in the RS Aero fleet, using the home event as preparation for the RS Aero European Championships, to be hosted at Howth in August 2027.
 
In the IDRA 14 class, National Champion Ryan Cairns is confirmed, alongside Alan Carr, who finished third at the same championship. Organisers expect more entries this week, particularly in the ILCA and Melges 15 fleets. 
 
 
The Frostbite Series welcomes all dinghies with a PY rating under 1220, offering a diverse and competitive fleet. The first gun sounds at 10:45 am on November 2nd, and sailors can register here to be part of this iconic winter sailing tradition.