January 31st saw nearly 90 Puppeteer Class sailors and supporters gather in Howth Yacht Club’s clubhouse to celebrate the 2024 season and look forward to the start of 2025. The sight of the sailors togged out in their glad rags, rather than the sailing gear they normally appear in, gave rise to a few double-takes but identities were quickly confirmed and the banter was well enhanced by comments on the improved personal presentation of some since the fleet was last together at the end of the Autumn League, just after finishing a two-race day.

Howth Commodore Kevin Monks and his wife Jacinta were guests of honour and, before presenting the huge array of prizes accumulated by the Class over its 40-year history in the Club, Kevin thanked the Puppeteer fleet for their ongoing contribution to the Club afloat and ashore. He encouraged those present to help get new members, and others who may have reduced their time afloat, out racing to sample the fantastic competition and camaraderie enjoyed by the Class.

Class Captain Alan Blay managed the prizegiving and explained that the 25 Puppeteers racing over the season, by far the largest Class in Howth YC, meant prizes for the first four in most series and ensured that the ‘Late Late Show precedent’ could be followed. Some boats were distinguished by their owners needing a metaphorical wheelbarrow to collect their winnings, particularly Trick or Treat (Alan Pearson / Alan Blay) whose clean sweep of wins in the four events of the season gave them a haul exceeding the capacity of just a single barrow. Gepetto (Eddie O’Reilly / Mary McDyer) and Blue Velvet (Gerry Kennedy) also had great success and took away five prizes apiece.  The trophies for the most successful boats of the 2024 season went to Trick or Treat for their results on scratch and to Gepetto for the handicap events.

Alan concluded his Class Captain’s duties on the night by reminding those present that the 2025 Club racing season gets underway on April 22nd and encouraging the crews to be ready on time. Ace photographer (and Odyssey co-owner) Roslyn Byrne recorded the proceedings and her evidence of how well the Pup sailors scrubbed up can be seen in this photo gallery of the evening.

Thanks to the Class Captain and his assistant organisers for all their work in making the night such a big success, to Roz for her photos, to the Commodore for attending and for his nice comments about the Class and to the bar and dining staff of HYC for the excellent food and service enjoyed on the night.