Howth Yacht Club shone with a strong showing in this years Volvo Dun Laoghaire to Dingle (D2D) Race, one of Irelands premier offshore sailing events.  Three entries took on the 280 nautical mile challenge down Irelands rugged east and south coasts. 

The race got underway at 2pm last Wednesday with glorious sunshine but boisterous conditions. Opal (Greystones) and Outrajeous (Howth) hit the line at speed as the gun sounded.

Outrajeous, photo credit afloat.ie

A lively 20-knot plus south easterly breeze was churning up a rather confused sea state just north of Dun Laoghaire harbour with 40 yachts crossing the start line, many of whom were carrying reefs. From the off, it was a strenuous beat testing crews with shifting winds and choppy seas. As crews reached Wicklow Head the tide was turning and beginning to flood north against the competitors. Our experienced Howth sailors were all spotted hugging the rugged coastline at Wicklow Head to avoid the worst of the flooding tide, with stories of booms being dragged across rocks.  Our sea spies even tell us that one prominent yacht collided with Ireland!

By the early hours of Thursday morning, the fleet rounded Tuskar Rock on the southeast corner of Ireland before facing a close reach, mixed with periods of beating, toward the iconic Fastnet Rock. It was reached by Thursday evening. Challenging conditions including patches of thick fog and rain added to the tactical complexity, but also presented opportunities for well-prepared crews to gain ground.

After multiple sail changes from just North of the Tuskar until the Old Head of Kinsale and on to Galley Head, the fleet experienced a vide variety of fetching/reaching conditions with many position changes, dependant upon yachts reaching credentials. We hear that up to five spinnaker peels were being completed in less than one hour on some Howth boats. 

Crew on Indiana with the Skelligs in the background

At the Fastnet, a tactical decision needed to be made by crews.  Either either carry on out into the Atlantic on Port Gybe with spinnaker up in the hope of being first to the forecast “new” Westerly breeze. Or, to gybe inshore to make early gains, but risk having to beat out to the Bull Rock. The Howth boats carried on and made gains as the new westerly did indeed materialise and they fetched to the turning mark at the Skelligs.

The race concluded with a fast and enjoyable run into Dingle Bay, where the Howth fleet crossed the line around 5am Friday to a warm welcome from race organisers.  All 40 boats finished.

Crew of The Big Picture

Standout Performances for HYC

Leading the Howth charge, John and Suzie Murphy’s Outrajeous delivered a stellar performance to take 1st place overall as well as a win in their division—a superb result that reflects the Murphy’s and their crew’s dedication, attention to detail and meticulous preparation. 

Photo Credit Domnick Walsh

This title now adds to Team Outrajeous’s tally of current titles including: ICRA Champion Boat Overall 2023, ICRA Champion Boat Overall 2024, J Cup Champion Boat Overall 2024, IRC European Supreme Champion Boat Overall 2024. All four members of the Team that recently won the Royal Yacht Squadron Invitational formed part of her crew. Known affectionately as the “Outrajeous Splinter Group”.

Also flying the Howth burgee was The Big Picture, the new J/112e skippered by Michael and Richard Evans, who sailed an impressive debut D2D campaign to finish 5th overall and 3rd in class.

Rounding out the Howth trio was Simon Knowles' J/109 Indian, finishing 15th overall and 5th in Class 2, another credible showing in a highly competitive fleet.

A Race to Remember

This year’s D2D race proved why it remains a favourite on the Irish offshore calendar. Many observers have commented that this is “probably the highest quality fleet of offshore racing boats ever seen in any Irish Race. And they were being sailed by the crème de la crème. It was magic stuff”.

A mix of tactical sailing, shifting weather, and breathtaking coastal landmarks – though many were hard to see through fog and mist.  It was reported that more Dolphins were seen than ever before with sightings almost every hour of the day and night from Coningbeg to Dingle.

For Howth Yacht Club, it was a campaign marked by stellar performances, seamanship, and a bit of offshore magic.

Congratulations to all crews and supporters!

Race Report with input from John Murphy and Michael Evans

Photo Gallery, credit John Murphy, Michael Evans & Simon Knowles