Fireworks at the Fireball End-of-Season Regatta

28 October 2025
Fireworks at the Fireball End-of-Season Regatta

Howth Yacht Club welcomed Fireball crews from six clubs across Ireland over the weekend for an end-of-season regatta — a final chance to test the lessons learned from summer campaigns.

From early in the week, forecasts hinted that weather might once again play the villain in October’s sailing schedule. Sure enough, Saturday delivered base winds of 20 knots, gusting to 30, with a challenging sea state driven by a northwesterly. Racing was called off by midday.
Sunday dawned with urgency, and crews launched early to squeeze in as many races as possible before the next weather system rolled in. Conditions remained tricky.
 
 
 
Race 1 began cleanly in 15 knots. Conor Twohig and Matthew Cotter (HYC) led at the top mark and set off on a smooth spinnaker reach, chased by Noel Butler and Mark Greer (National YC), with David Evans and William Draper (Sligo YC) close behind. The HYC team battled a damaged kicker and a crew member nursing a dodgy hamstring. Ultimately, Noel and Mark took the win, with Conor and Matthew in second. Frank Miller and Marta Zamorano rounded out the podium. Special mention to David and William, who sailed a strong race until a mainsail halyard issue dropped them to seventh.
 
Race 2 launched in deteriorating conditions, with base winds climbing to 20 knots and gusts beyond. David and William seized control early, with the same crews in pursuit. They held their lead to claim the win over the ever-consistent Noel and Mark, while Conor and Matthew secured third. With conditions worsening, racing was wrapped for the day and sailors headed ashore.
 
 
Noel Butler & Mark Greer with Jill Sommerville
 
Final Results:
1st Noel Butler & Mark Greer (National YC)
2nd Conor Twohig & Matthew Cotter (HYC)
3rd David Evans & William Draper (Sligo YC)
 
Congratulations also to young sailors Rachel Deasy and Daithi O’Murchadha (Tralee Bay), winners of the Silver Fleet.
 
 
Rachel Deasy and Daithi O’Murchadha 
 
Huge thanks to all the crews who made the trip to Howth, and to the water- and shore-based volunteers whose support made the event possible.
 
Report by Ronan Mac Donell
Photo Gallery, credit Neil Murphy and Paddy Judge