Splashdance Completes Clean Sweep for 2025

08 December 2025
Splashdance Completes Clean Sweep for 2025
 
Splashdance, the Dufour 40 co-owned by John Beckett and Andy George, enjoyed a remarkable 2025 season, taking first place in every event entered, including the Lambay Races, the ICRA National Championships / Sovereign’s Cup in  Kinsale, Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta, the Jack Gibney Regatta, and the HYC Autumn League.
 
Purchased in 2017 from Howard McMullen, Splashdance began competitive racing in 2023 with a newly-formed crew. The team built steady momentum through 2024 before dedicating the winter months to theory and race-rules sessions led by Matthew in HYC. The preparation paid off, with the team demonstrating strong consistency and teamwork across a demanding calendar.
 
 
The season opened with the Lambay Races, sailed in a heavy breeze, where Splashdance took first in class. A month later came the crew’s first away campaign at the Sovereign’s Cup in Kinsale, doubling as the ICRA National Championships. Against a highly experienced fleet, they secured the class title and a national championship win. Momentum continued into July’s Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta, where consistent scoring sealed another overall victory.
 
Back at home, Splashdance added the Jack Gibney Regatta trophy to the collection before finishing the year with an unbeaten record through the Autumn League.
 
 
From their first-ever away regatta in Kinsale to local series victories at home, the Splashdance crew combined disciplined preparation with calm execution to deliver an exceptional run of results.
 
The owners and crew extend their thanks to all race officers, mark-layers, volunteers and fellow competitors for an outstanding season that showcased the camaraderie, skill and spirit of Howth Yacht Club.
 
Feature by Andy George
 
John Beckett and Andy George were nominated for the Silver Fox Trophy in the Achievers' Awards 2025.  Winners will be announced at a celebration in the Clubhouse on Saturday 3rd January 2026.