Howth Maritime & Seafood Festival Pursuit Yacht Race

17 April 2026
Howth Maritime & Seafood Festival Pursuit Yacht Race
 
The Pursuit Race is an exciting addition to this year's Howth Maritime and Seafood Festival, adding to the HYC sailing programme with this unique and much-loved race format.
 
Organised by Dec MacManus and Ryan O’Leary, this exciting race will take place on Sunday, 24th May bringing a fantastic mix of sailing action and festival atmosphere to the harbour.
 
The Pursuit Race format sees each boat assigned its own individual start time, so it's ideal if you have a round-the-world spec long keel cruiser that doesn’t like tight start lines or the most tricked out, fastest J109 in Europe and enjoy chasing Howth 17’s!  
 
 
Organisers said, "The race will be conducted Pursuit style, using a staggered start sequence based on a custom Velocity Prediction Program. Unlike a traditional fleet start, boats will be assigned a unique starting time, with the slowest-rated boats departing first and the faster "Scratch" boats in hot pursuit. The format eliminates the congestion of a crowded starting line and shifts the tactical focus to a thrilling, real-time chase across the course. This first boat to legally cross the finish line is the winner, giving an immediate and transparent result for both sailors and spectators"
 
Dave Cagney will oversee handicapping duties and assign start times to ensure close competition across the fleet, while Dave Sargent will act as Race Officer, with the start and finish line based at the East Pier Starters Hut.
 
Spectators can expect a fantastic show, with Brian Turvey providing live commentary from the finish area as the fleet races home. With the race running alongside the Maritime and Seafood Festival, there is expected to be a lively crowd onshore to enjoy the spectacle.
 
 
A dedicated media team will be on the water throughout the event, capturing the action with professional photography and drone footage. A large outdoor screen will broadcast highlights immediately after racing, and in a generous bonus for competitors, all race photos will be made available to boats free of charge.
 
Supported by Fingal County Council and a number of local sponsors, the event promises plenty of prizes, including one for the boat flying “The Most Flags After the Race”, adding a fun and festive twist to the day.
 
Taking place just one week before the annual Lambay Race, the Pursuit Race also offers the perfect opportunity for crews to enjoy a competitive but friendly shakedown before one of the season’s key events.
 
Early entry is strongly encouraged, as advance entries make the process of assigning start times much easier and help ensure the smooth running of the event.
 
Don’t miss this unique and entertaining race format!
 
 
Photo credit Annraoi Blaney, Karolina Kernan