Howth 17s Enjoy Successful Visit to RIYC Classic Regatta

23 June 2026
 
Seven Howth 17s made the passage from Howth to Dun Laoghaire on Friday evening to take part in the Royal Irish Yacht Club’s Classic Regatta, held as part of the club’s 195th Anniversary celebrations. The eighth entrant, Deilginis, wisely delayed her departure until early Saturday morning, avoiding the challenging conditions created by a strong south-easterly breeze opposing the ebb tide, which had produced particularly large seas along the coast.
 
The RIYC Classic Regatta once again brought together an impressive collection of Ireland’s historic sailing classes, including the Dublin Bay 21s, Howth 17s, Glens, Water Wags, IDRA 14s, Mermaids, International 12s and a variety of classic cruising yachts. The result was a colourful and highly competitive celebration of traditional sailing on Dublin Bay.
 
The format featured two races on Saturday and a final race on Sunday, followed by a spectacular Parade of Sail along Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier. The fleet’s passage was accompanied by expert commentary from renowned sailing historian and classic yacht enthusiast Hal Sisk, providing spectators with a fascinating insight into the history and significance of the participating classes.
 
Racing amongst the Howth 17s was as competitive as ever. The Massey, Toomey and Kenny crew aboard Deilginis claimed victory in Saturday’s opening race, while the O’Doherty, McCormack and Kenny team on Pauline secured the honours in Race 2.
 
With consistently close finishes throughout the fleet, the overall standings remained finely balanced heading into Sunday’s deciding race. Indeed, only a handful of points separated the leading boats, and it was clear that any one of the leading contenders could emerge victorious with a strong final performance.
 
After a lengthy postponement while competitors waited patiently in the summer sunshine for the breeze to fill in, Sunday’s race finally got underway. Credit was due in no small measure to race officer Brian Matthews, whose calm management of proceedings and deep understanding of Dublin Bay’s notoriously fickle sea-breeze conditions ensured that the fleet was rewarded with an excellent final race. As the expected afternoon breeze gradually established itself across the bay, Matthews timed proceedings to perfection, allowing competitors to enjoy a fair and competitive conclusion to the regatta.
 
When racing eventually commenced, Isobel delivered a commanding performance, taking an emphatic race win and securing the overall regatta title in style.
 
The Howth 17 Footers Association would like to extend its sincere thanks to the Royal Irish Yacht Club for its outstanding hospitality throughout the weekend. Particular thanks are due to Commodore Winifred Kelleher, whose warm welcome and generous hospitality were greatly appreciated by all visiting competitors. Commodore Kelleher also presided over the prize-giving ceremony, bringing a fitting conclusion to a memorable weekend of classic yacht racing. The association also acknowledges the generous sponsorship of Gunpowder Irish Gin, whose support contributed significantly to the success of the event.
 
In addition to Isobel’s overall victory, Gerry Comerford’s beautifully restored Anna received special recognition, being awarded the prestigious Spirit of Classic Sailing Trophy. The award recognised the exceptional craftsmanship, dedication and attention to detail involved in bringing the newest member of the Howth 17 fleet to the water, a fitting tribute to the enduring appeal of Ireland’s oldest one-design keelboat class.
 

 

The weekend provided a wonderful showcase for classic sailing on Dublin Bay and highlighted once again the strength, camaraderie and competitiveness that continue to define the Howth 17 fleet more than 125 years after its creation. With close racing, magnificent boats, glorious summer weather and exceptional hospitality both afloat and ashore, the Royal Irish Yacht Club’s 195th Anniversary Classic Regatta will be remembered as one of the highlights of the 2026 season.
 
 
Race report by Brian Turvey
Photos by Luke Massey, Finn Goggin, and via the RIYC Instagram.