Howth Yacht Club’s Women at the Helm is back in 2026, promising a day of all-female helms to showcase sailing’s finest female talent. The event has a promising lineup of entrants already, and is set to be an evening of fierce racing as well as camaraderie as it enters its second year. New this year will be the provision of boats for a number of Women helms from other clubs outside HYC, opening the event to talent from beyond Howth. Last years’ races saw 120 women entered across 38 boats, a figure HYC is hoping to grow in 2026 with the invitation of participants from other clubs. In addition to three evening races, interested parties are also invited to join the event’s activities by entering a mahjong tournament - a social game that has its own thriving community at HYC. Whether enjoying the atmosphere on the water or in the clubhouse, there’s something for everyone. Women at the Helm at HYC has been brought earlier into the summer in 2026, nearer to the longest day to ensure there is ample light for racing, playing, prizegiving and dancing.

There are three fleet races scheduled across a wide range of classes, including J80s, J24s, Puppeteers, Howth 17s, Squibs, Melges 15s, and IDRA14s and a PY fleet. The committee boat will also be commandeered by a female race management team, led by highly respected Race Officer, Scorie Walls, with Committee Vessel North Star driven by the incomparable Judith Malcolm.

The J80 class promises fierce competition, with standout sailors like Laura Dillon (Rear Commodore of RORC), and Diana Kissane (Vice-Chair of World Sailing's Equipment Rules Sub-Committee) having entered as soon as the event was announced. Diana and Laura came first and third respectively in the mixed J class races last year, building anticipation for what this year’s races bring for these two well known national sailors.

Olympian Eve McMahon expressed her disappointment at not being able to attend due to leaving for LA for training the day before. 

Last year's overall winner Jill Sommerville is aiming for the Baltic Gold Trophy once again, though is stepping into a Puppeteer for the first time ever this year after clean-sweeping the Squib class races last year. Jill is a highly skilled and respected Helmswoman, and as Rear Commodore of Howth Yacht Club she is an inspiration to many sailors.

The Howth 17 class, the oldest one design keelboat racing class in the world, have five confirmed entries with plenty more expected as the deadline approaches. Amongst the historic fleet is Eileen, helmed by Rima Macken, who raced this year's Lambay Races with an all-female crew.

Event organiser Jill Sommerville shared her excitement: "Everyone is looking forward to great racing and camaraderie on the water. It's especially rewarding to see so many of our strongest helms coming through the IODAI training system. Girls who started sailing at age 7 and represented Ireland internationally by 12 are still actively racing at club, national, and international levels."

HYC is excited to be putting on an event that caters to our large number of women members, that inspires junior girls, and welcomes our community of 200+ mahjong players.

Racing for the Baltic Gold Trophy, donated by Howth 17 Helmswoman Rima Macken, takes place Friday 3 July. HYC is grateful to the many sponsors who are contributing to this event; Tots and Co Childcare, WaterWipes, Irish Sailing, Waterland, Daha Wellness, Remarkable Cocktails, Hermans, The Wright Group, Image Skincare, Mitchum, Batiste and Bondi Sands.

Entry remains open till Tuesday, 30th June.