The Pirates are taking over Gibney's Classic!

Saturday 15th August will see the return of one of the most enjoyable and enduring traditions in the Howth Yacht Club calendar, as the Gibney Classic once again brings
together sailors from across Dublin for a day of competitive racing, outstanding hospitality and plenty of fun ashore. Now in its fourth decade, the Gibney Classic has become much more than simply another race. It is a celebration of the long-standing ties between Howth Yacht Club, Malahide Yacht Club and the Gibney family, whose association with sailing in Fingal and North County Dublin stretches back generations.

The origins of the event date back to the opening of Malahide Marina, when improved access through the estuary created the opportunity to establish a race that would bring the two neighbouring sailing communities closer together. What began as a simple idea has grown into one of the most anticipated events of the sailing season, attracting cruiser racers, one design classes and family crews alike.

Reflecting on the origins of the event during a previous interview with Howth Yacht Club, Barry Gibney explained what the race has always meant to him:

“We wanted to get something between the two clubs and the two villages. It was made much easier when the work was done to dredge the sandbar, giving people a chance to do
something different and enjoy a day out. We just love the connection to the club and hope the race runs for a long, long time.”

Those sentiments remain just as true today. While the racing is always keenly contested, the Gibney Classic has never been solely about the generous prizes that the Gibney family
presents. It is about renewing friendships, welcoming visiting competitors, and celebrating the unique bond that exists between two neighbouring clubs and communities.

This year’s event is open to competitors from Howth Yacht Club, Malahide Yacht Club and visiting clubs in Dublin and beyond. Malahide Yacht Club has always played a significant role in the success of the Gibney Classic and we would particularly like to encourage MYC members to take to the start line alongside the HYC fleet. Whether you’re a regular racer or simply looking for a memorable day afloat with your crew, everyone will receive a warm welcome.

For Howth Yacht Club competitors there is an added incentive. The Gibney Classic also forms part of the 2026 HYC Club Racing Summer Series, meaning competitors can enjoy
one of the Club’s flagship open events while continuing their pursuit of important series points.

Entries are invited from:

• IRC Cruiser Classes A, B and C
• ECHO Cruiser Classes A, B and C
• White Sail Cruisers
• J/80s
• Puppeteer 22s
• Squibs
• Howth 17 Footers

Racing will take place in the waters north of Ireland’s Eye, with the first warning signal scheduled for 11:00 and later fleet starts at five-minute intervals. Find the Notice of Race here.

The course has been planned to allow competitors to take advantage of the afternoon tide before making their way through the famous Malahide channel. High tide is 14:50 at a height of 4.4m.

To encourage visiting boats, Howth Yacht Club Marina is offering complimentary berthing on Friday evening before the race, allowing competitors to arrive the night before,
utilise the club's facilities and enjoy a relaxed start to race day. After racing, competitors will once again receive the wonderful support of Malahide Marina, who have once again generously agreed to provide complimentary visitor berthing while crews attend the traditional Gibney’s reception and prizegiving. It is a fitting demonstration of the cooperation that has helped make the Gibney Classic such a successful event for so many years. Please register your boat with Malahide Marina here.

Every great event deserves a fresh twist and this year’s Gibney Classic promises to be one of the most colourful yet. The 2026 event will have a Pirate Theme, with crews encouraged to decorate their boats, fly the Jolly Roger and dress themselves in true buccaneering style. Whether you arrive as Captain Jack Sparrow, Blackbeard or simply with an eye patch and striped shirt, there will be special prizes for the best dressed boat and crew.

For many competitors, finishing the race is only the beginning. The afternoon at Gibney’s has become legendary, with sailors gathering for refreshments, prizegiving and an afternoon of fun. Few sailing events combine competitive racing with such a relaxed and welcoming social atmosphere, and it is this unique combination that keeps competitors returning year after year.

Enter now!

The entry fee is just €15 per boat, making the Gibney Classic one of the best-value events of the season.

Entries close at 12:00 on Wednesday 12th August, with Sailing Instructions published on the HYC website the same day.