The Gibney Classic returned to Howth Yacht Club on Saturday, bringing with it a fleet of more than fifty pirate ships, including seven from Malahide Yacht Club. Plenty of sea shanties and costumes across the race course made it another memorable voyage from Howth to Malahide.

The day began under grey skies and almost glassy conditions, but as crews prepared for racing on the waters of North Dublin Bay, the weather slowly transformed. What started as a calm and dreary morning became a sunny afternoon with winds reaching around eight knots, before giving way to a scorching evening in Gibney’s courtyard.

As they left the marina in Howth, this year's fleet was briefly joined on the water by some of the forty boats from the Cruising Group en route to Skerries. This created an impressive spectacle as yachts filled the bay under a sea of HYC ensigns, Jolly Rogers and cries of “YARRRGH”.

A well-balanced course was set before the fleet made its annual pilgrimage up the Malahide Estuary. The wind, however, had other ideas. Arriving from almost exactly the opposite direction to that forecast, it presented a challenge for competitors and race organisers alike.

The light conditions also made for a somewhat subdued start for the one-design fleets, with the breeze disappearing almost entirely as boats assembled on the line. Fortunately, enough wind eventually filled in to get the fleet moving and racing underway.

On board the committee vessel North Star, Race Officer Mike Head, expertly managed proceedings throughout the day. The race management team ensured smooth racing, fair competition and a timely finish that allowed competitors to make the most of the favourable tide into Malahide.

Cruiser Racing

Division A produced a close contest, with Indian (Simon Knowles) taking victory in both IRC and HPH. The Big Picture (Michael and Richard Evans) claimed second place under IRC, while Insider Again (Ian Martin and Stephen Mullaney) secured second under HPH.

Division B honours went to Chronos (Byrne & Cullen), which topped both the IRC and HPH standings after an excellent performance in the light conditions. Dux followed in second under IRC, while Pepperbox took the runner-up position in HPH.

In Division C, Toughnut (Dermot Skehan) proved untouchable, securing first place in both IRC and HPH. Behind her, Spellbound and Demelza completed the IRC podium, while Changeling and Spellbound filled the remaining HPH podium positions.

One-Design Racing

The Puppeteer fleet enjoyed one of the closest contests of the day. WeyHey, helmed by Ian Dickson, crossed the line first to win the scratch series, while Mojo claimed top honours under HPH.

The Howth 17 fleet delivered another classic performance. Deilginis, who are no stranger to the podium in Open Events this summer, claimed victory on both scratch and HPH results after a commanding display. Aura and Orla completed the scratch podium, reversing their positions to round out the HPH top three.

The Squib fleet featured a reduced, but determined number of entrants, with Treborth, sailed by Karolina and Eoin Kernan, taking the overall win.

The Real Destination

As always, the racing was only half the story.

Following the finish, the swashbuckling fleet headed for Malahide Marina before making its way to Gibney’s for food, refreshments and prizegiving. The pirate procession through the marina puzzled and delighted tourists and unsuspecting Saturday afternoon visitors.

Thanks to the continued support of Gibney’s, competitors enjoyed an excellent reception, with food, hospitality and prizes helping to make the event a fitting celebration of another successful Gibney Classic.

Prizes were awarded not only for racing performance but also for the all-important costume competition and best-dressed boat. Awards were presented by Malahide Yacht Club Commodore Niall Gallagher, HYC Rear Commodore Jill Sommerville, Lorcan Gibney and Event Organiser Maureen Muir.

While many crews made a strong case for recognition, the prize for loudest revellers surely belongs to the Byrne family and crew aboard Odyssey, whose pirate chants carried throughout prizegiving and well into the evening.

The Gibney Classic once again delivered everything that has made it one of the most anticipated events on the HYC calendar: competitive racing, camaraderie on the water, plenty of laughs ashore and a memorable journey from Howth to Malahide. Long may the tradition continue. A massive thank you again to Gibney's of Malahide for making the Gibney Classic the day that it is, on and off the water.

And the photo gallery here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/aRrNHUPxv48eXWgh9

Thanks to Karolina Kernan and Roslyn Byrne for the pictures.