Last weekend saw an impressive flotilla of 42 boats from Howth Yacht Club, the National Yacht Club and the Cruising Association of Ireland make their way to Skerries for a hugely successful gathering of Ireland’s cruising community.

Blessed with fantastic weather, crews were welcomed in style by Skerries Sailing Club, where the warm hospitality and strong ties between the clubs were evident throughout the day, with our own Commodore, Kevin Monks, popping over for the festivities. A special thanks goes to Commodore Colm Collins and his outstanding team in Skerries, whose efforts ensured a memorable experience for all involved.

The event highlighted the long-standing relationship between the cruising groups of HYC, NYC, CAI and Skerries Sailing Club, with sailors coming together to celebrate a shared passion for cruising and friendship on and off the water.

Following the visit to Skerries, many boats returned to Howth Yacht Club to join the celebrations with competitors arriving back from the Gibney Classic in Malahide. Crews stayed overnight in the marina before rounding off a wonderful weekend with breakfast at HYC on Sunday morning.

A tremendous amount of work went into organising the event, and sincere thanks are due to Cruising Admiral Gerry O’Neill, Aideen Sargent, Andrew Collins (NYC) and Michael Kelly (CAI), whose planning and coordination helped make the gathering such a success.

Stay tuned for the next armada!