For those undeterred by colder temperatures and the occasional icy spray, the Dinghy Frostbites return to Howth Yacht Club for their 51st year.

The series began in 1974, when the first Lasers arrived in Howth, and at its peak attracted the largest dinghy fleet in Europe, with up to 90 boats competing regularly. While the Frostbites still have a long-standing tradition of Lasers, the series has evolved in recent years with the introduction of a PY fleet, opening it up to a much wider range of sailors and classes. ILCAs continue to make up the largest fleet, but the PY fleet has grown significantly and now includes classes such as the RS Aero, Melges 15 and IDRA 14, bringing even more variety and competition to the racing.

The intensity of the Frostbites increased further when the Laser became an Olympic class, but their enduring success has always been about more than competition. Excellent racing, a superb sailing area and opportunities for sailors of all ages and abilities have all played their part, as has the consistently high standard of race management at Howth Yacht Club.

Widely regarded as some of the best winter dinghy racing on the east coast, the courses are set outside the harbour in some of the best wind conditions available. There is something for everyone, with great competition in each fleet. Two races are scheduled each Sunday morning, with enough time afterwards to relax with a coffee in the bar.

The Winter Series runs from 1 November to 20 December, followed by the Spring Series from 10 January to 28 February 2027. The season closes with a race around Ireland’s Eye, which always attracts big numbers.

For Daragh Sheridan, class captain of the RS Aero at HYC, says “ the real key to success has been the comraderie, the jokes and the friendships forged, as evidenced by the list of sailors that return each year”.

Series organiser Conor Murphy is encouraging sailors to get involved this winter: “The HYC Dinghy Frostbites are a brilliant excuse to keep sailing throughout the winter - quick, close racing, good craic ashore, and you never quite know what conditions Howth is going to throw at you! The series has been running for 50+ years for a reason. If you've got a dinghy, don't leave it sitting in the dinghy pen or in your driveway, come on down, join the fleet and give it a go.”

With a mix of competitive racing, a welcoming atmosphere and more than five decades of history behind it, the Dinghy Frostbites offer plenty of reason to keep sailing through the winter. Entries are now open, and sailors are invited to come down to Howth Yacht Club and join the fleet.