Last Thursday evening saw the first post lockdown Thursday night dinghy racing at Howth Yacht Club. It was a great start to what will grow to be a fantastic fleet and opportunity to sail dinghies in Howth. The gusty and shifty South Easterly breeze of around 15-20 knots provided ideal conditions for the two races and the various classes. Everybody came ashore tired but with smiles all round. Some a good deal sorer than others (without wanting to be ageist that was probably age related). It highlighted that dinghy sailing is a great work out and way to improve your fitness while having great craic.

There was a terrific mix of sailors from former Optimist ace, now in a Laser 4.7 Luke Turvey, to Colin Kavanagh from Class 2 sailing a Standard Laser and Mike & Michelle Evans sailing their twin trapeze RS800.

Starting next Thursday, our group of sailors who are new or returning to dinghies and  have been out on Sundays will join in the fun. They will have coaching support to sail until such time they are confident enough to join in the racing.

Soon, we will also be introducing a Mentoring / buddy system that will see less experienced sailors assigned a more experienced sailor to help them improve. This will benefit everybody. There has been a great atmosphere during the training sails and last night with everybody helping each other out.

Please come and join us. You won’t regret it.

Results (Based on PY Handicap - Provisional / To be confirmed by the HYC Results office)

Race 1

1. Daragh Sheridan – RS Aero
2. Luke Turvey – Laser 4.7
3. Ciaran Durnford – Laser Radial

Race 2

1. Daragh Sheridan – RS Aero
2. Luke Turvey – Laser 4.7
3. Simon Revill – Laser Standard

If you would like to join in the fun email [email protected]

Daragh Sheridan

Dinghy Sailing Coordinator