The 2025 Club Racing season at Howth Yacht Club is only THREE WEEKS AWAY -- can you feel it around HYC? The Marina is abuzz with action as members gather bits, bobs, and boats in preparation for a brilliant sailing season ahead! The beautiful weather of late means pre-season prep has been a bright and joyful affair on site, and the HYC staff -- in the office, the marina, and bar and dining -- has loved seeing familiar faces pop in to ask questions, pay subs, grab a bite between boat prepping, or just to say hello!

This year's Club Racing season is expected to be one of HYC's best ever, with the addition of the new Sportsboat Class already making waves, not to mention the excitement around the revitalised and refreshed Lambay Races. Don't forget that the Club has boats to charter too, and a plethora of ways you can get afloat this racing season.

A special shoutout to those who have managed to stay afloat in the off-season through the Brass Monkeys or Frostbites Series (or via other chilly sailing opportunities at HYC and beyond), and to everyone who has done their pre-season training onshore, via Matthew's Wednesday night talks, the Cruising Group's informative meetings and policy sessions, or simply by talking shop in the Clubhouse over a pint or two!

Read on for starting dates and more information on the 2025 HYC Club Racing season...

Keelboat Racing - One-Designs

One-Design racing for Puppeteers and Squibs kicks off on Tuesday, 22 April, with the Howth 17 Class starting their season shortly after, on Tuesday, 6 May. Check out the NOR and enter here.

Keelboat Racing - Cruisers

Cruiser racing for Class 1, 2, 3, Non-Spinnaker, and the Sportsboats Class (which will sail as Class 2) begins the following day, Wednesday, 23 April. Check out the NOR and enter here.

Dinghy Racing

Dinghy racing will start on Thursday, 24 April, and the NOR and Entry for that is forthcoming; keep an eye on this page.

Saturday Pier Racing

Saturday Pier Racing for the Cruiser Class, Puppeteers, and Squibs will launch on Saturday, 26 April. Check out the NOR and enter here.

Crew Finder

If you are a skipper seeking crew, or a sailor looking to join a crew, be sure to get yourself listed on Crew Finder, the best way to get connected with the boat or sailor that fits your particular profile. Sailing Development Officer Matthew Cotter can help with any concerns you may have (email him on [email protected]), and you can always ring the office or the Marina with questions, too!

Easter weekend will mark the final turn into sailing season, with the Brassed Off Cup on 18 April and the Launching Supper that evening, plus social activities throughout the long weekend. Whether you're coming to sail, dine, or spectate, make sure you've booked your table, entered your boat, or reserved your spot at the Club for whatever your activity may be -- they will go quickly. We can't wait to see you and launch another great year of racing at HYC!