Howth Yacht Club's Women at the Helm regatta returns on Friday, July 3, with organisers expecting another strong turnout for the all-female helm event. Now in its second year, the regatta will again put women at the forefront of racing across a wide range of classes while opening the competition to helms from outside Howth for the first time.
New for 2026 is the provision of boats for visiting competitors, allowing women sailors from other clubs to take part without bringing their own craft. Last year's event attracted 120 women across 38 boats. Organisers hope to exceed that figure this summer.
Open Invitation — New for 2026, Howth Yacht Club will provide boats for visiting helms from outside the club, broadening participation in Women at the Helm and opening the competition to sailors from across Ireland. Photo: Howth YC
Three races are scheduled across the J80, J24, Puppeteer, Howth 17, Squib, Melges 15, IDRA14 and PY fleets. The race management team will also be entirely female. Race Officer Scorie Walls will lead proceedings from the committee boat, while Judith Malcolm will skipper the committee vessel North Star.
The J80 fleet is expected to provide some of the closest competition. Early entries include Laura Dillon, Rear Commodore of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, and Diana Kissane, Vice-Chair of World Sailing's Equipment Rules Sub-Committee.
Olympian Eve McMahon was unable to enter this year's event due to an overseas training commitment. Defending Baltic Gold Trophy winner Jill Sommerville returns in pursuit of a second title. The Howth Yacht Club Rear Commodore will switch classes this year, competing in a Puppeteer after dominating the Squib fleet in 2025.
Golden Moment — 2025 Baltic Gold Trophy winner Jill Sommerville receives the trophy from donor and fellow Howth 17 helmswoman Rima Macken following last year's Women at the Helm regatta at Howth Yacht Club. Photo: Howth YC
The historic Howth 17 fleet is also expected to feature strongly. Five entries have already been confirmed, including Eileen, helmed by Rima Macken, which recently competed in the Lambay Races with an all-female crew. "Everyone is looking forward to great racing and camaraderie on the water," said organiser Jill Sommerville. "It's especially rewarding to see so many of our strongest helms coming through the IODAI training system. Girls who started sailing at age seven and represented Ireland internationally by 12 are still actively racing at club, national and international levels."
Away from the water, competitors and supporters can also take part in a mahjong tournament, reflecting the growing popularity of the game within the club. Racing for the Baltic Gold Trophy takes place on Friday, July 3. Entry remains open until Tuesday, June 30.
