#HOWTH YACHT CLUB - Children's charity Variety Ireland celebrated the return of its 'Boat for Hope' event at Howth Yacht Club at the weekend.

Almost 60 vessels of all shapes and sizes were used to bring special needs children and their families and carers from HYC out to Balscadden Bay for a pirate adventure on the high seas.

Dressed as pirates, the youngsters teamed up with Captain Rocket and his buccaneer crew aboard Mick Hunt's 'Pirate Ship', helping to offload his treasure - with a little help from the Howth Yacht Club RIB team - while coastguard and lifeboat vessels attacked with water cannon fire!

After all that excitement, the kids were treated to a tour of the fishing harbour where the resident seals demonstrated their swimming skills, followed by some proper clowning around and a BBQ lunch in the marquee on the green.

Organisers described it as a "very special day for the children and their families" and thanked the hundreds of supporters and volunteers who made it all happen.

Howth Yacht Club also thanked the sponsors and services that provided support, including the Dublin Fire Brigade, the Red Cross Ambulance Service, Howth Coastguard and Howth RNLI, as well as guests such as Fingal Mayor Cian O'Callaghan, Harbourmaster Capt Raja Maitra, Terrance Flanagan TD and co-ordinators from the Variety Club of Ireland.

The Variety Club of Ireland is planning to share a special boating experience with children who have special needs, and to raise funds for their comfort and benefit.

The day begins with their special young guests, dressed as mini-pirates, departing from Howth Marina for a private adventure on the high seas! This charity event is being held in Ireland for the first time and will allow about 80 families enjoy an afternoon of fun with their special needs children. Generous boat owners and crew from Howth, Malahide and Dun Laoghaire have offered to take these special crews for a short trip out of the harbour as part of a fun-filled day which includes activities ashore on the green on Harbour Road.

We would like to encourage as many members as possible to get involved this Sunday by joining the 'Pirate Armada' and dressing their boats overall as well as enlisting as volunteers to help assist the families on and off the many motorboats and yachts that have been generously offered to help host this huge event.

Following a skipper's briefing, the 'Armada' will begin to depart the marina at about 12:00 on Sunday to return about 45 minutes later. 'Pirate' attire is the dress code for all participants, volunteers and observers and the weapon of choice should be waterpistols!

Details HERE