Howth Yacht Club has announced that regardless of the weather, members can look forward to warm and dry outdoor dining at the clubhouse this summer.
Funding has been secured and the order placed for a pergola with glass sliding walls, which the club says will add a new dimension to the balcony area for outdoor dining and all-weather access.
There is a lead time of up to 14 weeks for the order but it is hoped the new pergola will be installed by July. In the meantime, the balcony decking will be replaced over the next two months.
Phased return to the water
In other HYC news, the club is preparing for a phased return to the water later this month as children of school-going age may resume training from 26 April, while people from two households may sail on the same boat from the same date.
Competitions however remain prohibited and changing rooms are closed. And members are reminded that leisure sailing is only available to those for whom the club is within 20km from home if not in Co Dublin.
No racing is on the summer schedule until the Lambay Races on the June Bank Holiday weekend and the Optimist Leinsters on 12-13 June, restrictions allowing.
Vice Commodore Neil Murphy said it is also proposed to reactivate summer dinghy racing this year with two races every Thursday night.
A handicap class will provide the opportunity for the owners of the various types of dinghy in the club — including RS Aeros, RS400s and RS800s, International 14s and ISOs and — to bag bragging rights, while one-design starts will be provided for Optimists and Laser/ILCAs.
A six-week series will start the season, first race to be scheduled as soon as competitive sailing is allowed to recommence.
Old Lasers
The club also has plans to bring back its adult dinghy coaching and racing series, and is on the lookout for any old Lasers that members may have spotted in their localities, in order to add to its existing fleet. Get in touch with Neil Murphy or contact the HYC office if you have any suggestions or can help.