A perfect sailing morning arrived on Sunday morning in Howth, with a reliable if slowly strengthening westerly breeze and more sunshine than anyone should reasonably expect at this time of year. The hardy Brass Monkeys grabbed the opportunity with both hands. They got in two good races for both classes, yet with just enough time left for some in-club de-briefing from those who had a tale to tell. Or perhaps it was just joint jubilation for boat-folk who had not expected the previous weekend's total blow-out to be rectified so quickly, and with so much good sport.
Heavier metal shaping up to start in Class 1. The Sigma 33 Leewuin (Eamonn Burke & Jay Murray) trying to slip into pole position on Peter & Declan McCabe's Arcturus….. Photo: Pat Connolly
…but Arcturus isn't giving an inch to Leeuwin, while in clear air beyond the classic First 38 (Terry McCoy & Prtnrs) and Mary Ellen (Carty, Finucane & O'Byrne) take a more conservative approach. Photo: Pat Connolly
CLASS I POINTS TIE
The heavy metal of Class 1 have the first three places tied after four races, with the First 40.7 Tiger (Stephen Harris), the classic Swan 37 Bandersnatch (Kyran O'Grady) and Mary Ellen (Carty, Finucane & O'Byrne) all on 18, with the trio in that order on tie break.
The Sun Odyssey 35 Legende Thar Saile with classic Philip Watson furler genoa closes up on smaller craft. Photo: Pat Connolly
In Class 2, the beginnings of the selection process towards the Howth participation in the NYYC Invitational in September 2025 in Newport, Rhode Island sees Darren Wright's NYYC Dev Team ahead in their J/80 with 6 points to the 11 on the Johnny Sargent & David Johnston squad, while Dave Cullen's Age Before Beauty lies third on 13.
With multiple handicap applications available, the mixed winter fleet at Howth will produce multiple winner, but that's not finalised until the last race and end-of-series feast and prize-giving in the clubhouse on Saturday December 14th.
That festive meal will be built around classic bacon, cabbage, and spuds for €22 a head. It is open both to Brass Monkey participants and to those who are thinking of getting involved with this friendly bunch, who keep sailing until the lengthening of days is only a week away.
Sharing the sea and the sun. The Brass Monkeys have their racing area west of Ireland's Eye, while the dinghies of the 50th Anniversary ILCA Frostbites and the "Melges 15s and Mixed" classes have their race area closer to Howth Harbour. Photo: Pat Connolly
