The 34th Gibney Classic returns on Saturday, 15 August, bringing together sailors from Howth Yacht Club, Malahide Yacht Club and visiting clubs for one of North Dublin's best-known late-summer regattas.
The long-running event celebrates the close relationship between the neighbouring sailing communities and the Gibney family, whose continued support has made the race a fixture on the local sailing calendar.
The origins of the Gibney Classic date back to the opening of Malahide Marina. Improved access through the estuary created the opportunity for a race linking the two clubs. More than three decades later, the event combines competitive racing afloat with a well-established social programme ashore.
Party Time — Crews and supporters gather in Gibney's Malahide after last year's Gibney Classic, where racing on the water gave way to one of Dublin Bay's best-known post-race celebrations.
Entries are invited from IRC and ECHO cruiser classes, White Sail cruisers, J/80s, Puppeteer 22s, Squibs and Howth 17 Footers.
Racing will take place in the waters north of Ireland's Eye, with the first warning signal scheduled for 11:00. Competitors will finish by passing through the Malahide Estuary, making the afternoon high tide of 14:50, with a height of 4.4 metres, an important part of the day's planning.
A pirate theme will add to the shoreside celebrations, with crews encouraged to decorate their boats, fly the Jolly Roger and dress in character. Prizes will be awarded for the best-decorated boat and best-dressed crew.
Visiting competitors can take advantage of complimentary berthing at Howth Yacht Club on Friday evening and at Malahide Marina after racing, before the traditional Gibney's reception and prizegiving.
Entry costs €15 per boat. Entries close at 12:00 on Wednesday, 12 August, with Sailing Instructions published on the Howth Yacht Club website later that day.
