For those undeterred by colder temperatures and the occasional icy spray, the Dinghy Frostbites return to Howth Yacht Club for their 51st year.
The series began in 1974, when the first Lasers arrived in Howth, and at its peak attracted Europe's largest dinghy fleet, with up to 90 boats competing regularly. While the Frostbites still have a long-standing Laser tradition, the series has evolved in recent years with the introduction of a PY fleet, opening it up to a much wider range of sailors and classes. ILCAs continue to make up the largest fleet, but the PY fleet has grown significantly and now includes classes such as the RS Aero, Melges 15 and IDRA 14, bringing even more variety and competition to the racing.
Frostbite roots: Lasers power through lively conditions off Howth, where the class has been at the heart of the Frostbites since the series began in 1974. Photo: Howth Yacht Club
The intensity of the Frostbites increased further when the Laser became an Olympic class, but their enduring success has always been about more than competition. Excellent racing, a superb sailing area and opportunities for sailors of all ages and abilities have all played their part, as has the consistently high standard of race management at Howth Yacht Club.
Rainbow reward: A GP14 sails beneath a rainbow off Howth, where good racing, varied conditions and a strong sailing community have sustained the Frostbites for more than five decades. Photo: Howth Yacht Club
Widely regarded as some of the best winter dinghy racing on the east coast, the courses are set outside the harbour in some of the best wind conditions available. There is something for everyone, with great competition in each fleet. Two races are scheduled each Sunday morning, with enough time afterwards to relax with a coffee in the bar.
The Winter Series runs from 1 November to 20 December, followed by the Spring Series from 10 January to 28 February 2027. The season closes with a race around Ireland’s Eye, which always attracts big numbers.
For Daragh Sheridan, class captain of the RS Aero at HYC, says “ the real key to success has been the camaraderie, the jokes and the friendships forged, as evidenced by the list of sailors that return each year”.
Fleet friendships: GP14s race under spinnaker at Howth, where camaraderie, competition and friendships forged afloat have helped keep sailors returning to the Frostbites each winter. Photo: Howth Yacht Club
Series organiser Conor Murphy is encouraging sailors to get involved this winter: “The HYC Dinghy Frostbites are a brilliant excuse to keep sailing throughout the winter - quick, close racing, good craic ashore, and you never quite know what conditions Howth is going to throw at you! The series has been running for 50+ years for a reason. If you've got a dinghy, don't leave it sitting in the dinghy pen or in your driveway; come on down, join the fleet and give it a go.”
With a mix of competitive racing, a welcoming atmosphere and more than five decades of history behind it, the Dinghy Frostbites offer plenty of reason to keep sailing through the winter. Entries are now open on HYC.ie, and sailors are invited to come down to Howth Yacht Club and join the fleet.
