With the complex COVID-19 regulations, many sailors with boats to fit out and get into commission had difficulty in assessing just what they could and couldn’t do. But Ian Byrne, Commodore of Howth Yacht Club, made it his business to analyse the national and local regulations and limitations. And then, as various stages were passed, he led his members afloat for a first sail, fully compliant with social-distancing, on Sunday May 24th. This has resulted in a gradual resumption of day sailing, with family and household crews becoming accustomed to the “new normal”.

This is 2 metres-plus…….HYC Commodore Ian Byrne on the genoa winch, and Lea O’Donoghue on the helm, successfully demonstrating the two-metres-plus social distance requirement in order to get sailing again aboard Ian’s Sunfast 32 Sunburn