Howth Yacht Club (HYC) is thrilled to announce the introduction of its newest racing class: the HYC Sportsboat Class, set to make waves on Wednesday nights, starting this season.

Designed to cater to all ages and skill levels, the Sportsboat Class promises an exciting and accessible way for members to get involved in competitive sailing. With its lighter boats, simple layouts, and smaller crews, Sportsboats offer an ideal pathway to racing.  

What is a Sportsboat?

Sportsboats are compact, fast, and easy to sail, featuring a layout that minimises the need for complex manoeuvres. With no spinnaker poles to manage, the boats are perfect for those looking for a straightforward racing experience. Most boats in the class require only a crew of four, making it easy to assemble a team of friends or family.

“The Sportsboat Class is perfect for those who want to experience the thrill of sailing with the advantage of a smaller crew panel than usually required by larger boats,” said a representative from Howth Yacht Club. “It’s simple, fast, and above all – fun!”

Ideal for Family and Friends

Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a beginner, the Sportsboat Class is designed to be inclusive. The boats are particularly attractive to families, with younger sailors often drawn to the high-speed action. But unlike high-performance dinghies, sportsboats are easy to handle and don’t require wetsuits, making them accessible for sailors of all ages.

With boats like the J70 and J80, the Sportsboat Class provides a perfect blend of speed and ease. Sailing enthusiasts can enjoy the thrill of racing while spending quality time with friends and family.

No Complex Handicap Battles

One of the standout features of the HYC Sportsboat Class is its straightforward handicap system. The class will run on a fixed class handicap, eliminating the need for constant adjustments to boat weight, sail sizes, or crew numbers. For those seeking a more competitive edge, a variable handicap system, such as ECHO and HPH, will also be in place to ensure crews of all skill levels can race on equal terms.

Affordable and Accessible

Sportsboats are known for their affordability compared to larger racing boats. With a wide range of second-hand boats available at varying price points, starting in the class is an attractive option for newcomers to the sport. Additionally, the simplicity of the boats means they’re easy to maintain, with less wear-and-tear on sails and equipment.

For those without a marina berth, HYC offers Dry Sailing facilities, allowing boats to be stored and launched from the club’s facilities.

Fun-Focused Racing

The HYC Sportsboat Class aims to provide fun, competitive racing for all skill levels. The boats will feature asymmetrical spinnakers, allowing for exciting downwind racing. Unlike other classes where symmetrical and asymmetrical spinnakers race together, this class will focus on ensuring that all boats compete on an even playing field.

The emphasis on fun extends off the water as well, with numerous social events planned throughout the season. “This is about more than just racing – it’s about building a community of sailors who enjoy the sport and each other’s company,” said the HYC representative.

Sportboats will be included in all club scheduled racing for the 2025 calendar and beyond.

Training and Support

HYC is committed to helping sailors of all levels improve their skills, with tailored race training programs for every position on a sportsboat. Members will also have access to “try-out” race slots, where they can experience the thrill of racing on club or member-owned boats. 

The Future of Sailing at HYC

With boats like the J70, J80, 1720, Melges 24, and others in the mix, the HYC Sportsboat Class promises to become a key part of the club’s racing schedule. For those who don’t own their own boats, HYC also offers a charter program, providing even more opportunities to join in on the fun.

As Howth Yacht Club launches this exciting new initiative, it looks forward to welcoming sailors of all ages and skill levels to experience the thrill of sportsboat racing – one of the few sports where you can remain competitive throughout your entire life.

Racing Sports Boat Class Schedule

• HYC Club Racing - Wednesday Nights
• Lambay Weekend
• Fingal Series
• HYC Autumn League

Other racing available:

• Volvo Week
• All Dun Laoghaire racing

For more information, please contact our Sailing Development Officer [email protected]

or the Sportsboat Class directly [email protected]