Overview
Howth Yacht Club was founded in 1895 as Howth Sailing Club and later merged with Howth Motor Yacht Club; with about 2,300 members it is the largest sailing club in Ireland. The clubhouse looks over its own 250-berth marina in Howth Harbour, sheltered between Howth Head and Ireland's Eye at the north end of Dublin Bay, with 60 swinging moorings for keelboats. It is home to the Howth 17, the world's oldest one-design keelboat class still racing (first boats 1898), and runs busy inshore and offshore fleets through the Autumn League and the winter Brass Monkey Series, as well as championship events, junior summer courses and powerboat training.
- Founded
- 1895
- Members
- about 2,300 (club figure)
- Federation
- Irish Sailing
- office@hyc.ie
- Phone
- +353 1 832 2141
- Registry code
- 81187
On the water with VesselSOS
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreHere MRCC Dublin – the app switches centre as you move, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- HYC Autumn Leagueautumn series for inshore one-designs (Howth 17, Squib, Puppeteer) and offshore IRC/HPH classes
- Brass Monkey Serieswinter keelboat series, 8 November – 12 December 2026
Live map, a start clock on every phone and results — when the club runs a race on VesselSOS Racing, it shows up here. Racing is a pilot with clubs for the 2027 season.
No race running right nowSee VesselSOS RacingSailing school and courses
- Junior summer courses June–August (2027 booking from January) ↗
- National Powerboat Course ↗
- Safety Boat Course ↗
- VHF Course ↗
Boat classes
History and achievements
- 1895Founded as Howth Sailing Club, a purely sailing club; later merged with Howth Motor Yacht Club to form Howth Yacht Club
- 1898The first five Howth 17 one-design keelboats (designed 1897) arrive in Howth; the class still races every season
Home harbour & location
- Position
- 53°23.33′ N 6°4.06′ W
53.38889, -6.06771 - Address
- Middle Pier
- Radio
- VHF 37
emergency VHF 16 · DSC 70
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Junior summer courses June–August (2027 booking from January), National Powerboat Course, Safety Boat Course and VHF Course.
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: MRCC Dublin 112 / 999. Or call 112. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
When was Howth Yacht Club founded?
In 1895.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: HYC Autumn League and Brass Monkey Series.