Howth Yacht Club Dinghy Frostbites Spring Series - Overall
by Conor Murphy 3 Mar 05:53 PST
1 March 2026
The HYC Dinghy Frostbites Spring Series came to a dramatic close on Sunday 1st March, with final standings decided across the fleets. With 14 races completed over 7 weekends (two lost to bad weather), sailors can now take a well-earned rest before turning their focus to the upcoming Round the Island Race on Saturday 7th March.
This annual open event sees dinghies of all shapes and sizes race around the island in a direction of their own choosing, battling it out to be crowned champion and claim bragging rights for the year.
As with many Sundays this winter, the conditions were lively. A strong southerly breeze, forecast to build throughout the day, made for challenging racing in the lee of Howth Head, where gusts and shifts turned the beat into a tactical test. The race officers opted for a triangular course for both races — a wise call, as the sail out to the start area had already resulted in a few capsizes. A strengthening ebb tide pushed fleets towards the line, leading to a general recall in the ILCA classes.
PY Fleet
Series leader Daragh Sheridan sealed the overall win with two race victories on corrected time, the fast broad reaches allowing his RS Aero to show its full potential. Cormac Farrelly's Melges 15 began the day second overall and held that position with two consistent second-place finishes. Stephen Quinn's Melges 15 claimed third in Race 1, while Sarah Robertson took third in Race 2. Alan Carr & Orlaith Connolly's IDRA 14 did enough to retain third overall for the series.
The diversity of boats on the PY podium highlights the competitiveness of the fleet — no single design dominated, a positive sign for such a broad and growing class.
ILCA 7
Only five points separated the top three heading into the final day. Dan O'Connell delivered a commanding performance, winning both races in the heavy conditions. Conor Murphy followed closely with two second-place finishes, while Jack McMahon recorded his best result of the series with third in Race 1, and Tom Fox secured third in Race 2.
Despite the breeze, no one held back. Positions were constantly contested and exchanged around the course. Overall, Murphy did just enough to edge out Dave Kirwan — who had led the series up to the final day — to take the series win. Kirwan finished second, just one point ahead of Fox in third.
ILCA 6
The ILCA 6 fleet also saw a tight battle at the top, with Peter Hassett holding a narrow lead over Darragh Peelo going into the final races. Peelo struck first in Race 1, taking the win ahead of Dylan Cassidy in second and Hassett in third.
In Race 2, Peelo attempted a bold port-tack flyer off the line. With the ebb tide compressing the fleet towards him, the timing proved just off, resulting in a U-flag disqualification. Hassett capitalised to take the race win ahead of Cassidy, securing the overall series victory ahead of Peelo, with Cassidy third overall.
A special thanks must go to the volunteers who make racing possible each weekend. The race committee consistently delivers fair, efficient racing, and the fleet is fortunate to have such a dedicated team.
One final day of winter racing remains: the Round the Island Race. All dinghies are welcome to enter (subject to PY restrictions) for what promises to be a thrilling morning on the water. While luck can always play a role, tactics and bravery often prove decisive — and it invariably leads to lively discussion over lunch afterwards.
The Winter Series prize-giving will take place following Saturday's racing, with lunch served. Friends and family are warmly welcome to attend.
Full results