Women at the Helm returns to Howth Yacht Club on 3 July, building on the success of last year's inaugural event and continuing to showcase the strength, talent and leadership of female sailors across Irish sailing.
Now in its second year, the event promises an exciting evening of competitive racing and camaraderie both on and off the water. A new initiative for 2026 will see boats provided for a number of female helms from clubs outside Howth, helping to broaden participation and welcome sailors from across the country.
Last year's event attracted 120 women competing across 38 boats, and organisers are hoping to build on that success with entries spanning a wide range of classes including J80s, J24s, Puppeteers, Howth 17s, Squibs, Melges 15s, IDRA14s and a PY fleet.
The event will once again be supported by a female-led race management team, headed by respected Race Officer Scorie Walls, with Committee Vessel North Star skippered by Judith Malcolm.
Competition is expected to be fierce across the fleets. Notable entrants include Laura Dillon, Rear Commodore of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, and Diana Kissane, Vice-Chair of World Sailing's Equipment Rules Sub-Committee, both of whom were among the leading performers in last year's racing.
The Baltic Gold Trophy will once again be contested, with last year's overall winner Jill Sommerville returning to competition. Sommerville, Rear Commodore of Howth Yacht Club, will helm a Puppeteer this year after dominating the Squib fleet in 2025.
Alongside the sailing, the event will feature a range of social activities, including a mahjong tournament, reflecting the strong community spirit that continues to make Women at the Helm a highlight of the sailing calendar.
Irish Sailing is delighted to support initiatives that celebrate female participation, leadership and achievement within our sport and wishes all competitors the very best for what promises to be another fantastic event in Howth.
Entry remains open until 30 June here.