7th December 2007

Report by Emmet Dalton
The Howth Squib Class held its annual prize giving and dinner on Friday 7th December. Themed "Black and White" and with a Pimms reception, the event threw up some interestingly garbed Squibbers.

One could be forgiven for thinking one's eyes were trying to save a few quid on the colour licence.

Singling out any individual above another would be unfair but mention must go of Dr. Mark as Stan Laurel and the McMurtry brothers who look like rock gods with their groupies.

(L-R) Emmet Dalton, Claire Merry & son Neal

Compère for the evening was Class Captain, Phil Merry, who worked the room like a true pro. It was the stuff of Vegas hosts.

Not being the lone Squib sinker in the room, the Commodore, Gerry O'Neill, lauded the efforts of the Class and its successes over the season.

HYC Commodore Gerry O'Neill

Ian Condy

The HYC fleet was represented at every Irish event and at the UK Nationals and East Coasts.

Notably "Kookaburra II" (Gillian Guinness and Sé O'Leary) finished in second place in a tightly fought Irish Championships, a fitting result before the pause in their Squib careers.

The trophy for the combined lowest points score for 2007 went to "Bateleur" Hazel Ruane and Johnny "The southsider" Craig. "Bateleur" also whisked off the trophy for the most improved performance since 2006. To think all it took was a paint job!

"Klipbok" was awarded the Cliona Murphy trophy for the best representative of the fleet for 2007. An exhibition of "Dancing", using the term loosely, rounded off the night. Some clips may be shown on you-tube.

Dr Mark Whelar


Claire Merry, Jonathan Craig, Hazel Ruane

2008 promises to be another busy season for the HYC Squib Fleet. Howth is hosting the East Coast Championships in early September, hoping to attract a large visiting contingent.

Other events include the Irish Championships in Kinsale in August, an event and venue not to be missed, and a visit for some to Lowestoft for the Nationals.

If you are trying to get away from dragging the furniture around the race course, can't get the crew numbers or you're the wrong shape for some other classes, consider joining a fleet that now has well over 100 boats in Ireland.

There are a number of quick Squibs on the market at the moment which would look perfect in Howth!

Ronan MacDonell