Commodore Update - November 2025

We are certainly into the twilight of the year but remain exceptionally busy on all fronts at Howth Yacht Club. First and foremost, I would like to extend a huge thank you to our General Committee, Sailing Committee, sub-committees, and all our volunteers who have worked tirelessly throughout the year on behalf of our members. Your continued commitment and enthusiasm are what make our club thrive.
 
We remain in close contact with the EPA as we work to expedite the dredging licence for the Department of Agriculture Food & the Marine. In this regard, our local TD Tom Brabazon has been making representations on our behalf at the highest levels of government. We were pleased to welcome him to HYC recently, where he took the time to visit and familiarise himself with the issues affecting our marina.
 
Congratulations to all those who continue to fly the HYC burgee at national and international events and to all those who took part in recent open events here at the club.  It has also been great to see the continuing participation of juniors in events and at Thursday and Sunday sessions here at the club.  
 
As advised earlier in the year, the Club has been reviewing its bar and dining offering and has introduced some exciting updates to our menus — with more to come for the festive season!
 
As part of these ongoing developments, we will be recruiting a Food & Beverage Manager to lead our kitchen, front-of-house dining, and event operations from 2026 onwards. Our Head Chef, Marcel, will be leaving us early in the new year, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank him sincerely for his contribution to the Club over many years. Frank will support the transition to the new Food & Beverage Manager before his retirement in summer 2026.
 
We look forward to welcoming you to the Clubhouse this Christmas to enjoy our new seasonal menus and warm hospitality.
 
I hope you all received details of our sponsorship offering and would like to thank the team for pulling it together.  Please share details with any prospects, or if you are in a position to sponsor, I hope you will consider the opportunity and get in touch with the team at [email protected].
 
On an environmental note, we are one year into the Green Ocean Oyster Restoration project and I was delighted to read the update on how the project is progressing here at the club and further afield.  
 
Finally, if you’ve noticed my recent absence, I may have been paying homage to the Greek deities in the hope of securing a storm-free winter, so that our marina might safely endure until its long-awaited replacement! Judging by the past couple of days, one might question the efficacy of that effort! But lets remain hopeful.
 
Kevin Monks
Commodore