HYC Team Finish Strong at the 2025 Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup
Howth Yacht Club’s 2025 Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup campaign will be remembered as a sporting highlight of a lifetime. Against 19 of the world’s finest amateur yacht-club teams, the Howth crew delivered a creditable 12th overall finish, signing off with a flourish: 4th and 3rd place finishes in the final two races.
“We built all year for this moment,” said skipper Darren Wright. “The way the team grew stronger with every race is something I’ll never forget. On behalf of our team, I’d like to thank New York Yacht Club and their event sponsors Rolex, Helly Hansen, Safe Harbor and Peters and May. We’d also like to thank HYC for their support throughout.”
A Campaign of Persistence and Spirit
The week began with some challenging results, but skipper Darren Wright and team leader Brian Turvey ensured morale stayed high. Shared meals, early nights and a measured approach to celebrations kept minds sharp and bodies ready through the initial five days of practice and then five full days of racing.
Their resilience paid off on the concluding Saturday. Tactician Ewan McMahon, Ireland’s ILCA Olympic hopeful, called for an immediate tack to the right side at the start—having noticed that a one-hour postponement had reversed the tide southward and spotting a forecasted right shift in the wind. That bold move set up the team’s final podium finish and underlined the sharp tactical thinking that marked the event.
The 2025 HYC Rolex NYYC Invitational Cup Team
Darren Wright – Helmsman & Skipper
Celebrated his 55th birthday on Saturday’s final race with a well-earned 3rd place for his Howth team. Darren led this year-long programme from the outset, driving training and race preparations with unbounded ambition.
Nigel Biggs – Mainsheet Trimmer
His formidable racing experience was integral to the IC37’s speed and performance, linking the boat’s power with the strategic and tactical calls that defined each race. His dedication and team-based focus were important assets for the squad onboard and ashore.
Ewan McMahon – Tactician
Ewan brought Olympic-level one-design skills to the fiercest start lines in amateur sailing. His right-turning call on the start line in the final race exemplified his strategic skill.
Jonny Sargent – Trim
He combined his notorious boundless energy with impressive maturity. His asymmetric spinnaker-trim and decisive communication repeatedly turned downwind legs into place gains.
Brian Turvey – Pit
More used to the classic lines of his Howth 17, Brian showed speed and agility in the busy pit position that belied his years. His commitment to the campaign from the outset was an integral part of its success.
Rocco Wright – Mast
His strength and endurance in this very physical role were crucial to the team’s performance. Rocco managed hoists, dropline pulls and spinnaker sheets during gybes (solo) with relentless determination.
Faye Chatterton – Bow
Drawing on Cape 31 circuit experience, Faye brought skill, foresight and composure to the foredeck. Her calm manner masked a steely resolve that ensured flawless execution of manoeuvres.
Sienna Wright – Float
Another of Howth and Ireland’s high-performance ILCA sailors, Sienna seamlessly integrated her tactical awareness and wind-spotting skills with vital crew work. With the team choosing to sail 8-up rather than with 9 crew, her ability to multitask at critical moments was indispensable.
A Club Effort on a Global Stage
Behind these eight sailors stood Howth Yacht Club, families, and sponsors whose backing made the campaign possible. The team’s strong finish cements HYC’s reputation on the international sailing stage and provides inspiration for the next generation of Irish sailors.
“This event is the sporting highlight of a lifetime for most competitors,” Brian Turvey reflected. “We’ve come home with stories, friendships and experience that we hope will inspire HYC sailors for years to come.”