The Lambay Races Returns for 2026

Carrying on one of Ireland’s great sailing traditions, the Lambay races are once again taking centre stage at Howth Yacht Club on the 30th of May. First raced in 1898, 128 years ago, the Lambay Races have been a highlight in the Howth Yacht Club’s sailing calendar every year since. That tradition continues this year with over 80 boats expected, 10 classes and 2 start lines. There will be trophies awarded for each of the classes, both in handicap and scratch, as well as prizes for winners and those placed. There are exciting entries from Howth Yacht Club  like Aidan Byrne and David Cullen on quarter tonner CHRONOS, Martin and Mullaney with J97 Insider Again, and Darren Wright helming Melges 32, Adrenaline.

We welcome race entries from other clubs, in particular those competing in the Royal Alfred series, which this year includes the Lambay Races, to race the 30 kilometres around the largest easterly Irish island. There are 24 historic trophies to be won across various classes, and the races are sure to be action packed. The winner overall will receive the Lambay Lady, which is awarded to the winning boat with the largest lead over the second placed boat in fleets of six or more boats. 

Race Entries are officially due by Friday 22 May, but we will leave the race entry portal open until Sunday evening, 24 May, to capture any late additions.

Who is the Lambay Lady?

A mysterious siren in bronze, the Lambay Lady has been the top prize since 1986. On this, her anniversary year, she will crown the overall winner of the Lambay Races for the fortieth time. Gifted to Howth Yacht Club by Gerry Watson, she comes from a very prestigious sailing background. She was first presented to Howth mainstay, Mystique of Malahide, in 1986, captained by Robert Michael. Amongst her winners, the half tonner Demelza (having won in 1991, 2013 and 2019) and Bite the Bullet (which took the top spot in 2014, 2016, 2021) draw for the most decorated boats in the Lambay overall title since 1986. Bite the Bullet joins us once again this year, helmed, as ever, by Colm Bermingham. Colm has the chance to take the trophy once again and become the official record holder for Lambay Races wins since 1986, adding some extra stakes to race day. As far as who the Lambay Lady herself is? The answer remains uncertain, this bronze beauty hasn’t given up her secret identity just yet. What can be said though, is that she’s looking very well for her age. 

What’s on off the water?

Whether you are gearing up for a day on or off the water, we have your breakfast covered at HYC. From 08:30 there will be coffee, breakfast rolls, pastries served from the hard stand leaving plenty of time for sailors to make it on deck before racing gets underway.

Book in for dinner with your crew and dance the night away

We have a whole day full of hospitality ready for sailors and supporters. Reserve a table for post-race dining in the Asgard room with our bespoke menu, and take some time away from the hustle and bustle of the bar to share race stories with your crew and family. 

The inimitable Jimmy Coup joins us at 16:00 to get everyone ready to dance, followed by the highly anticipated prizegiving at 18:00. At 19:00, the tunes start again and take us late into the night.

Picture credit: Annraoi Blaney