HOWTH SAILING AND BOATING CLUB

racing off the coast of Howth

Every Wednesday night from late April to August end, we can be found racing off the coast of Howth, Sutton, and as far as Malahide. The clubs boats are a mix of sizes and classes and we race for fun around a course of buoys anchored in the bay. Our racing Secretary Declan Howard aided by John Killeen sniff the air in Howth every Wednesday afternoon and take a stern look at the waves to decide the course.

I MUST go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a gray mist on the sea’s face, and a gray dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way, where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.

John Masefield

Howth Sailing and Boating Club