This event is dedicated to the memory of Johnny Devitt, who died suddenly in October 2020. Johnny grew up sailing at Malahide Yacht Club in the 1980s and 1990s, and remained in close friendship with the Malahide sailors from this era throughout his life. As Johnny's passing happened at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown prevented all but his close family from attending the funeral in person. 

Johnny was an incredible person who left a big impression on everyone who knew him. He was funny, talented, determined, spontaneous and incredibly passionate in everything he applied himself to. 

In 2022, a group of his friends decided to organise a regatta in his memory which would serve as a fitting marker for his passing, for his family and friends. The objective was to bring his friends together for a day of racing and to raise money for the Irish Heart Foundation and RNLI. The inaugural event was held on May 21st 2022 at Malahide Yacht Club with scores of former Optimist and Mirror sailors from the 80s & 90s reunited for a day.  After a dramatic final, the event was won by former Olympian Ciara Peelo, with a fantastic post-race event & auction at the club. 

In 2023, the event was repeated, attracting a broader group of sailors from Sutton, Howth and the Southside clubs. The event was won by Sean Craig, after a close battle with Peter Young, formerly of Larne SC.  The regatta funds were used to purchase a defibrillator for MYC, and a plaque to Johnny was unveiled at the Lower Malahide Yacht Club.

L to R: Fergus Barry, Ken Hoffman, Laura Dillon, Paula McNaughton (nee McGrogan), Tom Fitzpatrick and James O'Callaghan at the 2024 event. 

In 2024, the repercharge group (or SPACKER LEAGUE) was introduced, allowing sailors who didn't qualify automatically from the heats to have a 2nd crack at making the final. This proved popular with all, allowing Murrough Kavanagh the chance to roll back the glory years to 1985 and take a memorable race win. The final was tightly contested over 2 races, with several potential winners in the frame right until the final leg. Toby Bedell showed his winning pedigree and coolness under pressure to take the title from Darren Griffin, who came up just short when it mattered. 

In beautiful conditions in 2025, the former Irish Laser Development Team (1990-1994) dominated proceedings. Evan Dolan, Toby Bedell, Rupert Bedell and James O'Callaghan occupied 4 of the final top 6, with O'Callaghan pulling clear in a very exciting two-race final.

2025: How it unfolded 

The sailing event will take place in donated Laser Radial (ILCA 6) dinghies, with heats, semi finals and a final deciding the champion. You don't need to bring a boat, but if you can provide a Laser, entry and BBQ is free. Once sailing is completed, there will be a prizegiving and BBQ at the lower Malahide Yacht Club (St James' Terrace, Malahide). Entry is open to all and we especially welcome sailors from clubs beyond Malahide. Registration is essential for both sailing and the BBQ, and the entry form can be found on this website. 

The action is taking place at Malahide Yacht Club on Saturday 10th May 2025.

Sailing briefing is at 9.00am on Saturday morning at the Upper Club (Broadmeadows)