The start order for the 25th AIB DBSC Spring Chicken Series has been revealed ahead of its opening race on Sunday, 1 February.
The popular six-week series, hosted by the National Yacht Club, will run every Sunday morning until 8 March 2026. The first warning signal is scheduled for 10:10 am.
Four starts are planned each week, with class allocations and courses announced on race day via VHF Channel 74.
The starting sequence for Race 1 is as follows:
First Start (Flag D): BADGOOSE 1, LOCO 7, MEREKITE 34, ELEINT 35, OSIRIS 53, MARLEY MAY 799, TAISCEALAI 851, THE GREAT ESCAPE 1217, SIROCCO 1254, NUIT ST. GEORGES 1979, POLLY 2015, RED TAPE 2093, KUDOS 3311, CALYPSO 5643
Second Start (Flag C): STATE O'CHASSIS 638, AVALON 1041, MAYFLY 1241, EMIR MARY 1476, CAMIRA 2474, ALBIREO 3435, MISFITS 3710, HONEY BEE 5373, PERIDOT 5507, EXTREME REALITY 6909, VIVID 9007, DEHLIVERANCE 28284, LADY ROWENA 34218
Third Start (Flag G): WINDJAMMER BEAG 2, RSGYC 6, DERRY GIRLS 17, RSGYC 31, JAY-Z 433, SEA JADE 908, SLIGHTLY STEAMY 1414, OPTIQUE 1725, RAM JAM 1730, GLADIATOR 1748, MO 1784
Fourth Start (Flag T): DEAR PRUDENCE 1095, JUMP THE GUN 1129, MISTER OLLIE 1799
Forty boats are expected to take part. Last year’s winner was Joker II, a J109 helmed by John Maybury of the Royal Irish Yacht Club.
Courses will be designated on the day and may include The Muglins, Yellow Outfall buoy, or inflatable marks. The Race Committee will issue details via VHF.
Races will use a Modified ECHO handicap system, recalculated weekly based on performance. “The ethos of the series remains fun-focused,” organisers said.
All competitors must carry a working VHF radio and wear lifejackets. Racing will be confined to Dublin Bay. Entry into the Dublin Port Channel or interference with commercial shipping is prohibited.
Boats reported by Harbour Masters for breaching this rule face disqualification without a hearing, under the amended Racing Rules of Sailing.
Safety and seamanship remain key. “We would request that all boats, and especially our more ‘experienced’ sailors, give plenty of room to other boats in all situations,” the Sailing Instructions state.
Competitors are also required to avoid coastal swimming zones and other harbour users while entering or leaving Dun Laoghaire.
All boats must carry proper insurance. Any vessel retiring from a race must notify the committee boat immediately.
Results will be published after each event. Full rules and instructions are available in the official PDF download here.
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