Howth Yacht Club Appoints Ireland's First Club Environmental Officer
by Julie Manahan 24 Jun 2025 16:17 BST
Oysters at Howth Yacht Club © HYC
Howth Yacht Club is proud to announce the appointment of Sarah Robertson as its first-ever Environmental Officer—a pioneering move that makes HYC the first sailing club in Ireland to establish such a position.
This innovative appointment reflects the club's growing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship in response to increasing awareness of the ecological pressures facing Ireland's coastal and marine ecosystems.
With almost 20 years of experience in environmental consultancy, Sarah brings deep professional expertise alongside a passionate, lifelong connection to the sea. A Principal Environmental Consultant with one of Ireland's leading firms, Sarah has worked extensively in Ireland, the UK, and the USA across a wide range of environmental disciplines—including impact assessment (EIAR), EPA licensing, urban and waste planning, environmental auditing, ecological surveys, and the preparation of Natura Impact Statements.
Sarah holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science, a Master's in Marine Environmental Protection, and a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Engineering. Her combination of scientific credentials and practical sailing experience makes her uniquely placed to shape the role and lead meaningful change at Howth Yacht Club.
Outside the office, Sarah is a familiar face on the water, regularly racing the family Puppeteer (Snowgoose) and a Melges 15 (Snoopy), and enjoys time on her paddleboard whenever she can.
In her new role, Sarah will work closely with the club team, members, and youth sailing programs to promote environmental awareness, reduce environmental impact, and support the development of sustainable practices around the marina and club grounds. She will also act as a liaison with national and local environmental initiatives to ensure Howth Yacht Club plays an active role in protecting our shared marine environment.
"This role is a wonderful opportunity to bring together my professional and personal passions," said Sarah. "I'm looking forward to engaging with members of all ages on how we can preserve and celebrate the incredible biodiversity around Howth and beyond."
Commodore Kevin Monks welcomed the appointment, saying:
"We are delighted to welcome Sarah to this new and important role. As sailors, we are deeply connected to the sea and it's our responsibility to care for it. Sarah's appointment marks a significant step forward in embedding sustainability into the heart of what we do."
Howth Yacht Club is involved in the Green Ocean Oyster Restoration Project, an ambitious marine conservation initiative aiming to restore the native European oyster (Ostrea edulis) population to rebuild lost biodiversity by improving water quality and capturing carbon.