The original fleet of five, Rita, Leila, Silver Moon, Aura and Hera, was increased in 1900 with the addition of Pauline, Zaida and Anita.

The extra nine were commissioned by Dublin Bay Sailing Club for racing from Kingstown (Dún Laoghaire) - Echo, Sylvia, Mimosa, Deilginis, Rosemary, Gladys, Bobolink, Eileen and Nautilus.

Gradually the boats found their way to Howth from various places, including the Solent and by the latter part of the 20th century they were all based there.

A project to build another boat by Wicklow-based builder Charlie Featherstone was completed in May 2009 with the assistance and contribution of various members within the class as well as the vital assistance of Offaly based boat-builder Dougal McMahon[4] whose skills were sought to complete the decks and attach the 16 hundredweight (812kg) keel.

The Class is raced and maintained by the Association Members preserving the unique heritage of the Howth 17s.