Month: June 2023

2023 is the 50^th Anniversary of the Ruffian 23, a one-design class developed and manufactured originally in Portaferry from 1973 by the famous Brown brothers, Billy and Dickie.  Over the years the Ruffian fleet extended to Dun Laoghaire, Baltimore and Galway, with many crossing the Irish Sea to England and also further afield to Hong Kong where a strong fleet continue to race competitively. 

To celebrate this Golden Jubilee, the entire Carrickfergus fleet of 9 Ruffians headed off to Portaferry on Thursday 15^th June to meet up with Ruffian friends sailing up from Dun Laoghaire and resident in Portaferry.  In total, 17 boats participated in the weekend programme of events.

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Trevor D’Arcy and Alan McClernon had a (mostly) successful weekend over at the VX One UK National Championship at the Royal Forth Yacht Club.

Full report on the Yachts and Yachting web site

Junior Helen’s Bay Picnic – Mon 3 July

We are delighted to announce that Bob Harper has been awarded an MBE for Services to Disabled Sailing in Northern Ireland in the King’s Birthday Honours. Congratulations Bob!!