It seems like only a couple of years ago that we were celebrating the 70th birthday of the Irish Dinghy Racing Association 14ft Dinghy Class, designed by our own O’Brien Kennedy with what was then thought of as clinker construction, but nowadays the American term “lapstrake” seems to be taking over, with contemporary IDRA 14s being built both in timber and GRP.
In 2016, the class’s near sisters, the Dragonfly Class of Waldringfield in Suffolk, sent over a boat to join the party at Clontarf Y&BC. But for the big 80th, Sutton Dinghy Club is the focal point, starting this coming Saturday, April 25th, and the focus of thinking will be on IDRA 14 No 22 Corsair, which was raffled back in 1946 to fund Sutton DC’s first clubhouse.
Near sisters – the then-newest IDRA 14 (left) and a visiting Waldringfield Mayfly at Clontarf in 2016. Photo: W M Nixon
The raffling of Corsair 14/22 back in 1946 funded the first clubhouse for Sutton DC
The winning ticket for the 1946 raffle – 10 shillings in 1946 had the approximate spending power of €30 today
CONTINUOUS SAILING
In 2026, the IDRA 14 celebrates this remarkable milestone, 80 years of continuous sailing, competition and community in Ireland. First launched in 1946, the class was designed by George O'Brien Kennedy as an affordable, high-performance dinghy that would encourage competitive racing while remaining accessible to sailors across the country.
Eight decades later, the IDRA 14 remains a lively one-design fleet, raced in clubs spanning across Dublin Bay from Howth, Sutton, Clontarf to Dun Laoghaire with a few more dotted around the country. Its longevity is a testament to the strength of its design, the dedication of class members and a shared commitment to fair, tactical racing.
The Sutton DC Boathouse in the 1940s
Despite the limited facilities in the early days, the annual Sutton DC “At Home” attracted a fleet including International 12s, Dublin Bay Mermaids, and the new IDRA 14s
SEVERAL EVENTS FOR 80TH ANNIVERSARY
As the fleet marks its 80th anniversary, a number of events will be held. These celebrations will honour past sailors, showcase beautifully restored boats, and welcome a new generation of sailors. The anniversary is not only a reflection on heritage, but a confident statement that the IDRA 14 continues to thrive and evolve for the future. For more information visit www.idra14.ie where you can find out more about the class and its 80th year anniversary celebrations.
Sutton Dinghy Club today caters for local sailing and major dinghy events
The Class have a number of celebration events lined up, with this coming weekend’s inaugural happening at Sutton Dinghy Club from 6pm on Saturday 25th April. It will be an opportunity for members of the Class and Community past and present to come together to share memories and reminisce over the IDRA 14 Class, while running on-the-water and shoreside activities, and providing an opportunity for Sutton Dinghy Club members to go afloat on IDRA 14's.
Ashore, there’ll be a photo exhibition on the big screen of IDRA 14's in action. All are welcome to become involved, and as part of the 80th year of the Class Celebrations, you’re invited to bring along any memorabilia you have that can be captured by scanning it as part of the ongoing building of the IDRA 14 History Archive.
While the IDRA 14s aren’t sure about being described as “lapstrake”, they thrive today with both timber and GRP construction.
RAFFLED BOAT TICKET TO CLUB SUCCESS
At the Sutton Dinghy Club Golden Jubilee thirty years ago, the Queen of the Fleet was Corsair, IDRA 14/22 and kept in immaculate order by her owner Ed Walshe. Corsair was written for ever into the history books back in 1946 when – in sparklng new condition from amateur builder Charlie Sargent - she was raffled in 1946 to raise funds for the new clubhouse. At the Golden Jubilee in 1996, she was still sailing, and in beautiful condition.
For anyone who wishes to gain more information please go to www.idra14.ie or email [email protected]
