The Ruffian 23s are congregating in Portaferry on Strangford Lough to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Irish-designed and built one-design class this weekend.
As Afloat reported earlier, Heather Kennedy, the late boat designer Billy Brown’s daughter, is one of the main organisers.
Ruffian 23s are in Portaferry on Strangford Lough for the 50th birthday celebrations Photo: Ann Kirwan
Seven Ruffians sailed from Dublin, (six from Dun Laoghaire and one from Poolbeg).
17 Ruffians arrived in Portaferry in warm sunshine on Thursday evening, June 15. The 17-boat fleet was comprised of nine Ruffians from Carrickfergus and one from the home port. All spent the night snugly berthed on Portaferry marina.
On Friday morning, after a briefing from race officer John McAlea and Heather Kennedy, the fleet headed off up Strangford Lough with a favourable tide under spinnakers. They were guided into White Rock Bay, where they rafted up on the pontoon alongside the Down Cruising Club (the old lightship Petrel located at Ballydorn). They enjoyed a BBQ lunch in glorious weather aboard the lightship before casting off and heading back to Portaferry.
The Ruffian 23s rafted up on the pontoon alongside the Down Cruising Club (the old lightship Petrel) located at Ballydorn Photo: Ann Kirwan
The festivities continue with an evening in the company of the Brown family members, Michael Cutliffe (Ruffian 23 owner since 1974) and Weatherly Yachts craftsmen who were involved in building the Ruffians.
Ruffian 23s at Portaferry on Strangford Lough Photo: Ann Kirwan
There will be golden jubilee racing on the Lough on Saturday.
Read also:
Irish Sailing's Ruffian 23 Design Makes the Big Four–O
Ruffian 23s to Celebrate Golden Jubilee at Portaferry Sailing Club
