Carrickfergus Ruffian 23 fleet captain Billy Spence will meet Carrick Marina management next Tuesday (January 13th)
He is seeking a reduction in mooring fees for Ruffian 23 yachts.
Spence says Ruffian 23s should be treated as classic boats.
He said they “should attract the same benefits as classic cars – no tax or MOT”.
He is asking for either a discounted rate or reclassification to sports boat status, which could cut fees by about 30%.
Current mooring rates are £2,232.96 for 12 months and £1,630 for six months.
Another increase is expected in 2026, Spence said.
“In two years, the fees could equal the price of buying a Ruffian,” he added.
He noted most Ruffian owners in Carrickfergus are pension age and on fixed incomes.
“This is their only passion,” Spence said.
He warned rising costs risk leaving the fleet “on a trailer” if mooring becomes unsustainable.
The Ruffian 23 is a 23‑foot keelboat first launched in the early 1970s.
More than 200 were built, and the class remains active in Ireland and abroad.
The class celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2023 with national and international events, underlining its long history and community role in Irish sailing.
Spence hopes recognition of the boat’s heritage and reduced fees will help secure the fleet’s future.
