Hong Kong Ruffians Return for Irish Interport Challenge

2nd July 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Harbour Colours — Ruffians race under colourful spinnakers during the 2023 Golden Jubilee Interport Challenge in Hong Kong, the last meeting before this weekend's return fixture in Dún Laoghaire and Westport Credit: Ken Lai

A Hong Kong team will return to Ireland this weekend for the eighth Ruffian Interport Challenge, renewing a rivalry that was last contested during the class's Golden Jubilee celebrations in Hong Kong in 2023. Twenty-two sailors and five supporters will arrive from Hong Kong to compete against an all-Ireland team over four days in Dún Laoghaire and Westport.

Golden Memories: Competitors from Ireland and Hong Kong gather during the Golden Jubilee Ruffian Interport Challenge in Hong Kong in 2023, the previous meeting before this weekend's return fixture in Ireland. Photo: Ken Lai

The event begins on Friday, 3 July, with a practice session aboard five Dún Laoghaire-based Ruffians, followed by registration and an opening reception at the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club. Racing starts on Saturday as four Hong Kong crews, each sailing with an owner's representative aboard, take on four Irish crews during the Royal St George Yacht Club Regatta.

After racing, competitors will join the regatta's après-sail celebrations before attending the official Interport opening dinner at the National Yacht Club.

The competition then moves west on Sunday, when the visiting team travels to Westport. The programme includes time to explore the town, a 90-minute cruise on Clew Bay with Westport Cruises and a barbecue at Charlie's at the Towers.

The final stage takes place at Mayo Sailing Club on Monday under Race Officer Colin McMullen and Suzanne McGarry. Up to nine short team races are scheduled, with lunch on the water before the competition concludes.

The Interport Challenge will finish with a prize-giving dinner at the Castlecourt Hotel in Westport on Monday evening.

The Irish team includes sailors representing the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club, National Yacht Club and Mayo Sailing Club. Also represented is Sailing in Dublin Club (based in Dun Laoghaire), Schull Harbour Sailing Club, Wicklow Sailing Club, and Carrickfergus Sailing Club.

Some members of the Hong Kong team will remain in Ireland to tour the country or visit family and friends in Europe before returning home.

Published in Ruffian 23, DMYC, National YC

Published in Ruffian 23

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