The Irish Ruffian team retained the Ruffian Interport Challenge after defeating their Hong Kong counterparts in the eighth edition of the biennial contest, held in Dublin Bay and Clew Bay from 3 to 6 July.
A 27-strong Hong Kong contingent of sailors and supporters travelled to Ireland for the latest chapter in a rivalry that began in 1993.
Friendship Ashore: The Hong Kong Ruffian team gathers during the 2026 Interport Challenge, which brought sailors together in Dublin and Clew Bay for the latest edition of the long-running international series
The event opened with a practice sail on Dublin Bay before racing at the Royal St George Yacht Club Regatta. Strong winds prompted organisers to require all competing Ruffians to race with No. 2 genoas, without spinnakers and with the option of reefed mainsails.
Race Officer Barry O'Neill abandoned the opening race after a weather mark drifted off station. A second race was completed in gusts reaching 30 knots.
The Irish team secured victory in the Dublin Bay leg on combined scores, despite Hong Kong's Regan Yeung taking third place overall in the regatta aboard Scéal Eile. Frank Bradley, sailing Ripples, won the race, with Brian Cullen's Ruffles second.
The teams later gathered at the National Yacht Club, where Heather Kennedy, daughter of Ruffian designer Billy Brown, gave a presentation on the history of the class, including archive footage of the boats being built in Portaferry.
The event then moved west to Mayo Sailing Club for the second stage of the challenge. Following a weather postponement, Race Officers Colin McMullen and Suzanne McGarry revised the programme, replacing planned team racing with a series of fleet races on a windward-leeward course in Inishlyre Bay.
Close Contest: Ruffians battle for position in gusty conditions on Clew Bay, where five races decided the 2026 Interport Challenge in favour of the Irish team
Five races were completed in south-westerly winds gusting to 25 knots. The Irish crews again prevailed on combined scores, giving them overall victory across the six races sailed during the challenge.
Organisers noted that the stronger Irish conditions favoured the home team, although the Hong Kong sailors adapted well despite being more accustomed to lighter winds. The regatta concluded with a prize-giving dinner at the Castlecourt Hotel in Westport, where competitors, race officials and volunteers exchanged burgees and commemorative gifts before celebrating the successful renewal of the long-running international series.
Special thanks were paid to Rory Conlon of Mayo Sailing Club, who coordinated the Clew Bay leg of the event.
