Welcome to the Irish Ruffian Association class website

The Irish Ruffian Association is the official group representing the Irish interests of the Ruffian 23 class of sailboats. The association is dedicated to promoting and maintaining the integrity of the class while providing inclusive and accessible sailing opportunities for its members. The association's events, such as the Ruffian National Championships, the Ruffian Crew Race, the Ruffian Captain’s Prize, and the Ruffian National Team Racing, are some of the most well-organised and competitive sailing events in the country.

The association is known for its friendly and welcoming community, where members can network and share knowledge, experiences, and camaraderie. The association also provides training and resources to improve sailing skills, racing strategies, and techniques specific to the Ruffian class of boats.

Ruffians are actively raced in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong. If you're new to the sport or thinking of getting involved, the association will help you build into their plans and introduce you to the right people in your area. Don't miss the action, join the #Ruffian23 today, click on the membership button below!

If you would like more information on what we do, would like to buy a Ruffian and need advice or would just like to come crewing with us, please contact myself by email at irish.ruffian.association@gmail.com and I will happily help or get someone to contact you.

Class Captain
Eoin OhEochaidh

Membership

There are two membership types are available:

Boat membership (Fee €150)

This membership covers up to 8 people from one boat. This membership is recommended for those involved in racing with a regular crew.

Individual membership (Fee €25)
This membership is for individuals.  A number of people from one boat can have individual membership.  You do not have to own a boat or be regular crew on one specific Ruffian to join the association as an individual member.  

Note about voting: At all General Meetings each member shall have a vote (whether an individual member or a member as part of a boat membership).  Only boat owners are entitled to vote on any proposal to alter or amend Class Rules (one vote per boat).

To join simply click on the relevant Membership Type and fill out our online form.

Looking forward to seeing you on the water!

Why become a member?

  • Access to a community of enthusiastic and experienced Ruffian 23 sailors

  • Opportunities for competitive and fun racing in the Ruffian 23 class

  • Inclusive and friendly atmosphere within the association, all members like to assist with getting people sailing (either as crew or development to new boat owners)

  • Assistance with finding crew or boat owners for racing

  • Access to technical and design expertise from the association members and committee

  • Regular events and gatherings for members to connect and share their passion for sailing

  • Access to historical information and resources about the Ruffian 23

  • Opportunities to participate in national  and international racing events

  • Access to member-exclusive merchandise

  • Support for new members to get involved and learn about the sport

  • The chance to be part of a unique and successful one-design keelboat class.

THE RULES

For a lot more information on our class, please download the class rules here.