Ruffian
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The Ruffian 23 is a 23 foot cruiser/racer. It was designed in Northern Ireland around 1970s with sailing in the Irish Sea in mind and was first built there by Weatherly Yachts. Production subsequently moved to Dublin and from there to Cork in the Irish Republic. There are fleets of Ruffians in Northern Ireland, Dublin and Hong Kong - with others scattered around the globe in various locations.
In the mid 90s there were Ruffian Interport races in Hong Kong and Dublin. In 2009 we reignited this initiative with a challenge in HK and in return plan to head to Dublinin 2011 to defend the title we won in 2009.
The Ruffians are an active and friendly class and have a full racing programme with races nearly every weekend during the racing season (the coller winter months) as well as friendly races over the summer - which includes involvement in the RHKYC Friday evening Sunset SEries. It is also an ideal boat for day, or even overnight cruising in Hong Kong waters.
Between five and eight Ruffians participate regularly in class racing, which is mainly held in the harbour, but the Rogue Series sees the Ruffian leave harbour waters for a passage race to Port Shelter (Sai Kung), to the waters of the Eastern Approaches, or combining with the Around the Island Race. The Ruffians are the only class in the RHKYC to regularly hold such a sereis of races and they are very popular amongst the Association mebers.
The social side of sailing is not neglected by the Ruffians, with after sail get-togethers on the verandah, dinners, sailing visits to sea food restaurants such as Po Toi O as well as an end-of-season prize giving not to mention other parties at key points in the calendar.
If you are interested in learning more about the Ruffian or even sailing one to improve your skills, please contact us any time.
Please contact the Class Secretary: Jarl Borthwick at ruffian@rhkyc.org.hk |
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