IDRA 14 Dinghy Class

IDRA - back then ... ! (1950 Class Championship)

For those sailing 'history' buffs, here's a fantastic film from 1950.

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many thanks to Charles Sargent, IDRA 14/126 'Smurfette' (Sutton Sailing Club)

IDRA 14/ 142 'Cheeky Gin' Sailing Training Boat Charter

Clontarf's IDRA fleet have had great success with their sail-training initiative and continue to encourage new sailors to participate in the fleet.

If you think dinghy sailing is for you, why not get intouch with the class.

Not only are boats are looking for crew, they also have a class boat available for people entering sailing and the class.

'Cheeky Gin' is a well maintained boat in racing condition. The class every season look to rent it to a group of sailors, normally a group of 4-5. These are with lots of help and encouragement from fellow IDRA'ers have exclusive use of 'Cheeky' for the season (a boat rent/charter scheme).

Details are available from Class representatives and class-captain.

IDRA - Overview 

The IDRA 14, is one of Ireland's longest active racing dinghy Classes, and to this day remains so. It was established to provide close racing in a 'modern' design.

Established 70 years ago, the IDRA, is a 2 person racing dinghy - with Trapeze and Spinnaker. Features and sailing-techniques of the IDRA still remain current, and now a 'classic' still apply to newer dinghy classes. At 14foot, it remains lively and enjoyable to sail.

Fleets are found in Clontarf (CY&BC), Sutton, and Dun Laoghaire (DMYC & RSGYC), with a scattering of boats around Ireland. A sister class is located in the UK: the 'Dragonfly:

http://www.waldringfieldsc.com/dragonfly_site/abou...

Typical of Clontarf, the IDRA is a very active and welcoming fleet. Boats sail-train and racing regularly, and encourage knowledge-sharing between boats and crews; look out for another and enjoy meeting up in the club bar !

IDRA refers to 'Irish Dinghy Racing Association' - precursor to the Irish Sailing Association.

The boat itself has a special place in Irish dinghy racing history, designed by Irish naval architect George O'Brien Kennedy in the winter of 1938 and first raced in 1946. The design are built both wood and fibreglass versions.

The people who sail them are a passionate bunch - the boat provides an excellent platform for any budding sailor to learn and grow. Owners and crews take much pleasure in restoring and improving boats in the club shed, and no shortage of useful information and assistance is provided by fellow class-enthusiasts. No surprise that trainees from the CY&BC's Adult Sailing Course regularly choose sailing their first season with this class. The class are no home birds either and pride themselves on the family orientated away events around the country. The Northern Championships take place every year on Carlingford Lough with the National Championships roaming around the country each year with Galway, Enniskillen, Sligo, Lough Ree and Lough Derg among the locations chosen.

If interested please contact CY&BC at info@cybc.ie

Last updated 09:02 on 15 April 2025