The IDRA 14 is one of Ireland’s most established and rewarding double-handed dinghy classes. Whether you’re a youth sailor looking for your next step, an experienced racer searching for close competition, or someone returning to dinghy sailing, the IDRA 14 class offers strong racing, deep knowledge, and a welcoming community.
You don’t need to own a boat to get started. You don’t need years of experience. You just need an interest in good racing and a willingness to get involved.
If you’re getting back into sailing or moving on from training boats, the IDRA 14 is an ideal platform. It rewards good technique and teamwork without being extreme or fragile. Fleets are supportive, and new sailors are actively encouraged.
The IDRA 14 is a proven pathway from youth classes into competitive adult racing. It develops boat handling, tactics, and communication, while remaining affordable and accessible. Many fleets actively support youth sailors with mentoring and shared sailing opportunities.
For sailors who enjoy tactical racing and development, the IDRA 14 offers close fleet competition and real depth. Small setup changes matter, sailing skill matters, and races are regularly decided by seconds rather than minutes.
IDRA 14 fleets sail at several clubs around Ireland, including Howth, Sutton, Clontarf, and Dun Laoghaire. Each fleet has regular sailing days and active members.
You’ll find contact details for each fleet on the Find a Fleet page.
Most fleets can arrange a test sail or help you find a crewing or helming opportunity. Many sailors start by crewing, sailing borrowed boats, or joining training sessions before committing further.
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Once you’re sailing regularly, joining the IDRA 14 Class Association gives you access to championship racing, coaching initiatives, class communications, and helps support the future of the fleet.
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Many sailors start without owning a boat. Opportunities include:
Crewing for existing owners
Shared or loan boats within fleets
Buying into a boat gradually
Advice and support when purchasing or refurbishing
If and when you decide to buy, the class will help you find a competitive boat at a realistic cost.
Project IDRA14 2030 aims to increase the number of active IDRA14 boat owners over the next 4 to 5 years. Interested members of our base clubs, will be connected to current boatowners no longer sailing who wish to see their boat passed to someone interested in getting the boat back on the water to race and have fun with the rest of the class.
The IDRA 14 is deliberately affordable compared to many modern performance dinghies.
Typical considerations include:
Used boats available at a range of budgets
Sails that last and remain competitive
Low running and maintenance costs
Modest annual class membership fee
Fleets are open about costs and happy to discuss what’s realistic for your situation.
The class actively supports youth and developing sailors through:
Training and coaching days
Loan of youth development boats
Mentoring from experienced sailors
Fleet-based development initiatives
Entry fee bursaries
If you are a youth sailor, parent, or club organiser, we are very happy to discuss pathways into the class.
A class with genuine heritage and an active future
Well-organised racing and championships
Shared tuning and setup knowledge
A very strong social side ashore
The IDRA 14 is competitive on the water and friendly off it. New sailors are noticed, supported, and encouraged.
Whether you want to helm, crew, learn more, or simply come down and watch, the next step is easy.
Find a local fleet, or contact the class directly and we’ll point you in the right direction.