Irish Postal Service has issue 4 new Irish Sailing stamps on the 5th day of September 2001. The stamps honor the history of sailors and their sailing vessels. Those sailors who risk their lives in the days of discovery when they search the oceans for land. And those who sail their sailing vessels for sport. Today, almost 20,000 people are regular sailors in Ireland, with thousands more taking part as crew or at local sailing courses. The four boats feature in this issue are as follows: RUFFIAN 23, HOWTH 17, THE GLEN and 1720 SPORTSBOAT
RUFFIAN 23 - is featured on the 30p/38c stamp. It is a modern day fibre-glass designed boat. Popular in Dublin Bay and in Baltimore Co. Cork, where they are built. They are also popular in Hong Kong
The Ruffian 23 is a 23 foot keelboat designed by Billy Brown in Portaferry in the early 70s. Over 200 yachts were built in Portaferry during the 70's and early 80's by 'Weatherly Yachts', a company established by Billy Brown and his brother 'Dickie'. Fleets exist racing today in Dublin Bay, Carrickfergus, Hong Kong, Munster and Wicklow.
Ireland 2001 30p/38c sg?, scott?