Ierne and The Truant race on the Solent in 1914

Now fully restored and reunited at Loch Crinan in Scotland, the Fife's can renew their famous rivalry. The Duel of the Fifes gives members an opportunity to experience these true thoroughbreds in action. Like a Brooklands Bentley or a Spitfire, some machines never loose their ability to thrill. Likewise the Fifes, even today, few yachts can compare in spectacle and excitement

Each Duel comprises a morning and afternoon match race with a stop for a picnic lunch at a picturesque anchorage. Each yacht is crewed by two professional crew and three guests. Whichever yacht returns victorious this rare experience will leave you exhilarated with unforgetable memories.

Place on the Duel requires 75 points

To entertain clients or to mark an occasion we can put together a package which can include; a transfer to and from Glasgow airport by classic car or seaplane, and stay at the Crinan Hotel.

Both yachts were designed by Willian Fife III The Truant was built in 1910 and Ienre 1914 to similar lines, both at the Fife yard in Farilie. This hull design is thought to be the ultimate first rule 8m yacht. They are acknowledged as being as good hydrodynamically as a yacht can be. They do not ride waves, just cut through them and threy produce no wake until near their hull speed. They carry the distinctive Fife tumblehome which was thought to be one of the secrets of their speed.

Truant predates Ierne by a four years and was finished with the conventional gaff rig as pictured above in a contemporary Yachting Monthly feature. Truant has been in the same family for three generations. Ross Ryan the current owner has restored her for this summer's 8 Metre World Championships in Rhu. See more picture of ' The Truant' on the Blog.

Ierne was a more innovative rig design. She was the only First Rule 8m to carry the 'Marconi' bermudan rig. As originally drawn she caries 1248sq feet of sail on a 58ft mast, 35ft boom and a 19ft spinaker pole.

Originally built for and Irish Colonel, who gave her the distinctive Irish name, she finaly found her way into the hands of the Norwegian Olympic Team who she carried to the gold medal in the 1920 Antwerp Games.

Often when talking about classic yachts superlatives are used too easily, however in the case of Ierne, we can safely say we are in the presence of greatness.

Members can apply for opportunities to sail on Ierne and Truant are based on Loch Crinan on the West Coast of Scotland.

See the Ierne and Truant Blog for regular updates on their progress.