J/24
Sailboat class
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The J/24 is a one-design racing keelboat and the first J/Boats product. It achieved global success, with more than 5,200 built, though it is now out of production.[1] It is recognised by World Sailing and supports active competitive fleets and championships worldwide, including the J/24 World Championship.
Class symbol | |
 | |
| Development | |
|---|---|
| Designer | Rod Johnstone |
| Year | 1977 |
| Design | One-Design |
| Name | J/24 |
| Boat | |
| Crew | 3 – 6 |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4 ft 0 in) |
| Hull | |
| Type | Monohull |
| Construction | GRP |
| Hull weight | 1,406 kg (3,100 lb) |
| LOA | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.10 m (20.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.71 m (8 ft 11 in) |
| Hull appendages | |
| Keel/board type | Fixed |
| Rig | |
| Rig type | Fractional rig |
| Sails | |
| Mainsail area | 12.68 m2 (136.5 sq ft) |
| Jib/genoa area | 11.58 m2 (124.6 sq ft) |
| Spinnaker area | 41.7 m2 (449 sq ft) |
| Racing | |
| PHRF | 174 |
The first J/24 was built in 1976 by then amateur designer Rodney Johnstone. At a time when sailing was dominated by the International Offshore Rule, the boat was designed to compete under a variety of handicaps, including the MORC.[2] It was immediately successful in racing. Rodney partnered with his brother Bob (then a marketing vice-president at AMF) to form J/Boats. Tillotson-Pearson put the boat into production. With a low price, astute marketing, and heavy promotion, 1,200 were sold in the first two years.[3][4]
Since then it has been produced by a number of licensed builders, all tightly controlled by the class association and J-Boats.
Construction
Both the deck and hull are fibreglass with an end-grain balsa core,[5] and a vinylester outer skin.[4]
Design
Rig
The rig is fractional with a backstay adjuster. The lower shrouds attach aft of the keel-stepped mast and are adjusted along with the backstay.[3] Running rigging includes a mainsheet traveller, outhaul, vang, cunningham, reefing lines, and topping lift.[6] It may be equipped with a spinnaker.[7] Tracks are provided for both the genoa and jib sheets.[8]
Hull
The rudder is hung on the plumb transom, and controlled by a tiller. It is equipped with a fixed outboard bracket. Class rules specify one outboard motor of at least 12 kg.[6] It displaces 3,100 lb (1,406 kg) and has a hull speed of 6.0 kn (11.1 km/h).[9] The fixed fin keel is bolted on and weighs 950 pounds[4] and gives the boat a 4.00 ft (1.22 m) draft.[7] It is usually launched by crane, hoisted from a lifting bar bolted to the keel.[9]
The high displacement to length ratio dates the design compared to today's standards, as does the water line length, being 4 ft shorter than the length overall.[2]
Interior
The simple and functional interior has very little headroom and is usually used only for sail storage,[3] although the two settees and "V"-berth provide berths for four. There is a sink but no fixed head. A portable icebox doubles as the companionway step.
Class authority
The international authority for the class is World Sailing, which cooperates with the International J/24 Class Association on all matters regarding the rules. The International J24 Class Association (IJCA) has the sole authority worldwide for the conduct and management of the International J/24 Class.[10] IJCA is a "not-for-profit" organization. There are 136 active fleets in the US.[11]
