j24 sailboat weight

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J/24's main features

J/24's main dimensions, j/24's rig and sails, j/24's performances, j/24's auxiliary engine, j/24's accommodations and layout.

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• Sailboat Reviews

The right boat at the right time, the J/24 has proven to be a wildly successful one-design racer.

The J/24 is one of those boats that happened along at just the right time, with the right marketing to a ready market. Some may wonder whether the tale of her success would make a better textbook or a better storybook. Either way, much of the marine industry has studied her story, and then flattered her with the praise of emulation. However, no imitation or variation of the J/24 has yet to achieve her popularity.

Since her humble beginnings in 1976 in the garage of an amateur designer, thousands of boats have been sold from factories in Rhode Island, California, Australia, Japan, Italy, England, France, Brazil and Argentina. All of the builders are licensed by a company called J-Boats to build the J/24 to strict one-design tolerances. J-Boats is owned and run by two brothers—Bob and Rod Johnstone (the J in J-Boats).

Bob is the marketing whiz and Rod is the designer. Conservative estimates put their total revenue from the J/24, after buying the boats from the builders and selling them to the dealers, at several million dollars. Not bad considering how it all began….

Ragtime was a 24′ inspiration evolved by Rod Johnstone and his family in their garage as a two-year weekend project. Rod was a salesman for a marine publication, and an avid racer with a successful background in high-performance one designs. He had undertaken, but never completed, the Westlawn home-study course in naval architecture (although he has since been awarded an honorary degree so the school could use his name in its advertisements). Ragtime was launched in 1976, and was an instant winner, taking 17 firsts in 19 starts in eastern Connecticut. People began asking for their own boats.

At this time, brother Bob, also a respected racer, was working in the marketing department of AMF Alcort (Sunfish, Paceship, etc.). When Alcort declined to produce the J/24, Bob quit and formed JBoats. Tillotson-Pearson, builder of the Etchells 22 and the Freedom line of boats, was more receptive and production began in 1977. The first J/24s were as fast as Ragtime , and dominated regattas like the 1977 MORC Internationals. Bob made sure that the favorable results were well publicized; more than 200 boats were sold that year, and nearly 1,000 the next.

It was a big hit for a number of reasons. She moved into a void, appealing to two groups of sailors who were ripe for her type of racing: those who had outgrown athletic small boats, yet still yearned for the competition of one-design racing, and those who wished to compete without the expense, hassles and uncertainties of handicap racing.

The J/24 is a one design’s one design. Like the Laser, Windsurfer, and Hobie Cat, she is proprietary-built under the supervision of one company. Unlike most proprietary one designs, sails are not provided by the J/24’s builder. This was a particularly astute move by the Johnstones as it involved sailmakers in the class. Sailmakers comprise many of the big names in racing; by getting them in the regatta results, the Johnstones added instant credibility to the J/24’s budding status as a “hot” class. By the midwinter championship in 1979, almost every boat in the top 15 finishers had a sailmaker on board.

The big advantage that proprietary one designs have over “independent” one designs (classes with competing builders) is the power of centralized, bigbucks promotion. J-Boats has organized and promoted regattas, and had a heavy hand in running the class association. J/24s got a lot of press, thanks to JBoats. Full color, multi-page advertisements appeared monthly in the slick sailing magazines. Promotion has been primary; money is no object. J/24s have been donated for several high visibility USYRU championships. Big discounts have been given for fleet purchases (sometimes to effectively crush interest in competing one designs).

With the help of British enthusiasts, the Johnstones were able to make the J/24 an IYRU (International Yacht Racing Union) recognized class. More international lobbying got the J/24 into the Pan American Games.

There are some disadvantages to proprietary one designs. First, the class is in a real bind if the builder goes bankrupt. Likewise if the builder should ever abuse his power by ignoring class administration or changing construction of the boat to suit economic demands. Although a proprietary builder faces competition from other types of boats, there is no competition building his boat. This can inflate the price, especially when there are three substantial markups in the pricing structure (builder, J-Boats, and the dealer).

Construction

The J/24 has the distinct advantage of having been produced in great numbers and been subjected to the rigors of hard racing. It’s safe to say that nearly everything that could have broken, has broken, and that the J/24 is now almost bulletproof. J-Boats has done a commendable job in correcting nearly all of the “bugs” in the J/24. However, if you are planning to purchase a boat several years old you should be watchful for some of the old bugs.

Boats built during the first two years of production had particular problems with leaking along the hull-to-deck joint, delamination of the main bulkhead, and the attachment of the keel to the hull. The hull-to-deck leak was due to failure of the silicone sealant in the joint.

The inward-turning hull flange is overlapped by the deck, which is bedded in sealant and through-bolted at close intervals through a teak toe rail. Now this joint is bedded with 3M 5200, a pliable strong adhesive, and leaks are infrequent. Fortunately, the internal side of the joint is exposed throughout the boat’s interior, so recaulking is not difficult.

Harder to rectify is the problem of delamination of the main bulkhead. J/24s are raced hard, often with substantial rig tension. The chainplates pierce the deck and are bolted to the main bulkhead. The plywood bulkhead is tabbed with fiberglass to the hull and deck. The mast is stepped through the deck and sits on an aluminum beam, which is also tabbed to the main bulkhead. Rig tension pulls upward on the bulkhead while mast compression pushes downward on the beam, resulting in tremendous shearing forces on the bulkhead and its tabbing.

On some of the older J/24s, the plywood has delaminated, letting the mast “sink” 1/4 inch or more. Owners of these boats have either returned them to the factory for replacement of the bulkhead, or ground off the delamination and reglassed the bulkhead themselves. The builder now uses a better grade of plywood and installs screws to reinforce the bulkhead tabbing. As an added precaution, the boat owner may wish to bolt the mast-bearing beam to the bulkhead with an angle-iron.

The third problem with some of the older J/24s is the keel-to-hull attachment. The builder used to fill the keel sump with a vermiculite mixture of resin and plant fiber. The keel bolts were fastened through the vermiculite which, when saturated with water, is less rigid than solid laminations of fiberglass. After several years of sailing, or a hard grounding, the keel bolts would begin to work, and the keel would loosen enough to be able to be wobbled by hand with the boat suspended from a hoist. The first sign of this problem is the appearance of a crack along the keel stub. Tightening of the keel bolts, which are quality stainless steel, is a simple but temporary fix. What is needed is a backing plate for the bolts, bedded on top of the vermiculite.

There was a variety of other problems with early J/24s: The mast has three internal halyards; two jib halyards exit below the headstay with the spinnaker halyard above. On the older boats, a large square hole was cut in the mast to accommodate the sheaves, leaving an open, poorly supported space adjacent to the spinnaker sheave. This is sometimes the source of mast cracks; the fix is to weld a plate over it.

In January of 1980, the J/24 got much-improved companionway and forward hatches. The hatches on older boats were molded of thin fiberglass, and had a tendency to leak and fracture under the weight of heavy crew members. The new forward hatches are lexan, and the companionway hatch is now much heavier with a lower profile.

The J/24’s rudder is heavy and strong. The builder claims you can hang a 900 pound keel from the rudder tip without breaking it. Although the J/24’s rudder pintles appear more than adequate, after several years of use they have been known to develop corrosion cracks where the pintle is welded to its strap. In 1981, the builder began equipping J/24s with weldless pintles; the builder also offers the new system as a replacement for old boats.

The starboard chainplate bolts through both the bulkhead and the hull liner. The port chainplate bolts through only the bulkhead. After the first two years of production, the port bulkhead was reinforced with fiberglass in the chainplate area. On earlier boats, a backing plate should be added to prevent the chainplate bolts from elongating their holes.

The hull and deck of the J/24 are cored with balsa, which makes them stiff, light, quiet and relatively condensation-free. We have heard of occasional delaminations resulting from trailering with improperly adjusted poppets. The Kenyon mast section is the same as that used on the Etchells 22, a bigger boat. It is more than adequate for any strength of wind.

The J/24 does not have positive flotation, and she has been known to capsize in severe conditions. This is usually not a problem as she floats on her side with the companionway well out of the water. However, should the leeward cockpit locker fall open, water can rush below, filling the cabin and causing her to sink. While fastening the lockers in heavy weather prevents the problem, the manufacturer began to seal off the lockers from the cabin with an additional bulkhead several years ago, as a safety measure.

Of the 2,500 J/24s sold in the US, nearly 2,000 of them have been built by Tillotson-Pearson in Rhode Island. The others were built by Performance Sailcraft in San Francisco, which is now defunct. New boats are now shipped cross country. Top west coast sailors tell us they favor the east coast built boats, claiming the keels and rudders on the west coast built boats are too thick to be competitive. The west coast keels are thick because they are covered with injection-molded gelcoat. Tillotson-Pearson fairs the keels with auto body putty.

Handling Under Sail

The J/24’s PHRF rating ranges from 165 to 174, depending on the handicapper. She rates as fast as or faster than a C&C 30, Santana 30, or Pearson 30. One must remember that, because the J/24 has attracted competent owners, her PHRF rating is probably somewhat inflated. While the J/24 is an excellent training boat because she is so responsive, a beginning racer may have an especially hard time making her perform to her PHRF rating.

Aside from her speed, the J/24’s greatest asset is her maneuverability. With her stern hung rudder she can be turned in her own length, sculled out to a mooring in light air, and brought to a screeching halt by jamming the rudder over 90 degrees.

The J/24 has a narrow “groove;” it takes a lot of concentration to keep her going at top speed. She is sensitive to backstay trim, sheet tension, weight placement and lower shroud tension. The lower shrouds act like running backstays, because they are anchored aft of the mast. They must be loosened in light air to create some headstay sag, and then tightened in heavy air to straighten the mast, making backstay tension more effective in removing the sag.

Sheet tension is also critical. Top crews rarely cleat the genoa sheets, having one crewmember hold the tail while hiking from the rail. Some of the best sailors even lead the jib to the weather winch so the sail can be trimmed without sending crew weight to leeward.

The class rules allow you to race with a mainsail, a 150% genoa, a working jib and a single spinnaker. This makes sail selection simple and the inventory affordable (about $2,600 total). However, the one genoa must carry the boat all the way from a flat calm up to 20 knots or more. To be competitive in light air, the genoa must be full; yet to hold the boat level with this full genoa in a strong breeze, you need a lot of crew weight. Most of the top crews are now sailing with five people on board for a total crew weight of 800 to 900 pounds. The J/24 is a small boat, and the additional fifth crew member really makes the boat cramped. Add to this the increasing trend of some skippers making the crew sit in the cabin on the leeward bunk in light air, and you have a boat which can be less than fun to crew on.

There are two worthwhile improvements that can help a J/24’s performance. To decrease the boat’s slight tendency toward a lee helm in light air, the mast should be cut to minimum length allowed in the class rules, and the headstay should be lengthened to the maximum allowed to give the mast more rake. The other improvement is fairing the keel to minimum dimensions. The keel is much thicker than is necessary for optimum performance. It comes relatively fair from the builder, but most owners will want to grind off the builder’s auto-body filler and sharpen the trailing edge. On some of the older boats, the trailing edge is twice the minimum thickness.

Some racers go so far as to spend $500-$1,000 to have the keel professionally faired.

While all indications are that the builder has excellent quality control, there have been complaints that some of the spars provided by Kenyon in the last two years have come with the wrong length shrouds, or widely differing bend characteristics. One top sailor said he would never buy a used J/24 without first making sure that he could make the mast stand straight sideways with substantial shroud tension.

The J/24 is best suited for racing; there are many boats in her size range that are far more comfortable and practical for daysaiIing. However, the J/24 is a joy to sail under mainsail alone. Unlike most boats, she balances and sails upwind at a respectable speed, and her maneuverability gives her tremendous freedom in crowded harbors.

Handling Under Power

The J/24 is powered by an outboard engine; an inboard is not feasible or available. Class rules require that an outboard with a minimum of 3.5 hp be carried while racing. Most owners opt for a 3.5-4 hp outboard. It provides adequate power and is as much weight as you want to be hefting over a transom. Although the cockpit locker is plenty big enough, most owners stow the outboard under a berth in the cabin to keep the weight out of the stern. This makes using the outboard inconvenient. The factory-supplied optional outboard bracket has a spring-loaded hinge to lift the engine for easy mounting; we recommend it. Because the outboard is likely to be stored in the cabin, a remote gas tank will keep fuel spillage and odor to a minimum.

Above Decks

The J/24 is very well laid out, yet she is still not a comfortable or easy boat to crew on. When she was first launched, sailors said her layout could be no better, and she was copied by manufacturers of competing boats. However, after years of racing, sailors have discovered several things that could be improved.

Cockpit winches are located just forward of the mainsheet traveler, which spans the middle of the cockpit. Many sailors have moved the winches forward, so the crewmember tacking the genoa can face forward instead of aft during a tack. It pays to check to see if relocated deck hardware was installed properly; one J/24 owner we know discovered that the previous owner had moved the winches, but hadn’t installed proper backing plates or filled the original holes correctly. As a result, seepage had occurred and several square feet of the balsa-cored deck above the quarterberth had become sodden and rotten.

The standard mainsheet cleat is attached to the traveler car so that, when you trim the sheet, you inadvertently pull the car to weather. Many sailors have solved this by mounting a fixed cleat with a swivel base at the center of the traveler bar.

On older boats the backstay was single-ended at the transom. Boats now come with a double-ended backstay led forward to the helmsman on each side of the cockpit. Foot blocks need to be mounted on the traveler to keep helmsmen from falling to leeward as the boat heels (you must steer from forward and well outboard of the traveler).

For those who plan to try cross-sheeting to the weather winch, leading the jib sheets through Harken ratchet blocks is advised. Most sailors will also want to mount barber haulers to pull the genoa sheet outboard in strong winds. Cam cleats for the barber haulers should be mounted on the companionway so they “self-cleat” when led to the weather winch.

Cabin-top winches for the halyards and spinnaker guys are optional and essential. Because the J/24 has single spinnaker sheets, most sailors mount “twings,” which pull the guy down to the deck outboard of the shrouds when reaching.

In the search for a cleaner deck, it is now common to mount the spinnaker halyard cleat on the mast. Most sailors use only one jib halyard. Although a second jib halyard is optional, it is necessary only for long distance handicap racing. On short one design courses it is better to struggle along overpowered than to place crew weight on the bow to change headsails. Instruments are also unnecessary in one design racing. There are more than enough boats on a one design race course to judge your speed without the help of a speedometer.

The J/24 comes equipped with a Headfoil II grooved headstay system, which works very smoothly. Early boats came with Stern Twinstays, which have occasionally failed when the bearings freeze up with age. Some sailors have exchanged the grooved headstay system for cloth snaps on their headsails (you seldom change sails anyway). We applaud this idea, as it makes the sails more manageable in severe weather.

Although the flat decks are well suited for racing, the cockpit is less than comfortable for daysailing. There are no seat backs and the boom is dangerously low. Visibility with the deck-sweeping 150% genoa is terrible, and is often the cause of nightmarish collisions on crowded race courses. Lower life lines are optional and recommended for those with children, but they interfere with fast tacks when racing. The boom is rigged with a 4-to-1 vang, which is swiveled on the more recent J/24s to be adjustable from either rail on a windy spinnaker reach. The boom is also rigged with reef lines which exit through stoppers at the gooseneck.

Top sailors have discovered that the boat always sails better without a reef, which is a good thing, because the stoppers are both difficult to operate and have a history of slipping.

The interior is simple and functional. On most boats it is used for little more than sail storage. However, for a couple who enjoys roughing it, it could make for occasional weekend cruising. The first thing you notic below is the lack of headroom. You can sit in comfort, but to move about you must crawl.

The interior is finished off in bare white gelcoat. Early boats had coarse, non-skid gelcoat on the overhead. While this may have been more attractive than smooth gelcoat, it really did a number on elbows and bald heads. It also tended to collect dirt and mildew. Earlier through-bolted deck fittings were capped with acorn nuts. Now the nuts lie flush with the overhead—less pain when bumped.

A molded hull liner is used to form the two quarter berths, the cabin sole, and two lockers and a galley just aft of the main bulkhead. One locker is deep enough to serve as a wet locker for foul weather gear; the other is best used to store the rudiments of a meal. The galley consists of a sink with a hand pump. A small, two burner stove could be mounted in the small, removable “table” forward of the port quarter berth. The icebox, a large portable cooler made by Igloo, has a piece of teak glued to it and doubles as a companionway step. After a season or two of jumping on the ice chest, the lid disintegrates.

The forward V-berth, although divided by the mast, is still large and comfortable enough for a couple. The boat does not come equipped with a head. To avoid the extra drag of a through-hull fitting, portable heads are often used. We would rather use a cedar bucket—there simply isn’t enough space in the cabin of a J/24 to cohabitate with a portable head. If you plan to seriously race, you won’t want to load the boat’s lockers with cruising equipment. If you do cruise, it will probably be out of a duffel bag.

J/24: How Trailerable?

The J/24 is not launchable from a boat ramp, unless the ramp is steep, paved or of hard sand, and you use a long extender between the tongue of the trailer and your trailer hitch. Her 3,100 pounds (fully loaded) require a big, 8-cylinder vehicle to tow her. She is easily launched from a 2-ton hoist which can attach to a strap on her keel bolts. However, the hatch slides just far enough forward to allow the hoisting cable to clear it, so the hatch tends to get chewed by the cable.

The J/24 was originally designed to sail at a displacement of 2,800 pounds. The class minimum was later increased to 3,100. The original single axle trailer provide as a factory option was barely adequate for the intended, 2,800 pound boat, and totally inadequate for a fully loaded boat. Tales abound of blown tires and broken trailer welds. The factory now offers both a single and double axle trailer; we recommend the double axle.

If you want to seriously race a J/24, trailering is a necessity. Local fleets grow and shrink each year with the whims of their members, but national and regional regattas continue to attract many participants. Make no mistake, however; trailering is expensive.

The owning and maintenance of a big car, the gas and tolls of trailering, and the housing of crew are not cheap.

Conclusions

The appeal of the J/24 is as a racer. If you plan to do anything else, she is not for you. Although the J/24 is relatively easy to sail, she is very difficult to sail well. To many people, she represents a chance to compete in the big leagues; by traveling to major regattas you can sail against some of the best sailors in the country. However, the big leagues are tough—if you like to race with a pick-up crew and a hangover you’d also better be satisfied with finishing last.

One appeal of the J/24 is that, unlike many big league boats, you can always come home and sail because the boat has so big a following. There are enough boats to race it one-design almost anywhere; and in a pinch, there is always handicap racing. As long as you don’t want to travel, the boat is inexpensive to maintain.

Despite our effort to highlight every flaw that has appeared throughout the J/24’s evolution, we’d like to emphasize that she is more hardy than most boats of her type. Few boats can take the punishment that a J/24 gets during a season of racing and come through with so few scars. No racing boat will appreciate; but the J/24 can keep her value.

The dream boat with the fairy tale success story has turned out, after all, to be a rugged winner in the real world.

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• Sailboat Guide

J/24 is a 24 ′ 0 ″ / 7.3 m monohull sailboat designed by Rod Johnstone and built by Sydney Yachts/Bashford Int., J Boats, Ovington Boats Ltd., and Waterline Systems, LLC starting in 1977.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

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The World’s Most Popular One-Design Keelboat

Whether your style is weeknight beer-can racing or competing on the world stage – the J/24 is undeniably the most popular racing keelboat to make waves around the world.  This appealing keelboat started with one man’s desire for a sailboat to accommodate his family and to be a competitive racer.  Twenty-seven years later, the J/24 has become a legend.  A stable sailboat for family togetherness, the J/24 has also been the competitive launch pad for the careers of numerous America’s Cup professionals.

The world-wide acceptance of J/24 design, the strong one-design rules and the strength of the International J/24 Class Association have led to the J/24 to be selected as the platform for the  International Sailing Federation’s (ISAF) Nation’s Cup, the ISAF Women’s World Match Racing Championship, the Rolex Women’s International Keelboat Championship and US Sailing’s St. Francis International Masters Championship (aged 55+).

While some of the world’s best sailors have the latest version J/24, a well-prepared 1977 model, built to the same shape and weight with rigid end-grained balsa core construction can still win the J/24 Class world championship even after 30,000+ miles of trailering. That’s “One Design” racing! The International J/24 is presently built in the U.S., Argentina and Italy and has more than 50,000 people sailing 5,200 boats in 27countries.

The J/24 is a one design vessel that is suitable for anyone regardless of age or sailing style.

The J24 has a flared topside that  make her dry on deck. It also has a ‘weekender’ cabin which makes it possible to get warm on cold days and she can be sailed easily by one person with only the mainsail.

And yet the J/24 is designed to race, being the craft of choice for the ISAF Nation’s Cup, the Rolex Women’s International Keelboat Championship and the St. Francis International Masters Championship.

The International J/24 is built in the U.S., Japan and Italy and has more than 50,000 people sailing 5,200 boats in 150 fleets in 40 countries.

J/24 Class Specifications Overall Length     7.32 m. Length at Waterline     6.10 m. Beam     2.71 m. Displacement     1406 kg. Ballast     431 kg. Draft     1.22 m. Racing Weight     1375 kg. Construction     J/24 Model 2001 Specifications (J-Boat) Sail Area     24.25 sq. m. Racing Crew     Five

J/24 Class History 1975     Designed by Rodney Johnstone. 1976     The J/24 Prototype Ragtime is launched 1979     J/24 Introduced into Australia 1981     J/24 achieves International status. 1988     World Championships held in Australia 1992     Hull No. 5000 is launched.

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About The J24 Sailboat Class

The J24 is a 24-foot (7.32-meter) sailboat that features a fractional rig with a large mainsail and a small jib. It has a displacement of 3,100 pounds (1,406 kg) and a ballast of 1,200 pounds (544 kg), making it a stable and relatively fast boat.

The boat is constructed of fiberglass, and features a simple and robust design that is easy to maintain and repair. It can accommodate up to five people, making it a great boat for racing or day sailing with friends and family.

The J24 class is known for its competitive racing, with strict one-design rules that limit modifications to the boat. This ensures that the competition is based on skill and tactics rather than equipment. Races are often held as short course windward-leeward races, with multiple races held over a weekend regatta.

The J24 class is popular with both amateur and professional sailors, with many top sailors having cut their teeth in J24 racing. The class has a strong international community, with world championships held annually and regional championships held throughout the year.

Overall, the J24 sailboat class is a great choice for sailors looking for a competitive racing experience in a well-established and popular one-design class.

What Make It Great For Racing

The J24 sailboat is a great choice for racers for several reasons:

Strict One-Design Class: The J24 is a strict one-design class, meaning that all boats are identical in terms of design, equipment, and specifications. This ensures that the racing is based purely on the skill and tactics of the sailors rather than the quality or cost of their boat. This creates a level playing field, which makes for exciting and competitive racing.

Popularity: The J24 is one of the most popular racing keelboat classes in the world, with a large and active fleet in many countries. This popularity means that there are many opportunities to race in local, regional, and national events, as well as international regattas. The large fleet size also creates a sense of community among sailors, with many opportunities for networking and socializing.

Accessibility: The J24 is a relatively affordable and accessible boat, which makes it a great choice for sailors of all skill levels. The boat is relatively easy to maintain and repair, and the strict one-design rules mean that there are no expensive modifications or upgrades required to remain competitive.

Performance: The J24 is a fast and responsive boat, which makes for exciting and challenging racing. The fractional rig and large sail plan provide plenty of power, while the relatively light weight and narrow beam make for agile handling and quick acceleration.

Overall, the J24 sailboat is a great choice for racers who are looking for exciting, competitive, and accessible racing in a well-established and popular one-design class.

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J/24 Racing Tips for All Conditions

J/24 racing tips for all conditions, racing takeaways: the 2021 midwinter championship.

The 2021 Midwinter Championship in Miami, FL supplied a variety of conditions for the 29-boat fleet. North Experts with the help of Midwinters skipper John Mollicone broke down each race day by wind speed and explain the changes they made with their rig tune, body weight, crew roles, and sail trim. Although the racing took place in Florida, these tips can be related to any regatta coming up depending on wind conditions and sea state.

Tips for light to medium air: 6-10 knots

• Tiny bit of weather helm in under 6
• Consistent heel angle, always
• Send one or more down below to get low in chop
• More heel helps you stay powered up in flat water in the lightest winds
• Avoid getting close to other boats to eliminate chop and disturbed air
• 20/15 shroud tension
• Move the mast butt aft ⅜”
• Look for -3 fingers on the headstay
• 2.25 to 2.50 inch pre-bend on the mast
• Stay powered up and avoid the lulls!

In lighter conditions, the trimmer should stand down below and be agile and able to move up to the rail as the wind picks up. The trimmer controls the angle of heel the most. Two forward crew are last to go below if needed, but keep weight forward in light conditions.

Skipper/Trimmer Tips for lighter air:

• Trim the main in hard, two handed when fully powered up so you can point a little higher, 8 to 10 knots range with everyone hiking
• Trim the genoa 2-3” off the spreader tips when fully powered up, ease to 4-6” off spreader tips in the lulls.
• Move the genoa car one hole forward to power up the bottom of the jib.

North Expert Paul Abdullah commented on trim,

“I like to move off the rail and move forward. When I look at other boats who have their trimmers on the leeward side by the winch, it’s not long before we are sailing right by them. Body placement is key for the trimmer in light air. I avoid sitting to leeward by the winch, if your weight needs to be to leeward it is better to do that below deck.”

Trimming the Genoa: Medium to Heavy Air

“It is a common misconception to trim harder in more breeze, said John. This is not a solution. You actually point higher by easing out, sometimes a full foot off the spreader tip. If you see 8” off the spreader tip it’s not a bad thing if things are working for you.”

How can you tell?

• If the boat feels good, your speed is good, and you are playing the main and vang sheeting in the puffs, you will be in good shape.
• Skipper and trimmer should work together with sail trim.
• Never let the boat heel over too much. When you feel bound up, ease the genoa 5-6” off the spreader tips. Easing off the backstay will also help get your power back in the major lulls with the rig tight.
• Rig tuning tips: Medium to heavy air
• When you move your mast, 2 to 2.25” of prebend is always a good starting point.
• Headstay tension should go from 3 fingers to a tight 2 fingers.
• Having your backstay set up so you can move through a wider range is important.

“The mast butt on J24 is a powerful tool,” said North expert Nick Turney. “When the breeze increases you need to feel comfortable moving your mast. Ideally you move the mast at the dock before you leave. When you don’t make necessary adjustments to rig and mast, you will notice that you are losing punch. If your main is flattened too much, this is a direct indicator that your settings are not aligned.”

Tips for Breeze On and building: 13-18 knots

• 27/24 shroud tension
• When the wind builds, go plus 1/plus 1 – stick to full turns if possible. It’s easier to keep track.
• Moved mast butt forward, ⅜ to ½” depending on age and stiffness of mast and boat.
• If the lulls are big, you’ll need power. 27/24 is great for lulls and only a tad loose in the puffs.

The North Sails tuning guide is a great place to get your set up numbers.

Mainsail set up is important, especially in bigger breeze. If you notice wrinkles from all the clew up towards the spreaders at a 45-degree angle, this is a telltale sign that you need to go tighter on the rig, sometimes an up plus 1/plus 1 can help get your main looking better, which in turn allows it to work better. You will be able to pull on more backstay, and cunningham. The cunningham for example is not easily adjusted from the rail, so we minimized how much we moved our bodies because we needed weight out mostly, we would leave the cunningham as-is and ride it out. Another thing that is crucial is crew weight. Keeping it together and close makes hiking more effective.

With the mast settings the same as medium air conditions, it allows for depth in the mainsail while keeping the backstay tight. Weight aft together hiking hard is a good look. When changing gears, it’s important to define your modes and make adjustments. It’s very important to stay powered up and transition through the modes.

Ask yourself: “What mode do we want to be in?”

• Height mode,
• normal mode (balanced and going well through the water),
• Or fast mode

What are the changes you have to make in the back of the boat to accomplish the different modes?

Trimmers typically call the speed, the tactician may override in certain instances. The driver has the mainsheet and backstay, the trimmer adjusts the genoa sheet accordingly, it’s a constant dialog. Together you are always making sure the boat is going full speed. If you feel like the boat is stuck ease the sails out and get it going again. When the boat stalls the boat goes sideways.

“In Miami for the Midwinters,” John commented, “5.4-5.6 was our normal boat speed. We had our bow down, and our backstay on. We looked more for 5.8 to 6.2 on our velocitek once we got going. It’s nice to gauge where you want to be and see what that feels like.”

When should we switch to the blade?

Start out with the genoa if you are on the fence. Try moving the mast butt ⅜ to ½” forward, which is a conservative move. Make sure your tension is adequate. In medium breeze 29/31 could work well depending on the age and stiffness of your mast.

Ask yourself:

• Can we go upwind without the main flogging?
• Does the boat feel balanced?
• Are we slipping sideways?
• Is our speed a problem?
• If things are out of balance, speed is a struggle, and your main is flogging, then it may be time to switch to the blade.

Paul Abdullah commented,

“Understanding the ability of your trimmer is the real question. If you cannot tack the genoa efficiently, then you have your answer.”

The blade is good if the conditions are right for it. The genoa gives you the power and punch for getting through waves. The blade can be sufficient enough if breezy and flat water.

When you are on the edge of the blade in 14-16 knots, you might need to consider a step down on the shrouds and jib lead forward to power up the Jib. Keep in mind, using the genoa at the top end of the wind range means you have to pull the halyard on harder, move the lead back one as you go tighter on the shroud tension.

“On a shifty day with flat water, the blade could be the best weapon of choice. It varies for every team, so you have to do what is best for you, depending on what you are comfortable with,” said John.

Upwind strategy

• Find the pressure
• Set yourself up for the long term play
• Get into the pressure before making a decision on your next move
• It’s OK to hang in a thin lane as long as its the long tack
• Try to figure out what the long tack is before the start so you can position yourself on the starting line
• It can be a high risk to win the pin and you might not be able to tack so you have to recognize that early on
• Choosing the midline works well if the pin is crowded. It can also open doors later on up the beat.

Minimize your maneuvers

Tacking with the genoa in mid-range conditions will result in ¾ boat length loss. Chop and puffy conditions tacks are costly using the genoa especially. We made sure our tacks counted. If we wanted to make a tactical decision, we made sure we were in the best pressure first.

Downwind Strategy

• Balance crew weight
• Get around the windward mark and ask yourself: do we want to stay high or go low? After the offset, are we jibing early?
• All things should be openly discussed as the pole is being put on and you have almost arrived to the offset.
• Steer clear of potential issues
• Identify: Is there anyone around us? Are we playing defense? Recognizing scenarios early and talking about it is the key to a successful windward mark rounding and setting up for a good downwind.

Settling in for the Downwind Leg

After the kite is set, it’s important to get settled in. Depending on location, remember to check for weeds. If it’s windy, send the lightest person back to do this. It is hard to drive and check for weeds, especially in heavier air conditions.

Crew weight Downwind

• Changes with weight will help steer the boat. The trimmer and driver are mostly in the same spots all the time downwind. Driver plays the main, sits to leeward. Trimmer stands up on the deck to trim.
• Tacticians can take the guy and face outboard to help trimmer.
• If it lightens up, the tactician would go below but generally stands in the companionway.
• Bow guy went side to side as needed, twings could also move with bowman as both are more agile.
• Keep your weight outboard out to the sides.
• Keep the boat flat so if the wind increases, there is no risk of the driver losing steering due to instability.
• If it is super windy you may consider two forward crew sitting to leeward to help balance.

“Weather heel downwind pole back is my favorite,” John said. “It’s fast.”

What Gate to Choose?

• Find the path of least resistance.
• Figure out which side is lifted, and try to round the side that allows you to immediately be on the long tack.
• Ask yourself: where’s the competition and where is there less traffic?

Tips for Breezy Conditions Downwind

• Bring both twings down, especially on the jibes.
• Stacking the leeward (bow and mast) rail is a huge weapon in breeze downwind. Too much weather heel is out of control.
• Vang on- be all over it. You need more than normal if it’s breeze-on conditions.
• Backstay on just a little for stability.
• Broad reach more, don’t sail DDW in puffs or by the lee if things are getting dicey.

For the Miami Midwinters, the winners used North Sails Fathead mainsail, DX-7TT Genoa, SRB jib, and FR2 spinnaker . Have questions about optimizing your inventory? Get in touch with a North Sails J/24 expert today .

Thank you Chris Howell for your support of the class on and off the water!

Miss the Midwinters Full Webinar Recap? Rewatch and rewind at your own convenience!

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21 December

CAPE 31 TUNING GUIDE

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What Is a J24 Sailboat? (Everything You Need To Know)

The J24 sailboat is a classic sailboat design that has been around since the 1970s and remains popular to this day.

Whether youre looking for a fun, affordable sailboat for racing or cruising, the J24 is an excellent choice.

In this article, well discuss the history, design and specifications, performance, cost and maintenance, racing and cruising opportunities, current popularity and impact, and advantages of the J24 sailboat.

So, if youre looking for a reliable, capable, and fun sailboat, read on to find out if the J24 is right for you!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

A J/24 sailboat is a popular one-design keelboat class designed by Rod Johnstone.

It is a 24 foot long keelboat with a deep cockpit and a large sailplan.

This boat is designed to be easily handled by a small crew and is popular for sailing in both inshore and offshore conditions.

It is popular for racing and club sailing, with fleets found all over the world.

History of the J24 Sailboat

The J/24 sailboat is a 24-foot-long, 8-foot-wide sailboat designed by Rod Johnstone in 1979.

The boat was designed to be a performance-oriented one-design racer, and it quickly became one of the most popular sailboats ever produced.

To date, over 5,800 boats have been built since its introduction, and it continues to be in high demand today.

The J/24 was designed with an emphasis on speed and responsiveness, and it is a great choice for both novice and experienced sailors.

It is a relatively affordable boat, and its easy maintenance makes it an ideal choice for those who want to spend their time sailing rather than on repairs.

The J/24 sailboat is ideal for regatta racing, but it is also a great choice for casual cruising around the lake or bay.

Its design allows it to handle a wide range of conditions, from light winds to strong gusts.

It is also a great choice for those looking to get involved in competitive sailing, as the boat has been used in a number of major international regattas.

The J/24’s popularity has led to the formation of the International J/24 Class Association, which regulates the boat’s performance and specifications.

The association also organizes events and regattas to promote the J/24 and ensure fair competition.

The J/24’s popularity continues to grow today, and it remains one of the most popular sailboats ever produced.

Its combination of performance, affordability, and ease of maintenance make it a great choice for anyone looking to get involved in sailing.

Design and Specifications

The J/24 sailboat is an iconic one-design racing boat that was designed by Rod Johnstone in 1979.

It is 24-feet long and 8-feet wide, making it the ideal size for racing and cruising.

It has a simple yet sophisticated design that enables it to be fast and responsive on the water, while also being easy to maintain.

The boat has a displacement of 4,200 lbs and a sail area of 248 square feet.

The hull is made from fiberglass and is designed with a wide beam and a moderate draft, making it maneuverable and stable in a variety of conditions.

The boat is also equipped with all the necessary gear to race, including a spinnaker, a jib, and a mainsail.

The boat is designed to be sailed as a single-hander or a crew of up to five people.

The J/24 is a great boat for both racing and cruising.

It is a popular choice for regattas around the world, and its low cost and easy maintenance make it a great choice for novice and experienced sailors alike.

The boat is also equipped with a variety of modern features, such as jib tracks, adjustable backstays, and adjustable shrouds, allowing sailors to tweak the boats performance for different conditions.

The boat has also been designed to be easily modified for comfort and convenience, making it a great choice for weekend sailors.

Performance

When it comes to sailing, performance is key.

The J/24 sailboat is designed to provide an exciting and thrilling sailing experience for both novice and experienced sailors alike.

The boat has a sleek and modern design, and is designed for speed and agility.

Its 24-foot length and 8-foot width make it a great size for racing or cruising, and its relatively low cost and easy maintenance make it a great choice for any sailor.

The boat is equipped with a balanced spade rudder and a deep keel, which helps it to maneuver quickly and accurately.

Its light weight and low drag coefficient mean that it can reach speeds of up to 10 knots, and its ability to tack quickly and easily make it a great choice for competitive racing.

Its generous sail area also helps to provide the power to push it through the water with ease.

The J/24 has been raced since its introduction in 1979, and has become one of the most popular sailboats ever produced, with over 5,800 boats built since then.

It is a great choice for novice and experienced sailors alike, and its popularity continues to grow today.

If youre looking for a fast, responsive boat that is easy to maintain and relatively low cost, the J/24 is the perfect boat for you.

Cost and Maintenance

The J/24 sailboat is an affordable and accessible boat for sailors of all skill levels.

It is designed with a lightweight, yet durable construction, making it a cost-effective choice for people looking to buy or build their own sailboat.

Its parts are readily available at marine stores, and the boat itself can be purchased for around $25,000, depending on the model.

Maintenance on the J/24 is relatively simple and straightforward.

The boats hull is made of fiberglass, and the rigging is composed of stainless steel, bronze, and aluminum components.

The boat requires periodic cleaning and waxing to keep it looking its best, and it should be inspected regularly for any signs of wear and tear.

Additionally, the boats sails should be inspected and replaced if necessary.

The J/24 sailboat is an ideal choice for novice and experienced sailors alike.

Its low cost and easy maintenance make it an attractive option for those looking to invest in a boat.

Its lightweight construction and responsive sailing characteristics make it a great boat for racing or recreational sailing.

With its popularity continuing to grow, the J/24 is sure to be a staple of the sailing community for many years to come.

Racing and Cruising Opportunities

The J/24 is an incredibly versatile sailboat, offering both racing and cruising opportunities for sailors of all skill levels.

With its responsive design, the J/24 is an excellent choice for racing in regattas.

It is a fast and agile boat that is both easy to maneuver and forgiving for novice sailors.

The J/24 is also an ideal choice for cruising around the lake, as its relatively low cost and easy maintenance make it accessible to a wide range of sailors.

The J/24 is a popular choice for both novice and experienced sailors alike.

Its design and performance characteristics make it a great choice for both racing and cruising.

The J/24 is a one-design racer, meaning that all boats of the same class must be built to the same specifications, making them more equal in performance.

This allows for more competitive racing and makes the J/24 a great choice for sailors of all skill levels.

The J/24 is also a great choice for cruising around the lake.

Its relatively low cost and easy maintenance make it accessible to a wide range of sailors.

The boat is also easy to handle and forgiving for novice sailors.

The boat is also large enough to accommodate up to eight people, making it great for family days out on the lake.

The J/24 is a popular boat for both racing and cruising, and its popularity continues to grow today.

Its accessible price point and easy handling make it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced sailors alike.

The boat is also incredibly versatile, offering both racing and cruising opportunities for sailors of all skill levels.

Popularity and Impact Today

The J/24 sailboat has become an iconic boat over the past 40 years and continues to be incredibly popular, both as a racing boat and for recreational sailing.

With over 5,800 boats produced since its introduction, it is the most successful one-design keelboat ever built.

To this day, the J/24 remains a favorite among sailors of all experience levels, from seasoned racers to weekend sailors.

The J/24’s popularity has also had a major impact on the world of sailing.

The introduction of the J/24 in 1979 sparked a revolution in sailboat design, inspiring other manufacturers to create similar performance-oriented boats.

The J/24 was the first one-design keelboat to feature a spinnaker, leading to the widespread adoption of the sail by other boat classes.

The J/24 is also used in a variety of sailing events, including the highly competitive J/24 World Championship.

The J/24 World Championship is held annually and brings together the best J/24 sailors from around the world.

It is one of the most prestigious and competitive one-design sailing events in the world, and the winner of the event is often seen as the “best of the best” in the J/24 class.

The J/24 is also popular in the cruising community, with many sailors enjoying the boat for weekend trips or longer sailing adventures.

With its relatively low cost and easy maintenance, the J/24 is an ideal choice for novice and experienced sailors alike.

The boat is also popular among youth sailing programs, as it is a great platform for teaching basic sailing skills in a safe and fun environment.

In short, the J/24 sailboat has become a timeless classic and continues to be one of the most popular sailboats in the world.

With its performance-oriented design and ease of maintenance, the J/24 is an ideal choice for both racing and leisure sailing.

Its iconic status and continued popularity are a testament to its quality and enduring appeal.

Advantages of the J24 Sailboat

The J24 sailboat is a great choice for those looking to get into sailing as it offers a range of advantages for novice and experienced sailors alike.

The design of the J24 is both performance-oriented and easy to maintain, making it an ideal boat for sailors of all levels.

It is also relatively inexpensive, meaning that it is a cost-effective way to get out on the water.

The J24 is a fast and responsive boat, making it ideal for competitive racing in regattas, as well as leisurely cruising around the lake.

Its 24-foot length and 8-foot width make it the perfect size for a day trip, and its lightweight construction means it is easy to trailer and launch.

Additionally, the boat is equipped with a retractable bow sprit and large genoa sail, allowing it to sail upwind with ease.

The J24 also features a self-bailing cockpit, which helps to keep the boat dry during inclement weather.

The boat is also equipped with a large storage space, which makes it easy to store extra supplies and gear.

Finally, the boats light weight and simple design make it easy to maintain, meaning that it is a great choice for those looking for a low-maintenance boat.

All in all, the J24 sailboat is a great choice for those looking to get into sailing.

Its performance-oriented design, ease of maintenance, and low cost make it an ideal boat for novice and experienced sailors alike.

The boat is fast and responsive, and its large storage capacity and self-bailing cockpit make it perfect for day trips.

Whether youre looking to race in regattas or just cruise around the lake, the J24 is a great choice.

Final Thoughts

The J/24 sailboat is a great choice for novice and experienced sailors alike, offering an exciting blend of performance, cost, and maintenance.

With its incredible popularity and success, it’s no wonder the J/24 remains one of the most popular sailboats ever produced.

Whether you’re interested in racing in regattas or just cruising around the lake, the J/24 is an ideal choice.

So, why not take the plunge and discover the joys of sailing with the J/24?

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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The J/24 class is known for its versatility, adaptability as well as its welcome embrace to sailors of all backgrounds. Quantum's experience with the class means that you're getting the best, longest lasting sails to elevate your performance. Our sails have brought some sailors to the highest professional level, and brought others bragging rights for their successes at local club races. With a full set of Quantum sails, you'll be able to point higher and go faster. Made with premium quality materials, these sails are almost bullet-proof; they'll last through those blowout regattas, as well as maintain a great shape in lighter air. In addition to fast, premium quality, lasting sails, we've got a group of experts who are willing and able to guide you in unlocking the peak performance of your J/24. We're here with support, webinars, tuning guides and dock talks to help you get the most out of your boat. Every sailor has a different sailing style and crew weight; Quantum's tuning guide and class experts will help you find the right rig settings and sail combinations for every challenge. Working with Quantum's sailmakers, you’ll be able to achieve your optimal performance in every condition.

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J/24 Mainsails

J/24 Mainsail TM-1

Durable and easy to set up, Quantum's Cross-Cut TM-1 Mainsail is up to the challenge. Unmatched on the local and world championship stages, this sail has been described as fast, controllable and powerful. Proven to out pace and out point the competition, if you are looking to elevate yourself and your crew this season, this is your sail. Constructed with the highest quality Dacron, this is the fastest, smoothest sail on the market. INCLUDES: Inked sail numbers, draft stripes, tube bag and J/24 class royalty.

J/24 Headsails

J/24 Tri-Radial S.F. Class Jib

Built for the month of August in San Francisco, the J/24 Tri-Radial S.F. Jib can handle any velocity and sea state. This is our most popular heavy air jib for the J/24. Known for its controllable power and rugged durability, this is the sail of choice for the top J/24 teams. Having two world championships under its belt, there's a reason why J/24 teams choose Quantum. The S.F. Jib delivers reliable shape and an extra level of control in breezy conditions. The Tri-Radial Dacron sail minimizes drag and guarantees top-notch boat speed to get through those rough waves. INCLUDES: draft stripes, tube bag and J/24 class royalty.

J/24 Genoa MaxQ-2

The new MAXQ-2 sail is the ticket to speed, durability, minimum weight, and maximum performance. It's a versatile sail that can handle up-range wind speeds and has power in the downrange chop. The Quantum team developed the sail using an all-new cloth and with a design that focused on entry, optimized groove, and overall shape, resulting in a sail that excels across the wind range in all conditions. Maintaining the faster shape in light breeze, and, with a few adjustments, a flatter, controllable shape in medium-to-heavy air sailing proved successful in its debut, winning the 2022 J/24 North American Championship. INCLUDES: Draft stripes, telltales, sail numbers, tube bag, and the J/24 Class Royalty.

J/24 Spinnakers

J/24 Full Radial Spinnaker

Snappy to trim, fast and well-rounded. This legendary Spinnaker is built with premium nylon for light, easy trimming while maintaining shape. Built with Superkote 75 for maximum speed and minimum weight, this is a sail built to excel in a range of conditions. Tested by world champions, this sail will have you at the next mark in record time. This spinnaker is well balanced, easy to trim and easy to drive behind. Not to mention, it comes in a variety of colors to add another level of cohesion and allure to your boat. INCLUDES: class royalty.

J/24 Accessories

J/24 Extra Batten Set

The standard lengths and tapers that come with the Quantum mainsail. 

This product may be ordered through your local rep or a class expert.

Choose a Team Member

Scott Nixon

• P: 410-268-1161 x205
• E: [email protected]

Scott Nixon has been involved with racing his whole life. An All-American sailor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Scott later coached many students to the All-American ranks at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. He has a wide range of racing experiences, including dinghies, One Design keelboats, inshore big boats, and offshore distance racing. Scott joined Quantum Sails in 2000, and his experiences bring a unique skill-set to Quantum’s programs. Focusing primarily on One Design classes, he is directly involved in testing, design, and development of Quantum’s One Design sail programs, working directly with the design team to make sure Quantum® sails are at the front of the fleet. Scott has sailed with Quantum customers to win championships at the world, Gold Cup, European, North American, and national levels. His hands-on approach includes active campaigns and racing in the following classes for Quantum: J/22, J/24, J/70, J/80, J/109, J/111, C&C 30, Farr 30, Farr 40, NYYC 42, Swan 45, Melges 20, Melges 24, and Melges 32.

• Nationality: USA
• Position: Global Offshore One Design Director
• Current Town: Annapolis

Career highlights

Alejandro Irigoyen

• P: +54 911 5421 9803
• E: [email protected]

Alejandro Irigoyen started sailing when he was 12 years old. His father was a keen sailboat racer at the Yacht Club Argentino, and Alejandro spent his weekends racing and living aboard the family’s wooden S&S Finisterre. By the time he graduated high school, Alejandro knew he wanted to dedicate his life to sailing, so he started studying yacht design. He started his sailmaking career in 1982 working for Hood, before starting his own Sobstad loft. In 2001, Alejandro joined the Quantum Sails family. “It was a natural decision,” he said. “I shared the same view and goals as the founding group.” Though he’s sailed in various classes, Alejandro’s expertise includes Optimist, Cadet, 470, Snipe, J/24, J/70, J/105, Soto 33, and Soto 44 classes. Whether he’s sharing his class knowledge and experience, or helping customers organize their campaigns and training, Alejandro’s passion for excellence provides the best service, products, and support for his customers.

• Nationality: Argentina
• Current Town:
• 15-time National Champion in Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Peru
• 6-time South American Champion in Cadet, 470, J/24, and Soto 40 as helm/skipper
• Coached 470 Olympic bronze medalist teams in 2000 & 2012
• Coached Soto 40 Team Negra in 2010 & 2013
• Has successfully raced as helm/trimmer/tactician on board various One Design and offshore boats at regattas in more than 30 countries around the world

Kris Werner

• P: 585-342-5200
• E: [email protected]

Kris Werner grew up in Queens, NY, and spent his childhood on the water, sailing and fishing. He is a graduate of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler, where he earned an unlimited tonnage/oceans USCG license and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Transportation and Business. After four years of collegiate varsity and offshore sailing, Kris served as a collegiate sailing coach and waterfront director. His career took him all over the world as a ship's officer on ocean-going tankers. In 2004, Kris came to Rochester to earn his way to Chief Officer on the Rochester Fast Ferry. He then worked as a Broker with RCR Yachts and began collaborating with Steve Haarstick on sail designs for various boats, including J/70s, J/24s, and other offshore vessels. For three years, he worked at Haarstick Sailmakers before transitioning to becoming the owner of the loft which is now Quantum Sails Rochester. Kris has extensive experience in offshore and one-design racing campaigns, both as a helmsman and a crew member. In addition to being a familiar face on the racing circuit, Kris enjoys spending time cruising with his wife and three boys.

• Position: Great Lakes Regional Manager
• Current Town: Rochester
• 2023 - J/22 North American Championship, 2nd Place
• 2022 - J/22 World Championship, 2nd Place
• 2022 - J/70 North Americans, 3rd Place
• 2022 - J/70 Midwinters, 4th Place
• 2018 - Verve Cup/J-88 North American Championship- 1st Place
• 2018 - CanAm Challenge- J-88 Great Lakes Championship 1st Place
• 2018 - Charleston Race Week- J-88 1st Place
• 2018 - J/24 Midwinters 3rd Place
• 2017 - Charleston Race Week – J/88 1st Place
• 2017 - J/88 North American Championship 1st Place
• 2017 - J/22 Midwinters - 2nd Place
• 2017 - Quantum Key West- J/88-1st Place - Tactics/Mainsail
• 2016 - J/24 Great Lakes Championship- 1st - Helm
• 2016 - CanAm Regatta- J-88 Class- 1st Place - Tactician/Mainsail
• 2016 - J/22 World Championship- 4th place - Tactics/Bow
• 2014 & 2015- J-70 Winter Series- 5th Overall- 45boats-helm
• 2013 - Charleston Race Week One Design Overall Champion- J/24-helm
• 2012 - Newport-Bermuda - 2nd Place - Swan 42-helmsman
• 2012 - Argo Gold Cup Match Race World Tour event- Bow
• 2011 - IRC North American Champion-helm
• 2009 - Lake Ontario / LYRA Boat of the Year- Beneteau 40.7-helm/tactics
• 2009 - Lake Ontario 300 - 1st Place-skipper
• 2006-8 - Meter North American Champion-tactics/mainsail
• 2005 - J/24 Great Lakes Champion-helm
• 1998 - 2001 Coached NY Maritime College Sailing team to National Ranking
• 1998 - Empire State Games- Gold Medal- Laser

Carter White

• P: 207-747-4389
• E: [email protected]

Carter White began sailing before he could walk, going on trips in the family's Lightning and then their J/24. He has experienced the beauty of the Gulf of Maine in a variety of cruising and racing boats. Having sailed and raced on multiple continents and at hundreds of locations, Carter considers the Maine coast of one the best places in the world to sail. An accomplished junior sailor, Carter competed on the national level in multiple National Championships including the U.S. Sailing Bemis and Sears competitions. He then took a chance on an upstart college program at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he majored in Economics and joined an aggressive, young, and new sailing team. He helped build the program into a national contender almost immediately; by his senior year, the program was ranked number one in the country. Carter was named All American for outstanding performance in inter-collegiate sailing competition. After college, Carter worked for a local sailmaker in Maine where he learned to design, build, and repair sails; install marine rigging; and manage a small business. He enjoyed helping the company grow into the leading local source for sails, canvas, and rigging. During this time, Carter sailed with many customers, helping them win major championships such as the PHRF New England Championships and Key West Race Week. Carter ultimately started his own business, managing sailing regattas and providing custom apparel and marketing products to marine businesses and events. Originally started in 2007 as Regatta Promotions, Carter set out to help yacht clubs and sailing organizations run better regattas. The business is still going strong today. Having successfully accomplished his mission, Carter and his wife, Molly, are now offering their years of product knowledge and expertise through You Regatta. You Regatta is located in the same facility as Quantum Sails Downeast in Falmouth, Maine. One-design sailing is where Carter has showcased his sailing talents, winning three U.S. National Championships in three different one-designs. He won the prestigious U.S. Sailing Mallory Cup in 2017, skippering a J/70 at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club as a representative of the Portland Yacht Club and SailMaine. He has skippered his J/24 You Regatta to many top finishes including fifth at the 2017 J/24 Worlds and second at the 2019 J/24 Midwinter Championships. Carter has won events sailing a variety of boats, including Swan 42, J/24, Lightning, Hinckley 51 SW, Custom 27’, Frers 36 & 41, Farr 30, Beneteau 36.7, J/80, J/70, 420, J/105, Etchells, Laser, Vanguard 15, and S2 9.1 While Carter has been working with Quantum, he has enjoyed the opportunities and rewards to reconnect with past clients in new ways that continue his true passion of helping sailors get more out of their boats, whether on the race course, gunkholing down the coast, or making a long ocean passage.

• Position: Portland Loft manager/Sail Consultant
• Home town: Cumberland, Maine
• Current Town: Portland, Maine
• 4-time Maine High School State Champion (1990-1994)
• All American for Hobart & William Smith Colleges (1998)
• Key West Race Week (2001), 1st place, Tactician and Starting Helmsman
• Swan 42 U.S. Nationals (2011), 1st place, Mainsail Trimmer
• Block Island Race Week (2011), 1st place, Swan 42 Division, Mainsail Trimmer
• Swan 42 U.S. Nationals (2012), 1st place, Mainsail Trimmer
• Charleston Race Week (2014), 3rd place, 80 boat J/70 class, Tactician
• J/24 U.S. National Championship (2016), 2nd place, Skipper
• U.S. Sailing Adult Championships Mallory Cup (2017), 1st place, J/70, Helmsman
• J/24 World Championships (2017), 4th place tie, Helmsman
• J/24 Class Association Website
• ISAF Website
• J/24 Tacking Video
• J/24 Quick Tune Chart

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Us, too. We pour that passion into each of our newsletters to help you enjoy sailing even more.