J24-footer makes storming comeback

Coming hot on the heels of last week’s staging of a modern classic sailing trophy at Kinsale, another 40-year old design is experiencing renewal and re-growth in Ireland after a successful national championship in Sligo.

The venerable J24-footer, still the world’s best-selling one-design keelboat is proving itself once again as a very popular entry-level competition racing boat.

In excess of 5,000 boats were built and while brand-new boats are a rarity, it is the supply of second-hand J24s that has provided an affordable route into the sport for more and more people.