# J/24 > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/J/24 > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/J/24.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%2F24 > Source revision: 1356172245 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) The **J/24** is a [one-design](/source/One-design) racing [keelboat](/source/Keelboat) and the first [J/Boats](/source/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](/source/World_Sailing) and supports active competitive fleets and championships worldwide, including the [J/24 World Championship](/source/J/24_World_Championship). 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](/source/International_Offshore_Rule), the boat was designed to compete under a variety of handicaps, including the [MORC](/source/MORC).[2] It was immediately successful in racing. Rodney partnered with his brother Bob (then a marketing vice-president at [AMF](/source/American_Machine_and_Foundry)) 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](/source/Fiberglass) with an end-grain [balsa](/source/Ochroma) core,[5] and a [vinylester](/source/Vinyl_ester_resin) outer skin.[4] ## Design ### Rig The rig is [fractional](/source/Fractional_rig) with a [backstay](/source/Backstay) adjuster. The lower shrouds attach aft of the keel-stepped mast and are adjusted along with the backstay.[3] [Running rigging](/source/Running_rigging) includes a mainsheet traveller, [outhaul](/source/Outhaul), [vang](/source/Vang_(spritsail)), cunningham, [reefing](/source/Reefing) lines, and [topping lift](/source/Topping_lift).[6] It may be equipped with a [spinnaker](/source/Spinnaker).[7] Tracks are provided for both the [genoa](/source/Genoa_(sail)) and [jib](/source/Jib) sheets.[8] ### Hull The [rudder](/source/Rudder) is hung on the plumb [transom](/source/Transom_(nautical)), and controlled by a [tiller](/source/Tiller). It is equipped with a fixed [outboard](/source/Outboard_motor) 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](/source/Hull_speed) of 6.0 kn (11.1 km/h).[9] The fixed fin [keel](/source/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](/source/%22V%22-berth) provide berths for four. There is a sink but no fixed head. A portable [icebox](/source/Icebox) doubles as the companionway step. ### Class authority The international authority for the class is [World Sailing](/source/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] ## References 1. J/Boats. ["Older J/Boats sailboat models no longer in production."](https://jboats.com/boats/classic-j-models). *J Boats*. Retrieved 2025-10-18. 1. ["J/24"](https://sailingmagazine.net/article-permalink-1786.html). *sailingmagazine.net*. Retrieved 2025-10-18. 1. Nicholson, Darrell (2000-06-14). ["J/24"](https://www.practical-sailor.com/sailboat-reviews/j-24). *Practical Sailor*. Retrieved 2025-10-18. 1. ["J/Boats J/24: Oldie But Goodie - boats.com"](https://www.boats.com/reviews/oldie-but-goodie/). *www.boats.com*. Retrieved 2025-10-18. 1. ["J/24"](https://sailingmagazine.net/article-permalink-1666.html). *sailingmagazine.net*. Retrieved 2025-10-18. 1. ["Class Rules Intrernational J/24 Class"](https://www.j24class.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/J24-Class-Rules-2022.pdf). J/24 International Class Association. Retrieved 18 October 2025. 1. J/Boats. ["J/24 Technical Specifications"](https://jboats.com/j24-tech-specs). *J Boats*. Retrieved 2025-10-19. 1. ["J/24 TUNING GUIDE"](https://www.northsails.com/en-ca/blogs/north-sails-blog/j24-tuning-guide-newport). *North Sails*. Retrieved 2025-10-20. 1. Henkel, Steve: *The Sailor's Book of Small Cruising Sailboats*, page 294. [International Marine](/source/International_Marine)/[McGraw-Hill](/source/McGraw-Hill), 2010. ISBN 978-0-07-163652-0 1. ["International J/24 Class Association Constitution"](https://www.j24class.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/2020-IJCA-Constitution.pdf). *j24class.org*. 2020-10-20. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240713072326/http://www.j24class.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/2020-IJCA-Constitution.pdf) 2024-07-13 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-10-18. 1. ["US Fleets"](https://web.archive.org/web/20091205001303/http://www.j24class.org/usa/org/distusa.htm). J/24 USA Class Association. Archived from [the original](http://www.j24class.org/usa/org/distusa.htm) on 2009-12-05. ## External links - [Official website](https://www.jboats.com/j24-one-design-sailboat) --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [J/24](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%2F24) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%2F24?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.