Speaking of J/24s, here's an amusing pitch from the Australian J/24 Class, titled "A Strange Paradox". As Australian J/24 class leader Simon Paine describes it, "In a world that is constantly changing and becoming more expensive, one keelboat class offers you the opportunity to cruise and race for under $20,000 AUD (note- they're even cheaper in America). A class that offers fleets all over Australia and an international fleet of over 5,500 boats. You guessed it – the J24. And it’s making a big come back as people realize the unique potential of this little boat. 24 ft with a main, jib, genoa and kite, five crew, 4 bunks and an icebox. 24 ft of competitive excitement. And they are everywhere and compared to Etchells, Sportsboats and other similar sized keel boats – they’re as cheap as hell!Some call it old – it is, same age as the Etchells.
Some call it slow – it isn’t, Div 3 of this years Spinnaker Cruising (Racing class) at Geelong Audi Week (the biggest class available), 56 boats and J/24s gained 3 First places and a Second over the line in the 4 races held, even though it was the smallest boat in the fleet (beating boats 12ft longer over the line). It isn’t a sports boat speedboat, but it is a one design that doesn’t get out designed and out dated.
Some do call it outdated – it isn’t in fact, in a handicap or measurement class it rates so well they hate us entering – we tend to win. We still put 90 odd boats on the start line at most world champs.
So what other one design keelboat is there for under $20,000 AUD with all these benefits you can get into and race competitively (or cruise), in a fleet around Australia?
You’re right – there isn’t another one.
Some people call it all sorts of names--- but, we simply call it the J/24!
We’re putting "stars" into--- reasonably priced--- boats!"
Take a look at how they're promoting J/24 fun and "class" in Australia. Good on ya mates! http://j24australia.com.au/