Jaguar 24 Summary

(The following summary is based on a 1991 test by D. Greenwell that appeared in PBO No.295, adapted by L. Milton).

Introduction

The Tony Castro designed 24 followed the Mullins designed 23, as, perhaps, something to compete with the Horizon 23; a small cruiser, with arguably, no concessions to racing, suitable for a young family & yet sailing well. As such, the Castro design succeeds very well. There has been some discussion of late, on the website, as to whether the 24 IS a Tony Castro design.

However all the publicity of the time attributes the design to Tony Castro.

Construction/accommodation

Whilst construction followed the norm for the time (isopthalic), down below Jaguar have created a feeling of space by designing open plan accommodation devoid of any structural bulkheads. Headroom under the main hatch is a creditable 5’ 9 1/2", diminishing to 5’ 7" in the forward part of the saloon. Descending the removable companion way steps, to port is the heads compartment, with thwartships mounted loo. Forward of this is an L shaped seating arrangement, which also forms a berth extension for the forward twin berths. The cabin table can be raised to the coachroof or lowered to form another berth. A neatly arranged galley is found along the starboard side.

Abaft the galley, & below the cockpit (except to port, which houses a locker) is the open plan double berth/stowage area, access to which is eased by removing the companionway steps. The cockpit has well angled coamings, & sail handling is done from here as lines are led aft. There is a centrally mounted outboard well.

Sails, engine, handling

She has an easily handled fractional rig with self tacking main(roller furling), & a favourite of mine, a removable main sheet traveller. She has considerable "form stability", despite a ballast ratio of only 34%.

The engine is an outboard of up to 10hp; 6-8 being more common. The fractional rig allows a good sailing performance, although a ‘chute would be required for offwind work because of the small foresail.

These boats have a reputation for good easy handling & performance.