This J/24 Tuning Guide was written to help you get the best performance
from your boat. It represents years of sailing successes in the class as well as
computer analysis of the sail plan. The measurements and settings included
in this tuning guide are the fastest for your J/24 with UK Sailmakers sails.
Since crew, wind and sailing conditions vary, you may find different settings
that are best for you; however, by following these instructions you can be
confident that you are well set up to win the next regatta.
Always remember that besides having a prepared boat, nothing replaces
time on the water.
PREPARATION
Hull:
The hull of a J/24
requires little attention
once it is faired. You
are not going as fast as
the boat’s capability if
you don’t have a faired
bottom. Wet sand the
bottom with 400 grit
sand paper, 600 grit for
the keel and then clean
it with soap before each
regatta. If you moor
your boat you’ll need a
different bottom finish.
Keel:
One of the most
critical factors in speed
gains is keel shape.
Move the keel as far
forwards as the rules
allow and fair to mini-
mum thickness. A well
faired keel will provide
more lift, better pointing
upwind and less drag off
the wind.
Rudder:
Keep it clean
as possible. Repair all
damage immediately,
especially on the trailing
edge.
Rig:
There are several things to do before step-
ping the mast.
•
Remove the spare genoa halyard
•
Remove the running light and wiring. Cover
the holes with sail number martial or Teflon
tape.
•
Cut mast butt off to the class minimum
length. (Ask your class measurer.)
•
Install a small size Windex wind indicator on
the back of the masthead crane.
•
Exit the genoa halyard to the lowest slot on
the starboard side of the mast. Mount two
Harken Camcleats (one below the other)
just below the cutout. Pass the halyard to
a small ratchet block on the deck. Exit the
main halyard to the lowest slot on the port
side.
•
Exit the spinnaker halyard eight feet above
deck level and mount a camcleat just below
the cutout.
•
Exit the topping lift to the upper slot on the
port side.
•
Take off both ends of the boom and replace the outhaul system using a 6:1
Harken block system with 3/16” pre-stretch line.
•
Before stepping the mast, clean it and give it two coats of silicone based
marine wax.
UK SAILMAKERS J/24 TUNING GUIDE
INSIDE THIS GUIDE
Preparation
1
Weight 2
Tuning the Rig
2
Fine-tuning the Rig
3
Shroud Tension Chart
3
Sail Trim
4
Deck Layout
5
Go Fast Tips
5
