Show 24 Information, Review, Specs

Production of the Barberis Show 24 commenced in 1982, emerging from the innovative design philosophy of Fontana-Maletto-Schiavone. The design itself was a successful evolution of their "Gullisara" project, a lineage that underscored its racing pedigree. As a Mini Tonner, the Show 24 was conceived under the International Offshore Rule (IOR), a rating system that fostered the development of small, competitive yachts. Mini Tonner designs often featured relatively short or even lifting keels, making them easier to trailer and reducing overall ownership costs.

During this era, Cantieri Barberis, based in La Spezia, Italy, was at the zenith of its influence, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. The shipyard was instrumental in exporting Italian naval artistry, embracing fiberglass construction to produce elegant, performance-oriented yachts with high standards of design and finish. This commitment to quality and performance made the Barberis name synonymous with a golden age of Italian sailboat building.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Barberis Show 24 is characterized by a fin keel and a spade rudder, a configuration typical of performance-oriented designs, ensuring responsive handling. Its sailing performance ratios underscore its lively nature:

• With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 25.0, the Show 24 is well-powered, suggesting excellent performance in lighter winds and the ability to accelerate quickly.
• A Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 40.0% indicates a decent level of stiffness, allowing the boat to carry sail effectively and stand up to a breeze without excessive heel, contributing to a stable motion.
• The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of roughly 120.4 places the Show 24 firmly in the category of lighter, more performance-oriented vessels for its size, indicating a nimble and agile boat.

Overall, the combination of these characteristics, coupled with its fractional sloop rig, positions the Show 24 as a boat that offers an engaging sailing experience, adept at both competitive racing and lively coastal cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact length overall of just over 23 feet, the interior accommodations of the Barberis Show 24 are functional and geared towards essential comfort. Specific detailed layouts and interior photos for the Show 24 are not readily available in general records, and information is limited. However, like many boats of its class and era, it typically features a basic layout designed to maximize the available space for overnighting or short trips. Some examples of Show 24s listed for sale indicate that their interiors may have been left "to be finished" or had "new internal woods," suggesting that some boats might have varied finishes or modifications by owners. Potential buyers are advised to conduct thorough inspections to ascertain the specific interior arrangement and condition of any individual Show 24.