R.N.S.A. Twenty-Four Information, Review, Specs

The R.N.S.A. Twenty-Four emerged from the drawing board of Captain J.H. Illingworth, a prominent name in post-war yachting, with production commencing in 1947. Illingworth collaborated with renowned naval architect Laurent Giles on the RNSA 24 class. The design's genesis lay in the desire to create a standardized offshore racing and cruising yacht, a concept relatively novel at the time. Illingworth's vision for this "offshore one-design" was successfully demonstrated by his own boat, Minx of Malham, which proved its mettle in its inaugural season by winning the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) small-class championships in 1949. The builder, Camper & Nicholsons, during this period maintained its centuries-old commitment to design and build excellence, a philosophy that underpinned the construction of these sturdy wooden vessels. The R.N.S.A. Twenty-Four's success extended beyond British shores, with examples also being built in Hong Kong and Australia, attesting to the design's international appeal and versatility.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 32.0 feet and a waterline length of 24.0 feet, the R.N.S.A. Twenty-Four is characterized by a traditional, heavy-displacement hull form. This is reflected in its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 311.63, indicating a substantial vessel for its length, akin to a traditional cruiser rather than a light-displacement racer. This weight contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, often favored for offshore work.

The calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 13.93 suggests that the R.N.S.A. Twenty-Four possesses modest sail-carrying power. While not designed for blistering light-air speed, this ratio implies a boat that handles well in moderate to strong winds without becoming easily overpowered. Its fractional sloop rig, featuring a main sail area of 209.72 sq ft and a foretriangle area of 184.8 sq ft for a total reported sail area of 395.0 sq ft, is designed for ease of handling and good balance. The long keel type and transom-hung rudder contribute to excellent directional stability, particularly beneficial on longer passages, though they may result in a larger turning circle compared to more modern fin-keel designs. Yachtdatabase.com suggests it is best suited as a bluewater cruising boat. With a hull speed of 6.56 knots, she is capable of respectable cruising speeds for her dimensions.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout of the R.N.S.A. Twenty-Four is limited in publicly available resources. Given its design as an offshore one-design from the late 1940s, it would typically feature a functional, rather than luxurious, interior layout designed to provide basic cruising comforts for its crew. Owners would generally expect a V-berth or similar forward sleeping arrangement, a small galley area, and potentially a compact head compartment. The use of wood for both hull and deck material would likely mean a classic interior finish, emphasizing robust construction over expansive living space. Storage would be practical, and ventilation would rely on traditional deck hatches and portlights. The absence of specific headroom measurements suggests it would be adequate for a boat of its era, likely offering standing room in at least part of the main cabin for those of average height.