Laguna 24 ST Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Laguna 24 ST commenced production in 1984 under the Laguna Yachts brand. Laguna Yachts, founded by Bill Downing in 1973, focused on fiberglass sailboats that prioritized functionality and ease of use over high-performance racing aspirations. The company's tenure saw a succession of designs, many of which were the work of W. Shad Turner. Turner's design ethos, evident across the Laguna and earlier Windrose lines, emphasized stability and straightforward handling, aiming to appeal to a wide range of sailors.

The 24 ST's immediate predecessor, the Laguna 24S, was first built in 1980, with Turner also at its helm. The core design of the 24-foot hull remained consistent, but the "ST" variant adopted a taller masthead rig, a notable modification that allowed for a larger total sail area of approximately 250 square feet. Laguna Yachts' production under its original name concluded around 1986, suggesting a relatively short run for the 24 ST, though many of these designs later continued under the "Classic" brand by Classic Yachts Inc..

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just under 24 feet and a waterline length of 20 feet, the Laguna 24 ST is designed to offer nimble performance in a compact package. Its displacement of 2,800 pounds and 1,100 pounds of ballast, combined with a fin keel and transom-hung rudder, contribute to a stable and predictable sailing experience. The taller masthead rig provides a generous sail plan, suggesting good performance in lighter winds, while the ballast ratio contributes to its ability to stand up to a breeze. W. Shad Turner's designs, including those for the Laguna line, were generally known for their stability and ease of handling, characteristics likely inherited by the 24 ST. Its shallow maximum draft of 2.92 feet also makes it suitable for exploring shallower anchorages and coastal waters.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout and finishes of the Laguna 24 ST is limited in readily available documentation. However, given its design as a compact cruiser and its length, the interior would typically feature a functional, open-plan arrangement common to sailboats of this size from the 1980s. Such a layout would generally include a forward V-berth for sleeping, a small salon area with bench seating, and likely a basic galley area with provisions for cooking and storage. Headroom, while not explicitly documented for the 24 ST, would be characteristic of a vessel of its era and dimensions, offering comfortable, if not standing, space in key areas for its primary purpose as a weekender or coastal cruiser.