The Zonda Z24 DS emerges as a fresh contender in the day-sailer segment, offering a compelling blend of elegant design, sporty performance, and the foundational comfort expected from a modern yacht. Introduced in 2023 by the Argentine builder Zonda Yachts, this 23.79-foot monohull is specifically designed to enhance the builder's popular Day Sailer line, appealing to those who seek a responsive sailing experience without sacrificing ease of handling and aesthetic appeal. Designed by Pablo Mastracchio, the Z24 DS has quickly garnered attention, notably being recognized as Sailing World Magazine's "Best Recreational Racer" in 2024, highlighting its potential for fast cruising and quick reactions on the water.
Z24 DS Information, Review, Specs
- Make
- Model
- Number Built
- Production Year(s)
- 2023 - ??
History and Design
The Zonda Z24 DS represents the latest evolution from Zonda Yachts, a company that transitioned from Astilleros del Sur in 2023, building upon a legacy established in 1998. Launched in the same year as the company's rebranding, the Z24 DS embodies Zonda Yachts' core design philosophy which prioritizes "simplicity, comfort, and enjoyment," aiming to deliver a new sailing experience focused on freedom.
Under the direction of designer Pablo Mastracchio, the Z24 DS showcases the builder's commitment to "avant-garde designs" with elegant and sporty lines that achieve a balance between aesthetics and performance., 2] The Z24 DS is conceived as a vessel that skillfully combines the best aspects of cruising with a keen sense of performance, directly building on Zonda's extensive experience in crafting day-sailer type boats. The hull is constructed from solid fiberglass, complemented by a solid fiberglass deck. A notable feature is the option for a "Performance version," which includes a taller mast and greater sail area, catering to sailors desiring even more spirited performance. [4, from
Sailing Performance and Handling
While designed as a day-sailer, the Zonda Z24 DS offers a lively and engaging sailing experience. Its fractional sloop rig, combined with a bulb keel and a transom-hung rudder, contributes to its responsive handling and stability. [from The Zonda Z24 DS is engineered for "fast cruising and quick sailing reactions," suggesting a boat that is both agile and enjoyable to helm. Its "elegant and sporty lines" are not just for show; they are integral to its ability to be "fast, elegant and safe," ensuring a pleasant sailing time. The recognition as the "Best Recreational Racer" in 2024 by Sailing World further solidifies its reputation as a capable performer on the racecourse, demonstrating its ability to deliver an exciting ride while remaining accessible to a broad range of sailors.
Accommodations and Layout
Despite its classification as a day-sailer and an overall length of just under 24 feet, the Zonda Z24 DS features a surprisingly well-considered interior and an optimized cockpit space, designed to enhance comfort during trips. The boat boasts a modern interior with "fully molded interior, crafted with GRP laminated to the hull," suggesting a robust and easy-to-maintain finish. Although specific details on berths, galley, or head are limited, the presence of "interior accommodations" indicates that it provides more than just a bare cuddy, offering a comfortable space below deck, likely including basic amenities suitable for its day-sailing purpose or short overnight stays. Its design focuses on creating an enjoyable on-water experience, extending to the thoughtful arrangement of its interior and deck spaces.
Measurements
Construction & Hull
- Construction Material
- Fiberglass (Solid)
- Hull Type
- Monohull Sailboat
- Keel Type
- Bulb
- Rudder
- 1x Transom-Hung
- Ballast
- 1102 lbs
- Displacement
- 2425 lbs
- Water Capacity
- -
- Fuel Capacity
- -
Engine
- Engine Make
- —
- Engine Model
- —
- Engine Type
- —
- Engine HP
- —
- Engine Count
- 1
- Drive Type
- —
- Fuel Type
- —
Rig & Sails
- Rig Type
- Fractional Sloop
- P (Main Luff)
- 28.97 ft
- E (Main Foot)
- 10.33 ft
- I (Foretriangle Height)
- 32.32 ft
- J (Foretriangle Base)
- -
- Forestay Length (est)
- -
- Main Sail Area
- 149.63 sqft
- Foretriangle Sail Area
- -
- Total Sail Area (Reported)
- 221.74 sqft
- Total Sail Area (Calc)
- -
Dimensions
- LOA
- 23.79 ft
- LWL
- 21.33 ft
- Beam
- 8.69 ft
- Draft
- 4.43 ft
- Max Headroom
- -
- Air Draft
- -
Calculations
- Hull Speed
- 6.19 kn
- Pounds per Inch Immersion
- 662.3