Diam 24 Information, Review, Specs

Constructed primarily of glass/carbon infusion with PVC foam core, the Diam 24 is engineered for both rigidity and portability. It features a unique assembly system that allows the boat to be dismantled and transported on a dedicated trailer, making it a favorite for circuit racers who travel between regattas. While the boat is a strict one-design, its development was influenced by the builder's experience with larger racing trimarans, resulting in a platform that balances raw power with a surprising degree of accessibility for skilled amateur sailors.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Diam 24 is characterized by its explosive acceleration and ability to maintain high average speeds in a variety of wind conditions. As a pure sport boat, its performance is driven by a high sail-area-to-displacement ratio, featuring a square-top mainsail and a large reacher flown from a permanent bowsprit. According to technical insights from the Diam 24 One Design official site, the boat is designed to be sailed by a crew of three or four, with a focus on weight distribution to keep the central hull flying or just skimming the surface.

Handling the Diam 24 requires quick reflexes, particularly when managing the transition from "low mode" to "high mode" in puffier conditions. The boat tracks exceptionally well thanks to its deep, high-aspect foils and rudders located on the outriggers (floats), providing immense leverage and control even when the windward hull is well clear of the water. Unlike some ultra-narrow multihulls, the Diam 24 feels remarkably stable for its size, a trait attributed to the volume in the floats which prevents the "pitch-pole" tendencies common in older catamaran designs. In a blow, the boat can easily exceed 25 knots, yet it remains responsive and nimble enough for tight-course "stadium" racing.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Diam 24’s most significant cultural footprint is its seven-year tenure as the exclusive platform for the Tour de France à la Voile. This partnership brought the boat into the global spotlight, featured in extensive television coverage across Europe. It was the vessel of choice for world-class sailors like Franck Cammas and François Gabart, who utilized the Diam 24 to hone their multihull skills between offshore campaigns. The boat's role in professionalizing the small-trimaran circuit is frequently cited in editorial retrospectives by French sailing publication Voiles et Voiliers, which has tracked the boat's evolution since its 2014 debut.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When evaluating a used Diam 24, buyers should focus on the structural integrity of the assembly points and the condition of the composite materials, given the high loads these boats endure during racing.

• Crossbeam Bolt Holes: The sockets where the beams (akas) connect to the hulls can experience wear or ovalization over time. Inspect these areas for any play or hairline fractures in the gelcoat that might indicate structural fatigue.
• Trampoline Tension and UV Damage: The trampolines are vital for crew safety and structural rigidity. Check for fraying at the attachment points and "crunchiness" in the fabric, which indicates significant UV degradation.
• Carbon Mast and Rigging: The rotating carbon mast should be inspected for any longitudinal cracks or damage around the spreaders and hounds. Given the high tension of the stays, the standing rigging should be replaced every few seasons if the boat has been campaigned heavily.
• Foil and Rudder Leading Edges: Small nicks or delamination on the foils can cause significant cavitation at high speeds. Run a hand along the trailing and leading edges to ensure they are smooth and fair.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and class rules is the Diam 24 One Design Class Association, managed closely by the manufacturer, ADH Inotec. This organization ensures that the one-design integrity remains intact, preventing "equipment wars" and keeping used boats competitive. Owners also benefit from a dedicated technical portal provided by the builder, which offers detailed assembly manuals and tuning guides essential for maintaining the boat’s performance edge.

The Verdict

The Diam 24 is a purist's racing machine that offers one of the highest "speed-per-dollar" ratios on the market. It is not a boat for the casual cruiser, but for those seeking the thrill of 20-knot-plus speeds and tactical one-design racing, it is nearly peerless in its class.

• Pros: Incredible speed and acceleration; strict one-design rules ensure fair racing; trailerable and relatively easy to store.
• Cons: Zero interior amenities or weather protection; physically demanding for the crew; requires a dedicated trailer and assembly time for every outing.