Dublin Bay 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Dublin Bay 24 is celebrated for its exceptional sea-kindliness and ability to track straight in a heavy chop. Because it was designed specifically for the short, steep waves often found in Dublin Bay, the hull features a deep-V section and a heavy lead keel that provides a high ballast ratio. This ensures the boat remains stiff and upright even when pressed hard under its original fractional bermudan rig.

Owners often describe the handling as "balanced and rhythmic." With a displacement of approximately 6.5 tons, the boat has significant momentum, allowing it to punch through head seas without the slamming typical of modern flat-bottomed designs. While the DB24 is not a light-air flyer by modern standards, its narrow 8-foot 6-inch beam allows it to slice through the water with minimal resistance once a breeze fills in. The helm is notoriously communicative; when trimmed correctly, the boat can be steered with a fingertip, though the heavy long-keel configuration means it requires a wide turning circle and careful planning when maneuvering in tight marinas.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its 37-foot length, the DB24’s internal volume is modest, reflecting its heritage as a racing yacht from an era that prioritized aesthetics over "caravan-style" accommodations. The interior is traditional, typically finished in varnished mahogany and white-painted bulkheads. The layout generally consists of a small galley and navigation station flanking the companionway, followed by two settee berths in the main saloon.

A distinctive feature of the class is the mahogany "doghouse" or coachroof, which provides decent headroom in the main cabin, though it tapers significantly toward the bow. Forward of the mast, there is usually a small head and a V-berth, though these spaces are best suited for sail storage or children. While all hulls were built to the same strict one-design lines, individual boats like Zephyra and Periwinkle have seen various interior restorations over the decades. Some owners have opted for simplified "racing interiors" to shed weight, while others have restored the original period-correct cabinetry to enhance the boat's cruising appeal, as noted in various Classic Boat Magazine features.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Dublin Bay 24 holds a storied place in Irish maritime history. The class was the backbone of senior racing in Dublin for over 50 years, and the fleet’s survival is often cited as a miracle of classic yacht preservation. The most significant media coverage regarding the class surrounds the "homecoming" of the fleet in the early 2000s. After many of the boats fell into disrepair or were sold abroad, a concerted effort was made to return them to Ireland. This culminated in several high-profile restorations that have been documented in the nautical press as a benchmark for how one-design classes can be saved through collective passion.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a Dublin Bay 24 must approach the purchase with the mindset of a conservator. These are traditional plank-on-frame wooden vessels, and they require a level of maintenance far beyond that of a fiberglass boat.

• Galvanic Corrosion: Many DB24s were originally built with galvanized steel floors and reinforcement. Over time, "nail sickness" or corrosion in these areas can cause the frames to swell and the planks to push away from the structure.
• Hull Integrity: The garboard planks (the lowest planks next to the keel) and the hood ends (where planks meet the stem) are common areas for rot or structural fatigue. A specialized wooden boat surveyor is essential.
• The Rig: The original wooden spars are beautiful but heavy and prone to checking. Buyers should check the mast step and the chainplates, as the rig tension on these narrow hulls puts immense stress on the oak frames.
• Lead Keel Bolts: Given the age of the fleet, the keel bolts should be drawn and inspected if they haven't been replaced in the last 20 years.

Community & Resources

The primary steward of the class is the Dublin Bay 24 Class Association, which works closely with the Royal Irish Yacht Club. While the fleet is small—only eight boats were originally built—the community is incredibly tight-knit. Technical support and historical documentation are often shared through the Alfred Mylne design archives, which still hold the original offsets and construction plans for the class.

The Verdict

The Dublin Bay 24 is a "connoisseur’s yacht"—a vessel for those who value heritage, aesthetics, and the sublime feel of a balanced wooden hull over modern amenities and interior volume.

Pros:

• Exquisite Alfred Mylne lines that draw attention in any harbor.
• Superb heavy-weather performance and sea-kindliness.
• A prestigious pedigree with a dedicated community of owners.

Cons:

• Extremely high maintenance requirements associated with classic wooden construction.
• Cramped interior living space relative to its 37-foot length.
• Difficult to maneuver under power due to the long keel and small rudder.