Eygthene 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Eygthene 24 is defined by its unusual hull form: an aggressive flare in the topsides that creates a deck beam of nearly 10 feet on a waterline of only 6 feet 3 inches. This "merlin-rocket" shape provides a massive amount of leverage when the crew is positioned on the windward rail, resulting in a boat that feels exceptionally stiff for its size. With a ballast ratio often exceeding 45%, it handles gusts with far more composure than contemporary 24-footers.

Under sail, the boat is known for being "sprightly and entertaining," according to Yachting Monthly, which notes its comfortable motion upwind due to its fine ends. However, the IOR influence that makes it stiff upwind also makes it "rather rolly downwind in a breeze," a common trait of boats with pinched sterns and wide midsections. In light airs, the low wetted surface area allows it to accelerate quickly, making it a perennial favorite for club racing. Sailors should be aware that while it is a capable sea-boat, it rewards an active helm and requires careful sail trimming to prevent the "death roll" characteristic of 1970s racing designs when running downwind in heavy weather.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its origins as a racing yacht, the flared hull design yields a surprisingly voluminous interior for a 24-foot vessel. The "bubble" or "blister" deck configuration provides significantly more internal volume than a traditional flush deck, allowing for a layout that typically includes four to five berths. Most production models feature two quarter-berths and a V-berth in the forward cabin. A notable selling point in this size class is the inclusion of a separate heads compartment, which is located between the main saloon and the forward cabin.

However, the boat is not without its compromises. While the saloon is wide, the "pinched" bow and stern mean storage is at a premium. Furthermore, headroom is notoriously limited; taller sailors often find the interior restrictive, with some owners noting that extended cruising can be taxing on the back. Variations in fit-out are common, as many Eygthenes were sold as kit boats for home completion, resulting in a wide range of joinery quality. The Kiwi 24 sibling, produced in the United States, often features slightly different interior moldings compared to the British-built versions by Master Marine.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Eygthene 24’s legacy is preserved in Ron Holland’s own memoirs, where he details the 1973 Quarter Ton Cup victory as the catalyst for his international success. The boat is also frequently featured in retrospectives on the IOR era and remains a staple in the revived Quarter Ton Class racing scene in the UK and Ireland.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should prioritize a technical inspection of several key structural areas common to IOR-era builds.

• Forestay Fitting: The original aluminium bow plates were often under-engineered. Reports from owners indicate these can flex or fail under high tension; many have been replaced with beefier stainless steel backing plates.
• Keel Interface: The Eygthene utilizes a fin keel that originally used a Sikaflex-type flexible membrane at the hull-keel joint to allow for minor movement. Inspectors should look for signs of "keel smile" or compression damage in the fiberglass floors surrounding the keel bolts.
• Hull-Deck Joint: Some production runs utilized a foam gasket rather than a permanent bedding compound. Over time, these gaskets degrade, leading to persistent leaks along the rub rail that can be difficult to reseal without removing the entire deck.
• Keel Support Stringers: In models where wood was used to reinforce the bilge area, water ingress can lead to rot in the stringers that support the keel load. This requires a thorough "tap test" or moisture meter reading in the bilge.

Community & Resources

The Eygthene 24 remains a beloved classic within the Quarter Ton Class, an association dedicated to the preservation and racing of IOR-era quarter tonners. Technical drawings and historical archives are also maintained by the official Ron Holland Design studio.

The Verdict

The Eygthene 24 is a historically significant cruiser-racer that offers exceptional performance and a spacious, albeit low-headroom, interior for an affordable entry price.

Pros

• Exceptional stiffness and stability for its size.
• Historic "rule-beater" pedigree with enduring club racing appeal.
• Surprising interior volume and a separate heads compartment.
• Quick and responsive in light air conditions.

Cons

• Very limited headroom can make cruising uncomfortable for tall sailors.
• Propensity for rolling when sailing downwind in heavy air.
• Potential structural issues with the original forestay plates and keel support.
• Varied build quality due to many boats being sold for home completion.