The result is a light-displacement fractional sloop with solid-fibreglass construction. Its open-plan interior and manageable rig have given it a lasting reputation for good, easy handling and performance.
Design and Construction
The Jaguar 24 measures 7.31 metres overall, with a beam of 2.5 metres and a displacement of 1,450 kilograms. Its twin iron bilge keels draw between 2.92 and 3.22 feet, depending on load. Construction followed the norm for the time: both hull and deck are solid fibreglass, and the keel is iron.
Despite a ballast ratio of only 34 percent, the hull form gives the Jaguar 24 considerable form stability. Its capsize screening value of 2.23 places it outside the accepted threshold for ocean racing. A displacement-length ratio of 178 and sail-area-displacement ratio of 19.17 confirm its light-racer character. Meanwhile, a motion comfort ratio of 14.0 and an immersion rate of about 572 pounds per inch describe a stiff, easily driven hull. Theoretical hull speed is near 6.0 knots.
Rig and Handling
The Jaguar 24 carries an easily handled fractional rig with a self-tacking main and a removable mainsheet traveller. Lines are led aft, so all sail handling can be done from the cockpit. The fractional layout delivers good sailing performance, although the small foresail means a spinnaker would be needed for offwind work.
Sheet lengths are generous for a boat of this size. The mainsheet is 60 feet long, jib and genoa sheets are 24 feet, and spinnaker sheets are just over 52 feet; all are 3/8-inch diameter.
A centrally mounted outboard well accepts an engine of up to 10 horsepower, although 6 to 8 hp is more common in practice. The cockpit has well-angled coamings for comfortable helming.
Accommodation
Below deck, Jaguar created a feeling of space with open-plan accommodation and no structural bulkheads. Headroom is a creditable 5 feet 9½ inches beneath the main hatch, reducing to 5 feet 7 inches in the forward part of the saloon.
Removable companionway steps lead into the cabin. The heads compartment is to port, with the loo mounted thwartships. Forward of it, L-shaped seating provides a berth extension for the two forward berths. The cabin table can be raised to the coachroof or lowered to form another berth, while a neatly arranged galley runs along the starboard side.
Abaft the galley and below the cockpit is an open-plan double berth and stowage area, except to port, where there’s a locker. Removing the companionway steps provides easy access. The stated berth count is four to five.
Verdict
The Jaguar 24 is a thoughtfully planned small cruiser that trades racing pedigree for family-friendly simplicity without becoming dull under sail. Its open-plan, bulkhead-free interior makes good use of a 24-foot hull, while the self-tacking fractional rig with cockpit-led lines keeps short-handed sailing within reach.
Shallow twin keels and trailer-sailer proportions broaden its cruising range. However, the modest ballast ratio and capsize screening value mark it as a sheltered-water and coastal cruiser rather than an offshore candidate.
Pros
- Open-plan accommodation with no structural bulkheads maximizes usable space
- Easily handled fractional rig with self-tacking roller-furling main and cockpit-led lines
- Shallow twin iron bilge keels, drawing under 3.3 ft, suit marinas and trailering
- Light-displacement hull with good form stability and a reputation for easy performance
Cons
- Ballast ratio of only 34 percent and capsize screening value of 2.23 limit offshore suitability
- Small foresail means a spinnaker is required for competent offwind sailing
- Headroom below 5 feet 10 inches restricts taller sailors
