shark 24 sailboat review

Review of Shark 24

Basic specs., sailing characteristics.

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for Shark 24 is 1.89, indicating that this boat could - if evaluated by this formula alone - be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 6.1 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Shark 24 is about 88 kg/cm, alternatively 496 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 88 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 496 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

What is SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio)?

What is Relative Speed Performance?

Maintenance

Are your sails worn out? You might find your next sail here: Sails for Sale

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

This section shown boat owner's changes, improvements, etc. Here you might find inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what to look for.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Shark 24 it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.

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The largest one design keelboat fleet in Canada

Why Choose The Shark 24?

EXPERIENCE THE SHARK 24

The Shark 24 is the largest one-design keelboat fleet in Canada and is the perfect choice for competitive sailors and cruisers alike.

The Shark is FUN , RESPONSIVE , and AFFORDABLE . Shark sailors past and present are the heart and soul of most sailing clubs in Canada. The Shark makes high performance one-design sailing available to everyone!

Designed in Canada over 60 years ago, the Shark class continues to thrive today.

COMPETITIVE RACING

The Shark is a high performance race boat unlike any other, with over 60 years of competitive one-design racing throughout Ontario and Quebec. Shark fleets exist at most sailing clubs around the Great Lakes and along the St Lawrence River!

Each year a racing circuit of 7-9 one-design regattas are organized by the Canadian Shark Class Association attracting fleets of over 35+ boats (100+ sailors) per event.  Weekend regatta entry fees are generally under $175 and include three dinners and up to seven races.

The World Championships held annually and rotating between Canada and Europe provides strong international competition with 60+ boats (180+ sailors) representing over five countries. Large shark fleets exist in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland!

POPULAR YOUTH KEELBOAT

The Shark is a popular choice for youth sailors looking to get into Keelboat sailing due to its affordability and strong one-design racing. Many youth sailors have chosen the Shark having previously sailed dinghys such as Lasers, 420s, and Finns.

To encourage strong youth participation, the Canadian Shark Class will pay the entry fee for two counter regattas each season for boats with crew members that are all under 28 years of age!  Applications must be made 14 days prior to the regatta.

VIBRANT COMMUNITY

The Canadian Shark Class is a friendly community passionate about sailing, whether cruising or racing! The welcoming and inclusive nature of the Shark Class has been fundamental to its continued growth in Canada with new sailors, families, and youth choosing the Shark as their preferred sailboat.

Several former Olympic sailors have joined the Shark fleet for its competitive one-design sailing and well organized regattas. Large regional Shark fleets can be found throughout Ontario and Quebec, with smaller fleets throughout Canada.

EASE OF SAILING

The Shark 24 is accessible to a wide range of sailors at various skill levels and provides superior stability in all conditions thanks to its refined hull shape, heavy keel weight, and flexible sail plan.

The Shark features a clean ergonomic cockpit designed to accommodate three to four sailors when racing and up to six comfortably for cruising. Most Sharks are configured with all control lines leading back to the cockpit, making sail adjustments easy!

The cabin provides ample sail and gear storage while out on the race course and can accommodate three comfortably for day sailing, weekend getaways, and overnight cruising.

EASILY TRANSPORTED & LAUNCHED

The Shark can be easily transported on a trailer with an all-up boat weight of 2,300 pounds + trailer. It is towable by most SUVs and light duty pickup trucks.

Easily launch a Shark from the hoist using a three-point lifting bridle or launch from a ramp when equipped with a ramp launching trailer. The mast can be stepped easily by two people.

Launching and loading a Shark on a trailer is simple, making it easy to transport to regattas and different cruising locations. Many Shark owners ‘dry sail’ their boats and launch/haul out every time they sail!

GET INVOLVED & JOIN THE CLASS

Thinking of purchasing a Shark? Used race ready Sharks typically range from $5K to $10K and are frequently available for purchase in Ontario and Quebec. New Sharks can be imported from Germany for 30,000 to 40,000 Euros.

Not ready to purchase? There are many Shark owners looking for crew to sail with at their local sailing club / yacht club or for upcoming regattas. Join the Canadian Shark Class Facebook page to inquire about crewing opportunities and to view current boat listings.

Interested in learning how to sail on a Shark? Many sailing clubs in Ontario and Quebec use the Shark 24 for their Learn to Sail programs. Inquire at your local sailing club / yacht club for more information.

Canadian Shark Class Association

• May 25, 2024 - May 26, 2024
• Jun 8, 2024 - Jun 9, 2024
• Jun 29, 2024 - Jun 30, 2024
• Jul 13, 2024 - Jul 14, 2024

2024 Trillium Regatta | May 25 – 26

2024 Annual General Meeting – March 17

Eight Bells – John Clark