2.4 Metre Yachts

You can proceed to these 4m long boats when you have achieved Level 2 under Yachting New Zealand's training scheme in the Access dinghy.

Originating in Sweden in 1983, the 2.4 is very user friendly. It is a thoroughbred racer and is the official single-handed yacht of the Paralympics. 2.4's have the complexity of a keelboat combined with the fingertip feel of a dinghy.

Since the helmsperson sits down in the boat facing forward with all the trim controls within arms reach, the sailing is not physically demanding and the boat is particularly suitable for use by disabled sailors. Because the crew weight is always close to its centre of gravity, the 2.4m is insensitive to differences in size of the helmsperson. Instead, 2.4m racing focuses on sophisticated sail trim, tactics and strategy.

Internationally they are raced in one open class with men, women, young and old, abled and disabled sailors racing together.