Kirby 25

Mirage Yachts owner Dick Steffen originally wanted to build the J/24 in Canada, but a deal with Johnstone could not be reached.

It has a fractional sloop rig, an internally-mounted spade-type rudder and a fixed fin keel.

[2][3] The boat has a draft of 4.17 ft (1.27 m) with the standard keel and is normally fitted with a small 4 to 6 hp (3 to 4 kW) outboard motor for docking and maneuvering.

Best features: Kirby 25s are spirited, fast, and agile, with a fractional rig and bendy mast, which permits precise control of sail shape.

Worst features: The number of controls—particularly the running backstays, which need to be readjusted after every tack going upwind—may put off some inexperienced sailors and relaxed cruising types.

Kirby 25
Kirby 25
Kirby 25