recommendation needed

[rwesman]

recently retired, i want to return to sailing.
i need help on selecting a sailboat, about 24 ft, that is fast for racing, but stable for daysailing. most importantly, one that can be sailed singlehanded from the cockpit.
recommendations would be most appreciated.
thanks

[PalmettoSailor]

How about some budget parameters?

[PBzeer]

San Juan 24 would be a good choice.

[Cal28]

Ranger 23 .. plenty of them still around

[rwesman]

Originally Posted by midlifesailor

How about some budget parameters?

I envisage between $8 - 15 K. but the attributes are most important.
thanks

[zz4gta]

How much stability are you looking for?
The Ultimate 20 or 24 are very fast and light. Little to no room below.
SJ 24
J24
Tanzer 25
Merit 25
J22
Kirby 25 - needs a masthead chute

My vote is for the Merit. 3 of them have done single handed trans pacs. Any of the above would work quite well. The Ultimate 20 and 24 are sportboats, and require you to be smart about when to reef. You can single hand them, but they were designed to go upwind with meat on the rail.

[JimsCAL]

Do you want cruising accomodation below? If not, what about a Sonar?

[PaulinVictoria]

If you mostly want to race, how about a Martin 242? They seem to annoy bigger and supposedly faster boat on the racecourse. Of course there's also the C&C 24 or 25, plenty of them in your budget, seem to have a pretty good reputation for racing to their rating.

[Rangernewell]

I own a Mirage 24....Great all around sailboat.......easily sailed single handed and fast