boot Düsseldorf, Hall 15, Stand C39
New developments under 30 feet have unfortunately become rare. This makes Flaar's new design, which combines a number of unique selling points, all the more remarkable. For example, the Flaar 24 is built entirely from carbon fibre, which enables a displacement of just 750 kilograms. This and the generous sail plan, which even allows for an overlapping genoa - something that has become rare these days - result in an almost disturbingly high performance potential.
For example, the Flaar 24 has a sail-carrying capacity of 6.8 - in comparison: standard performance cruisers have values of around 5.0. This makes her a predator in areas with light to medium winds. Her natural habitat is lakes such as Lake Balaton, where she comes from, but she would also be a promising choice for Lake Constance, Lake Chiemsee, Lake Attersee or Lake Zurich.
How the Flaar 24, actually a lake racer, performs in the sometimes rough waters off the Catalan coast
It comes with a swivelling keel as standard, which can be raised and lowered electrically in just a few seconds using a spindle. The keel box protrudes only slightly into the interior. The fin keel itself folds aft under the hull, which reduces the draught from a generous 1.80 metres to just 60 centimetres - good for shallow shore areas and for slipping.
In the test, the compact and powerful Hungarian yacht had to prove herself on sometimes bumpy coastal waters. In choppy seas and up to 20 knots of wind, the Flaar 24 was pushed far beyond its specifications as part of the trials for Europe's Yacht of the Year off Port Ginesta.
As expected, she struggled upwind and needed the second reef to the small jib at times. This was also due to the fact that she is very neutral on the rudder and provides less feedback than would be desirable in such situations. As long as she doesn't partially release the pressure by planing, it takes concentration to get her through the waves and gusts without too much behaviour.
This is how much the new Flaar 24 will cost
But that changes abruptly when she is steered 20 or 30 degrees lower. Then the log immediately jumps up by two knots, the stern wave breaks and the fun begins. It doesn't take much to stay in double figures for a long time. Top values of around 15 or 16 knots during the test are proof of the undoubted performance potential.
However, it is hardly less impressive to experience how she converts every breeze into speed in extremely light winds. In fact, this is where she conveys the greatest sailing charm. While she needs constant attention on the tiller jib in waves, hovering over glassy seas is an almost meditative experience.
With a base price of 77,230 euros, the Flaar 24 is a fair offer considering its sophisticated design and resulting performance. Especially as it also offers far more below deck than a pure sports boat (see gallery).
