How do you make a J24 (sailing boat) go fast?

Question

Without overpowering it

Answer 1

If the bottom of the boat is clean and you set the sails correctly you can get good speed upwind or off the wind. Good sail shape is important.

Answer 2

You sail it on a broad reach.  Properly trimmed that would be your fastest point of sail.   That means that the sail is out about 45 degrees and the wind is coming just about over the beam (side)  or at 90 degrees to front of the boat.