Tequila Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Barberis Tequila commenced in 1971 and continued until 1979, marking it as a product of Cantieri Barberis's golden age when the shipyard was instrumental in defining modern recreational boating with its embrace of fiberglass construction. The boat's design lineage is impressive, stemming from the drawing board of Philippe Harlé, a highly influential and prolific French yacht designer. Harlé's philosophy often balanced spirited sailing with practical usability, a trait evident in the Tequila.

The Tequila quickly made its mark in the sailing world, with its original prototype notably winning the prestigious Quarter Ton Cup in La Rochelle in 1971. This victory underscored its design prowess and competitive capabilities right from the outset. Throughout its production run, Barberis maintained a reputation for blending performance characteristics with appealing aesthetics, a hallmark of their collaboration with renowned naval architects. A variation, the Tequila Sport, was also produced, featuring a flush deck design that further emphasized its racing intentions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While compact, the Barberis Tequila was designed with performance in mind, stemming from its Quarter Ton racing heritage. With a length overall of just under 24 feet and a relatively narrow beam of 8.04 feet, the Tequila is characterized by its responsive handling and ability to perform well in various conditions. Its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder contribute to precise steering and good upwind performance, typical of designs from this era that prioritized racing capability. Descriptions from the time suggest it offered a lively and engaging sailing experience, suitable for both spirited day-sailing and competitive club racing.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its length of 23.62 feet, the Barberis Tequila features a compact interior optimized for weekend cruising or short-term excursions. While specific detailed layouts are scarce, typical arrangements for yachts of this size and era would include a V-berth forward, a small convertible dinette or opposing settees in the main salon, and a basic galley area often comprising a sink and space for a portable stove. A marine head would typically be integrated, possibly under the V-berth or in a small enclosed compartment. The emphasis would have been on maximizing usable space within its limited dimensions, often with simple, durable finishes in fiberglass with wood trim. Storage solutions would likely be found under berths and in cubbies, characteristic of a boat designed for efficiency and performance without excessive creature comforts.