Bristol 28 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Bristol Yachts, founded by Clint Pearson in 1964, quickly became a leader in fiberglass sailboat manufacturing, known for its "overbuilt" and durable vessels. The company embraced fiberglass as a revolutionary material, allowing for consistent quality and efficient production. During the early to mid-1970s, when the Bristol 28 was conceived, the International Offshore Rule heavily influenced sailboat design, prompting builders to create models optimized for racing success.

The Bristol 28, with its production run from 1972 to 1974, was specifically designed by Halsey Herreshoff, a naval architect with a significant legacy in yacht design. Herreshoff's design philosophy for IOR Half Tonners typically focused on achieving competitive speeds and handling characteristics within the complex measurement rules of the time. The Bristol 28 is noted as an "earlier, racing version" related to the Bristol 29.9, featuring less stern overhang, a common characteristic of IOR-optimized designs aiming to reduce measured length while maintaining waterline length for speed. Its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder were typical configurations for performance boats of the era, offering a balance of maneuverability and directional stability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall (LOA) of 28 feet and a waterline length (LWL) of 24 feet, the Bristol 28 was conceived for agile performance. Her design ratios provide insight into her anticipated sailing characteristics. A sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.82 suggests she would be a responsive boat in moderate conditions, offering decent performance without being an extreme light-air flyer or overly sluggish in heavy air.

The ballast to displacement ratio of around 45.45% is notably high for a boat of this size and era, indicating excellent initial stiffness and stability. This substantial ballast, coupled with its fin keel, would allow the Bristol 28 to stand up to its canvas in a breeze, making it capable of handling spirited conditions and maintaining an efficient sail plan for racing. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 213.13 places the Bristol 28 in the medium-light displacement category. This characteristic, combined with its IOR Half Ton pedigree, points to a design intended for lively performance, good acceleration, and efficient upwind sailing, which were crucial attributes for success under the IOR rule. While specific anecdotal reviews for the Bristol 28 are scarce due to its limited production, IOR Half Tonners generally emphasized upwind ability and a relatively nimble feel.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout of the Bristol 28 is not widely documented, likely due to its extremely limited production run of just eight units. As an IOR Half Ton racing design, it is reasonable to infer that the interior accommodations would have been more utilitarian and race-focused compared to Bristol's more dedicated cruising models. The primary emphasis would have been on structural integrity, sail handling, and maximizing performance within the rating rule, rather than extensive cruising comforts. Typical layouts for racing boats of this size and period often featured basic V-berths forward, a compact head, a small galley, and a salon area that might double as sleeping quarters. Materials would likely have included the durable fiberglass construction for which Bristol was known, potentially complemented by modest wood trim. While Bristol Yachts generally aimed for "comfortable cruising capabilities", the Bristol 28's specific racing mandate suggests a more spartan and functional interior designed to minimize weight and maximize crew efficiency.

Owner's Perspectives

Given that only eight Bristol 28s were ever built, specific owner reviews and common issues are exceptionally rare and not readily available through grounded search. However, owners of Bristol Yachts in general often praise the brand's solid construction, durability, and seaworthiness, frequently describing them as "overbuilt" vessels capable of standing the test of time. It is probable that the few Bristol 28 owners would echo these sentiments regarding the build quality, while appreciating its unique racing heritage and Halsey Herreshoff's design for performance. Due to its rarity, finding comprehensive collective viewpoints or frequently mentioned strengths and weaknesses for this specific model is challenging.