Bristol 51 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Bristol 51 entered production in 1990, continuing the legacy of Bristol Yachts, a builder renowned for its fiberglass sailboat construction from the mid-1960s until its closure in 1997. During this era, Bristol Yachts earned a stellar reputation for producing "overbuilt" and robust vessels. The company's manufacturing ethos, characterized by a deep commitment to consistent quality and durable fiberglass construction, is evident in the Bristol 51. These larger Bristol yachts were often built on a semi-custom basis, meaning individual particulars could vary slightly between hulls.

The design of the Bristol 51 bears the distinctive hallmarks of Ted Hood, a prolific and innovative sailmaker and yacht designer. Hood's philosophy for the 51 aimed at maximizing usable interior volume, a goal underscored by the vessel's ample freeboard. Notably, the design also featured an innovative cockpit-pilothouse combination, a characteristic more commonly found on larger yachts, which provided a protected and functional area for navigation and living. While a similar model, the Bristol 51.1, also exists, the 51 stands as a testament to Hood's vision for a powerful and comfortable cruising yacht.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bristol 51's sailing characteristics are indicative of its heavy-displacement, bluewater cruising intentions. With a reported sail area of 1200 square feet and a displacement of 43,700 pounds, its Sail Area to Displacement ratio is approximately 15.39. This figure suggests that while not a light-air performer, the boat will be powerful and steady in moderate to strong winds, favoring comfort over speed. The vessel's substantial ballast of 19,000 pounds, contributing to a Ballast to Displacement ratio of approximately 0.43, points to exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to significant wind without excessive heel.

Further emphasizing its robust nature, the Bristol 51 boasts a Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 590, placing it firmly in the heavy-displacement category. This high ratio is a key factor in its ability to offer a comfortable motion in a seaway, a quality highly valued by long-distance cruisers. Indeed, the Bristol 51 is considered "more comfortable than 73% of all similar sailboat designs". Its robust hull and heavy displacement contribute to its reputation as a capable bluewater cruising yacht. The centerboard keel design, allowing for a minimum draft of 5.33 feet and a maximum of 10.5 feet, offers versatility, enabling access to shallower anchorages while providing enhanced upwind performance with the board lowered.

Accommodations and Layout

Designed with extensive cruising in mind, the Bristol 51 offers generous accommodations and a thoughtfully arranged layout, though specific interior details can vary given its semi-custom build. The ample freeboard, a deliberate design choice by Ted Hood, translates directly into maximized usable interior volume, providing a spacious and airy living environment. A defining feature of the Bristol 51 is its innovative cockpit-pilothouse combination, which integrates a protected helm station and potentially a semi-enclosed salon area, offering comfort and functionality in various weather conditions.

While detailed schematics of the interior layout are not readily available, the boat's design prioritizes comfort and liveability for extended periods at sea. With a water capacity of 250 gallons and a fuel capacity of 160 gallons of diesel, the Bristol 51 is equipped for considerable self-sufficiency. Owners can expect a robust interior finish consistent with Bristol Yachts' reputation for exceptional build quality and durable construction. The layout typically includes multiple berths, a well-appointed galley, and a head, all designed to facilitate life aboard for crew and guests on long passages.