Martinique 25 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Martinique 25 began production in 1979, launched by Mariner Construções Náuticas Ltd. out of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This marked a significant moment for Brazilian sailing, as Mariner, a prominent builder active from 1977 to 1995, had secured a licensing agreement to produce popular American designs locally. The Martinique 25 is directly related to the highly regarded CAL 2-25 and CAL 25 MKII, essentially serving as Mariner's Brazilian-built version of Lapworth's design.

C. William Lapworth, the designer behind the CAL series, was known for his innovative approach to creating fast yet comfortable yachts. His philosophy for boats like the CAL 2-25, and by extension the Martinique 25, was to craft a "cruiser-racer" – a boat that offered spirited performance without sacrificing interior volume or ease of handling. Mariner Construções Náuticas, through its licensing of such designs, aimed to provide the Brazilian sailing community with internationally recognized quality and design, prioritizing user-friendly, stable, and family-friendly characteristics. The sturdy fiberglass hull and deck construction of the Martinique 25 underscore this commitment to durable and reliable vessels.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.6, the Martinique 25 demonstrates good light-air performance, allowing it to move efficiently even in lighter breezes. Its ballast to displacement ratio of 0.444 indicates a high degree of stiffness and stability, suggesting the boat can stand up well to a stronger wind and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of around 188.7 categorizes the Martinique 25 as a lighter, more performance-oriented vessel for its size, rather than a heavy, traditional cruiser.

The Martinique 25 is rigged as a masthead sloop with a fin keel and a spade rudder, a configuration known for providing responsive handling and good maneuverability. Anecdotal evidence concerning its sister design, the CAL 2-25, suggests that these boats are "fun to sail" and "perform well in light air". Owners often describe them as "easy to sail" and "very forgiving to the new owner," making them suitable for both seasoned sailors and those new to the sport. Its theoretical hull speed is calculated at 6.29 knots. While generally well-suited for coastal cruising, its capsize screening value of 2.18 indicates that it would typically not be accepted for participation in demanding ocean races, aligning it more with coastal and sheltered water adventures rather than extensive offshore passages.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact length overall of just over 25 feet, the Martinique 25 offers a surprisingly spacious interior for a boat of its era, noted as being "more spacy than 73% of all other designs" of similar class. While specific headroom figures for the Martinique 25 are not widely documented, the interior layout of its closely related CAL 2-25 counterpart typically features a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that can convert into berths, a galley area, and a dedicated head compartment. These boats were designed for comfortable living below deck.

Interiors of these Lapworth designs from the late 1970s often featured a combination of fiberglass liners with wood trim, providing a functional yet inviting space. Storage is generally adequate for coastal cruising, with lockers and shelves integrated throughout the cabin. Ventilation is typically achieved through an overhead hatch and opening ports, common features on designs of this period. Owners frequently praise the overall comfort provided by the layout, considering the boat's size.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Martinique 25, and its CAL 2-25 sibling, often highlight several key strengths and some common considerations. Owners consistently praise the "strong hull" construction, suggesting a durable and well-built vessel. The boat's "easy to sail" nature and its "forgiving" characteristics are frequently mentioned, making it a popular choice for first-time boat owners or those seeking a relaxed sailing experience. The comfortable motion and overall stability in various sea states are also commonly cited as positive attributes, contributing to a pleasant experience both under sail and at anchor.

However, as with any older vessel, there are common maintenance considerations. Owners of the CAL 2-25, which shares much of its design lineage with the Martinique 25, sometimes note the potential for a "spongy feel on the deck," indicating areas where core material might have deteriorated due to water intrusion over time, a common issue in many fiberglass boats of this vintage. It is also advisable to inspect the interior thoroughly for any signs of water stains or rotting, particularly around original deck fittings, which might require re-bedding over the years to prevent leaks. These are typical aspects of maintaining a classic sailboat and reflect general upkeep rather than inherent design flaws.