Rethana 25 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design Ethos

Production of the Rethana 25 officially began in 1979. While some records indicate build years stretching into the late 1980s, and even as late as 1993 and 1997, the core period of Rethana Yachts' activity, and thus the Rethana 25's primary production, falls within the late 1970s and 1980s. The builder, Rethana Yachts, based in Germany, focused on creating practical and comfortable sailboats suited for cruising, emphasizing seaworthy and manageable vessels. This ethos is evident in the Rethana 25's design, which incorporates a robust fiberglass solid hull and deck construction. A significant design feature is its keel/centerboard hull type, allowing for a variable draft from a minimum of 2.3 feet (0.7 meters) to a maximum of 3.94 feet (1.2 meters). This innovative design makes the Rethana 25 particularly appealing as a trailerable vessel capable of accessing shallow anchorages and inland waters, while still offering solid performance for sea sailing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a reported sail area of 269 square feet and a length overall of just under 25 feet (24.93 feet), the Rethana 25 is rigged as a masthead sloop. Her design, featuring a keel/centerboard, contributes significantly to her sailing characteristics, allowing for exceptional versatility. This setup enables the boat to reduce its draft for navigating skinny waters, a feature often highlighted in descriptions, while the ability to deploy the centerboard provides improved upwind performance and stability in deeper conditions. The Rethana 25 is generally described as a ship suitable for both shallow waters and sea sailing, suggesting a balanced and manageable performance profile appealing to cruisers.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact length, the Rethana 25 is designed to offer practical accommodations for cruising. The interior typically features a classic, warm aesthetic, often with mottled upholstery. It provides a saloon with a separate dining area and offers four fixed berths, making it suitable for a small crew or family. While specific details on the galley or head are not widely documented, the overall impression from available information suggests a simple yet comfortable arrangement, optimized for its size. The interior headroom is approximately 5.9 feet (180 cm), which is a commendable feature for a boat of this length, contributing to the overall comfort onboard. These features underscore the Rethana 25's primary purpose as a functional and enjoyable small cruiser.