Santana 25-2 Information, Review, Specs

The Santana 25-2 emerged from W.D. Schock's prolific Newport Beach, California, facilities, a company established in 1958 by William "Bill" D. Schock. W.D. Schock built a strong reputation for crafting accessible yet competitive sailing vessels, specializing in fiberglass construction from its inception. The Santana series, including the 25-2, further cemented the builder's standing in the racing and performance cruising segments. The 25-2 model, first built in 1973, distinguishes itself from the earlier Santana 25-1 primarily by an entirely new deck molding, indicating a significant revision in its production run. Designed to meet the specifications of the IOR Quarter Ton class, W. Shad Turner's design philosophy for the Santana 25-2 likely focused on achieving a balance of speed, handling, and adherence to the racing rule, aiming for a "speedy hull design."

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Santana 25-2, with a length overall of just under 24.6 feet and a waterline length of 19.5 feet, is designed for spirited sailing. With a displacement of 4,050 pounds, her displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 244 suggests a moderate weight class, positioning her as a nimble cruiser-racer rather than an ultralight or heavy displacement vessel. Her calculated hull speed is around 5.92 knots.

The boat's sail area to displacement ratio of about 16.45 indicates decent performance across a range of wind conditions, though she may not be a dedicated light-air specialist. However, her ballast-to-displacement ratio of 0.44, with 1,800 pounds of lead ballast, signifies good stiffness and stability, enabling her to stand up to more wind and maintain sail power effectively. Anecdotal evidence suggests the designer aimed for a "speedy hull design," and some vessels are still actively "setup as a racer," reflecting her performance capabilities.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Santana 25-2 offers basic but functional accommodations for its size. The cabin is reported to include cushions and can sleep two adults in the salon area. Given its primary design as an IOR Quarter Ton racer, the interior would likely feature a compact layout optimized for racing essentials rather than extensive cruising amenities. Details on specific features like a dedicated galley, head compartment, or V-berth are not widely available in general specifications, suggesting a more open and spartan arrangement typical of racing-focused designs of the era.