Victorian 27 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Victorian 27 begins shortly after Henri Wauquiez founded his shipyard in Neuville-en-Ferrain in 1965, driven by a vision to build "extraordinary boats" designed for a lifetime of sailing. The Victorian 27 was produced for a brief period between 1966 and 1968, with 52 units built. Designer Kim Holman, known for creating "sweet, fast boats" and recognized as an important yacht designer of his era, penned the lines for this model. His design philosophy often balanced performance with cruising comfort, aiming for a "racer/cruiser" appeal.

The Victorian 27's construction aligns perfectly with Wauquiez's early manufacturing ethos. The shipyard quickly established a reputation for crafting small yet robust sailing vessels with meticulous construction, often featuring solid fiberglass hulls and decks. This emphasis on robust build quality ensured the durability characteristic of Wauquiez yachts. While the primary engine option was a 7hp Volvo Penta MD1 diesel, a Farymann 9hp diesel was also available, offering a choice in auxiliary power.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a Kim Holman design, the Victorian 27 was intended to be an attractive and capable cruising yacht. Its robust fiberglass hull and solid construction contribute to a stable and predictable motion in the water. The boat is equipped with a fin keel, which provides "splendid manoeuvrability." However, a characteristic trade-off of a fin keel, as opposed to a long keel, is potentially less directional stability. The general design philosophy of Wauquiez, even for their earlier models, emphasized unparalleled seaworthiness, an exceptional blend of elegance and performance, and the ability to be both capable in challenging conditions and swift and maneuverable. The Victorian 27 boasts a calculated hull speed of 5.89 knots, suggesting a respectable pace for a cruiser of its size and era.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size, the Wauquiez Victorian 27 was designed to offer practical accommodations for cruising. The maximum headroom within the cabin is 5.77 feet, which provides reasonable vertical space given the boat's overall dimensions. While specific detailed interior layouts are not extensively documented in widely available public resources, as a cruising yacht of its type, the Victorian 27 would typically feature a functional arrangement. This would generally include a forward V-berth for sleeping, a compact galley area for basic food preparation, a dedicated head compartment, and a main salon area that likely converts to additional berths, designed to maximize living space and provide essential amenities for overnight trips and extended weekends. Some examples of these boats have been noted to have an attractive interior, suggesting a thoughtful use of materials and finish for comfort and appeal.