Bi-Loup 265 Information, Review, Specs

The Bi-Loup 265 commenced production in 2013, emerging as an enhanced iteration of its predecessor, the Bi-Loup 26 1st search, 4, 6, 8, 20. Wrighton Yachts, established in 1978, has consistently focused on building popular cruising yachts, prioritizing safety and comfort for family sailing. The development of the 265 was driven by a commitment to improvement, incorporating client feedback from the Bi-Loup 26 to refine its performance, roof design, and rigging 1st search, 6. This evolution aimed to maintain the core advantages of the Bi-Loup range—renowned for its stability and ease of handling—while introducing contemporary updates. The defining feature of the Bi-Loup 265, its twin-keel hull, is a practical engineering solution, enabling the boat to navigate exceptionally shallow waters and safely settle upright on the seabed during low tide, a significant benefit for coastal cruising in areas with large tidal ranges.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 25.59 feet, the Bi-Loup 265 is designed as a family-friendly cruiser, and as such, traditional performance ratios are not typically applied to describe its sailing characteristics. However, its design principles offer a clear indication of its on-water behavior. The twin-keel configuration contributes significantly to the boat's inherent stability, allowing it to stand up to a breeze and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway, aligning with Wrighton's emphasis on safety and comfort over outright racing prowess. The Bi-Loup 265 features a fractional sloop rig with a reported sail area of 409.03 square feet, and the updates from the previous model included improvements to the sail plan and rigging, suggesting an effort to optimize its performance without sacrificing its cruising pedigreest search, 6, 2nd search, 1]. Some owners have even equipped their Bi-Loup 265s with gennakers on bowsprits, indicating the potential for enhanced light-wind performance and versatility 2nd search, 2. Its shallow draft, a direct result of the twin keels, not only grants access to secluded anchorages but also minimizes leeway, contributing to a steady course.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Bi-Loup 265 are not extensively documented in widely available reviews, the general philosophy of Wrighton Yachts prioritizes comfortable and practical interiors suitable for family cruising. The predecessor, the Bi-Loup 26, was noted for its spacious interior and exterior for a boat of its size, a characteristic likely carried forward and refined in the 265 1st search, 19. Boats in this size and class typically feature a V-berth forward, a compact head, a salon area with settees that may convert to berths, and a small galley. Wrighton's commitment to "refined interiors" and "luminosity of the superstructures" in some of its designs suggests an emphasis on creating bright and inviting living spaces, utilizing materials that balance durability with a pleasing aesthetic 1st search, 16, Builder Article. Storage is generally optimized within the hull's volume to accommodate cruising essentials, and ventilation would be managed through opening ports and hatches, crucial for comfort during extended periods aboard.