Sud 25 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Sud 25 falls within a pivotal era for its builder, Yachting France, which was established in 1970 amidst the economic challenges of the early 1970s. Yachting France consolidated several established French boatyards, including Jouet, under one umbrella to achieve economies of scale and strengthen dealer networks. During this period, the company embraced fiberglass construction for its efficiency and mass production capabilities, focusing on delivering seaworthy and comfortable boats suitable for family cruising and leisure.

The Sud 25, designed by Daniel Tortarolo, reflects this ethos, entering production in 1975 and continuing until 1984. The design featured a round-bilged hull, typically equipped with a fin keel and a transom-hung rudder. Notably, the Sud 25 was also offered in a shoal draft version, providing greater versatility for exploring shallower waters. This reflects a common practice of builders offering variations to meet diverse sailing needs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sud 25, with its fin keel and masthead sloop rig, offers a sailing experience characteristic of a nimble small cruiser. Designed for daily cruises and recreational sailing, its performance is considered more comfortable than approximately 42% of similar sailboat designs, although its comfort value is just below average for its class. While specific detailed handling characteristics for the Sud 25 are not widely documented, its close relation to the Jouët 24, also designed by Daniel Tortarolo, suggests a responsive and manageable boat for its size. The combination of a fin keel and transom-hung rudder typically contributes to a direct feel at the helm and good maneuverability. The boat is powered by an inboard Volvo Penta engine, providing reliable auxiliary power.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout of the Sud 25 is limited; however, as a 23.62-foot (7.20-meter) cabin cruiser from the mid-1970s, it would typically feature a functional interior designed for weekend trips and coastal cruising. Common arrangements for sailboats of this size include a forward V-berth, a compact galley area, a small head compartment, and a main salon with settees that may convert into additional berths. The emphasis would generally be on maximizing usable space within the confines of its hull length. Builders during this era often utilized a combination of fiberglass liners and wood trim to create a durable yet relatively inviting interior. While the maximum headroom for the Sud 25 is not specified in available data, small cruisers of this size often have limited standing headroom throughout, sometimes utilizing a pop-top design to increase vertical space in the main cabin when at anchor.