Bolero 25.5 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Bolero 25.5 in 1979 marked a modern chapter for Robertson and Sons Ltd., a company that had evolved from its 1876 origins in wooden boat building to embracing fiberglass construction in the post-war era. During this period, Robertson and Sons was known for its meticulous craftsmanship and ability to translate diverse naval architectural designs into tangible, high-quality yachts, having previously built iconic racing yachts, including America's Cup challengers.

The Bolero 25.5 was designed by David Thomas, a prolific British yacht designer recognized for creating numerous successful and well-known boats, including the Impala, Elizabethan, and Sigma series. Thomas's design philosophy often revolved around producing yachts that offered strong performance characteristics without sacrificing practicality, a trait evident in the Bolero 25.5's specifications. The boat features a fin keel and spade rudder, a configuration typical of performance-oriented designs of its era, emphasizing responsiveness and control.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bolero 25.5 exhibits characteristics of a lively and capable sailboat, particularly for its size. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 20.51, she is well-powered for her displacement, suggesting good performance in light to moderate winds and a generally responsive feel. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of about 42.86 is notably high, indicating a stiff and stable boat that should stand up well to a breeze, resisting excessive heeling and providing a secure platform even when pressed.

Her Displacement to Length ratio, around 160.30, positions the Bolero 25.5 as a relatively light and performance-oriented boat for its waterline length. This combination of a generous sail plan, high ballast ratio, and moderate displacement suggests a design that is agile and quick, capable of respectable speeds and an engaging sailing experience. Owners can expect a boat that is relatively easy to balance and responsive at the helm, performing capably across a range of conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications for the Bolero 25.5 are scarce, her design statistics suggest a surprisingly accommodating interior for a vessel of just over 25 feet. Reviewers have noted that the Bolero 25.5 boasts a relatively "spacy" hull design, appearing more voluminous than many comparable sailboats of its size. Though specific headroom figures are not widely published, the generous beam of 9 feet likely contributes to a feeling of openness below decks.

Typical for a boat of this size and era, the interior would likely feature a V-berth forward, a main salon area with settees that could serve as berths, a small galley, and a compact head compartment. Given Robertson and Sons' reputation for quality, it can be inferred that the interior, though functional, would have been finished with a focus on durability and sensible use of materials. However, specific details regarding joinery, storage solutions, or ventilation would require more in-depth, model-specific information.