Laurent Giles Vertue Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Vertue is defined by its remarkable directional stability and sea-kindliness. With a heavy displacement-to-length ratio and a high ballast ratio (often exceeding 45%), the boat is designed to stay upright and maintain momentum when conditions deteriorate. According to analysis by Classic Boat Magazine, the hull’s deep V-sections forward allow it to part head seas without the jarring "slamming" common in modern flat-bottomed designs.

Under sail, the Vertue is renowned for its ability to track straight for extended periods, often requiring little more than a trimmed sheet to maintain a course. This "self-steering" quality was a critical factor in its success as a single-handed voyager. While it excels in a blow, the Vertue is not a light-airs specialist; its significant wetted surface area means it can feel sluggish in winds below 8-10 knots. However, the high-aspect sail plan provides enough drive to keep the boat moving in moderate breezes, and the helm remains balanced and communicative throughout the wind range.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of a Vertue is an exercise in maritime efficiency. Given the narrow beam and short waterline, the layout is traditionally focused on the needs of two sailors. Most variants feature two full-length settee berths in the main saloon, a compact galley, and a chart table positioned near the companionway for easy access to the cockpit. The headroom is surprisingly generous for a 25-foot boat, achieved through a stepped coachroof that has become a visual signature of the class.

Variations of the design are significant. The original "Andrillot" style featured a shorter coachroof, while the later "Ocean" Vertue—optimized for long-distance cruising—incorporated a more robust, extended coachroof to increase interior volume and protection. In the 1970s, the design was adapted for GRP construction as the Vertue II by Bossoms Boatyard. These GRP versions, while maintaining the iconic hull lines, offered a more standardized interior and reduced maintenance requirements. Another variation is the "Vertue III," which occasionally appears in custom builds with slightly modified stern treatments or modernized rig configurations.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Vertue’s cultural footprint is dominated by the exploits of legendary sailors. Humphrey Barton’s 1950 voyage from England to New York in Vertue XXXV is perhaps the most famous, documented in his classic book, Vertue XXXV. This journey proved that a small, well-designed yacht could survive a North Atlantic hurricane. The model gained further fame during the 1960 Singlehanded Trans-Atlantic Race (OSTAR), where David Lewis campaigned Cardinal Vertue. The design is frequently cited in editorial retrospectives by Yachting Monthly as a benchmark for small-boat seaworthiness.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners must distinguish between the maintenance needs of the original timber hulls and the later GRP models.

1. Keel Bolt Corrosion: In older wooden Vertues, the wrought iron or steel keel bolts are often past their service life and require careful inspection or replacement to prevent structural failure.
2. Fastening Integrity: For carvel-built hulls, "nail sickness" or the degradation of copper/bronze fastenings can lead to plank movement. Buyers should look for evidence of weeping at the seams or loose bungs.
3. Deck-to-Hull Joint: On GRP Vertue II models, the joint between the deck and hull should be inspected for leaks, which can lead to localized delamination or damage to the interior woodwork.
4. Mast Step and Chainplates: The wooden masts on traditional Vertues are prone to rot at the base if freshwater is allowed to pool. Similarly, the chainplates should be checked for signs of movement against the hull frames, which can indicate structural fatigue from heavy offshore use.

Community & Resources

The legacy of the design is meticulously preserved by the Vertue Owners Association, which serves as a central repository for the class registry, technical drawings, and historical archives. This association is the primary resource for owners seeking to maintain the historical accuracy of their vessels or connect with other Vertue sailors globally.

The Verdict

The Laurent Giles Vertue remains the gold standard for traditionalists who value seaworthiness and classic aesthetics over modern interior volume. It is a boat that inspires confidence in the open ocean but requires a dedicated caretaker.

Pros:

• Legendary seaworthiness and heavy weather capability.
• Exceptional tracking and balance under sail.
• Timeless design with high resale value among enthusiasts.

Cons:

• High maintenance requirements for wooden variants.
• Limited interior space compared to modern 25-foot cruisers.
• Modest performance in light wind conditions.