Vertue II Information, Review, Specs

The boat is a heavy-displacement "pocket" blue-water cruiser, measuring 25' 8" (7.8m) overall with a displacement of approximately 9,220 lbs (4.1 tons). While the original wooden Vertues were often gaff or Bermudan cutters, the Vertue II is predominantly found as a Bermudan sloop or "slutter" rig, balancing traditional aesthetics with simplified handling for short-handed sailors.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The handling of the Vertue II is defined by its ultra-heavy displacement-to-length ratio, which often exceeds 410, placing it firmly in the category of specialized ocean voyagers rather than coastal racers. This mass, combined with a deep-bodied hull and a traditional long keel, results in a Motion Comfort Ratio of nearly 40. This is an exceptional figure for a vessel of its size, indicating a predictable and "kindly" motion in heavy seas that avoids the violent pitching common in lighter, modern fin-keel designs.

In a review by Yachting Monthly, the design is praised for its ability to "spin on a sixpence" despite its long keel, a feat achieved by the well-judged balance of the underwater profile. While it requires a stiff breeze to overcome its inertia—the sail area-to-displacement ratio is a modest 16.4—once moving, the boat tracks with remarkable tenacity. Owners frequently note that the Vertue II can be balanced to sail herself for long periods with minimal input, making it a favorite for solo circumnavigators. The transom-hung rudder provides direct feedback and is robust enough to withstand the stresses of offshore work.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike many 25-footers that feel cramped, the Vertue II was specifically re-engineered to maximize living volume. The increased beam and raised coachroof provide a surprising 6' 2" of standing headroom in the main saloon, a significant improvement over the original wooden class. The Laurent Giles Archive notes that the design was even adapted for steel construction in some instances, though the GRP Bossoms builds are the most common "Mark II" examples found today.

The standard layout features four berths: a V-berth in the forepeak and two settee berths in the saloon, often equipped with "trotter boxes" to extend sleeping length without sacrificing storage. The interior joinery is typically finished to a high standard in solid teak or mahogany, maintaining the "warm" feel of a classic yacht. Variations exist in the galley configuration, usually located to port of the companionway, and the inclusion of a "Baby Blake" or similar marine toilet located between the saloon and the forepeak. Because these boats were often semi-customized, some owners replaced the forward berths with additional storage for long-range provisioning.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Vertue class carries a cultural footprint far exceeding its physical size. The pedigree was immortalized by Humphrey Barton in his book Vertue XXXV, which detailed an arduous 1950 Atlantic crossing. However, the Vertue II GRP model has its own claim to fame; hull number five, Sparrow, was the vessel used by David and Daniel Hays for their voyage around Cape Horn. Their best-selling book, My Old Man and the Sea, documented the boat's ability to handle the world's most dangerous waters, further cementing the Vertue II’s status as a legitimate "Cape Horner."

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Vertue II with a focus on its structural integrity and aging systems:

• Deck and Core Integrity: Many Vertue II models were fitted with teak-laid decks. If the sealant has failed, moisture can penetrate the GRP laminate or core, leading to expensive delamination issues.
• Rudder Hardware: The transom-hung rudder is a high-load point. Inspect the pintles and gudgeons for signs of wear or stress cracking, particularly on boats that have completed ocean passages.
• Osmosis: While Bossoms builds are generally high-quality, early GRP hulls from the late 1970s should be checked for osmotic blistering, a common trait of resins from that era.
• Rigging and Chainplates: Given the boat’s propensity for heavy-weather sailing, the standing rigging and internal chainplate attachments should be examined for corrosion or "crevice" wear, especially if the boat has been idle.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and history is VertueYachts.com, which acts as an archival resource and modern successor to the original Vertue Owners Association. The site maintains a comprehensive list of known hulls and publishes newsletters that connect owners across the globe. Additionally, the Laurent Giles Archive provides access to original design notes and study plans for those undertaking restorations.

The Verdict

The Vertue II is a purposeful, uncompromising offshore tool that prioritizes safety and sea-kindliness over speed and interior volume. It remains one of the few vessels under 30 feet that a sailor can confidently take across any ocean.

Pros:

• Legendary seaworthiness and a proven "Cape Horn" pedigree.
• Exceptional motion comfort and tracking for a 26-foot boat.
• Surprisingly good headroom (6' 2") for its size class.
• High-quality GRP construction and classic teak aesthetics.

Cons:

• Heavy displacement makes it sluggish in light winds.
• Cockpit and interior space are modest compared to modern 26-foot coastal cruisers.
• Teak decks and traditional hardware require diligent maintenance.