The 260, launched in 1996, is quite a different boat to the 265 that preceded her. With a lifting keel, short, dart-like coachroof and simplified interior, she was a big hit in France but less popular over here, where the fixed keel and ‘offshore’-style interior of the 265 was appreciated. There was no doubting, though, that the 260 was a great boat to sail: fast, responsive and well-balanced. But for family coastal cruising she was, perhaps, a bit of a handful.



The accommodation was perfectly practical with four berths in two cabins separated by a midships heads. There was a small galley aft and an aft-facing chart table. Fit-out was simple but robust, with bright, cheerful décor. The boat remains in production, virtually unchanged, as the 25.7.