CONTESSA 26
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 25.5 ft |
| LWL | 20 ft |
| Beam | 7.5 ft |
| Draft | 4 ft |
| Displacement | 5,400 lb |
| Ballast | 2,299.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 29 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 8.99 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 24.02 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 8.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 9 ft |
| Mainsail | 102.04 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 130.46 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 221.9 sq ft |
| SA total | 102.04 sq ft |
Engine
| Yanmar | 1GM7.5 hpSee all 58 parts → |
| Beta Marine | Beta 1414 hpSee all 355 parts → |
| Bukh | DV1010 hpSee all 22 parts → |
| Yanmar | 1GM109 hpSee all 53 parts → |
| Yanmar | 2GM2018 hpSee all 31 parts → |
About the CONTESSA 26
The CONTESSA 26 was first built in England by Jeremy Rogers Ltd. A year or so later, molds were shipped to J.J. Taylor and Sons Ltd. of Canada. In 1983, a number of modifications were made to the Canadian version. with deck and interior significantly re-designed. Standard aux. power was 6.6 hp Peter gas engine. For later boats, a Farryman diesel was offered as an option. In 1984, the Canadian version was renamed the TAYLOR 26 because of licencing disputes, even though, construction of the CONTESSA 26 in the UK ceased not long afterward when a fire destroyed the the original molds. About 400 CONTESSA and TAYLOR 26s were built in Canada, with the last boat delivered in 1990. Thanks to Jeremy Rogers Ltd. for providing information on all Contessa models. Photo courtesy of Adam Hunt.
Designed by David Sadler and built by Jeremy Rogers, the Contessa 26 is a classic British cruiser with 750 hulls produced between 1965 and 1990. Its reputation for seaworthiness is tempered by widespread reports of structural degradation, particularly in the deck core and keel sump.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and bluewater adventurers who prioritize offshore capability over interior volume and are prepared for significant, ongoing maintenance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 5400.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.71, the Contessa 26 is highly regarded for offshore safety, provided the critical structural integrity of the keel and deck is verified.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to the Hallberg-Rassy 35 and Oyster 36 due to its heavy displacement and full keel design, though it is significantly smaller and more affordable.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.6 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 5.3 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 5.6 |
| 60° | 3.8 | 4.6 | 5.2 | 5.5 | 5.7 | 5.8 | 5.9 |
| 75° | 4.0 | 4.8 | 5.4 | 5.7 | 5.9 | 6.0 | 6.2 |
| 90° | 4.2 | 5.1 | 5.7 | 5.9 | 6.0 | 6.1 | 6.4 |
| 110° | 4.3 | 5.3 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.7 |
| 120° | 4.2 | 5.1 | 5.7 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 7.0 |
| 135° | 3.8 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 7.0 |
| 150° | 3.3 | 4.1 | 4.9 | 5.6 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.7 |
| Beat VMG | 2.3 | 2.8 | 3.2 | 3.5 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.8 |
| Run VMG | 2.8 | 3.6 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 5.5 | 5.8 | 6.3 |
Liveaboard Score
How suitable the CONTESSA 26is for living aboard full-time, by crew. “Not recommended” means the design is too cramped for that crew — not just short on length.
- ✓Affordable to own & maintain
- ✓Sea-kindly & settled at anchor
- ✓Shoal draft — easy anchoring & outdoor living
- !Basic sanitation & poor ventilation
- !Cramped interior / low headroom
Images
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
6 listings · boat years 1972–1980 · median $10,953
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 25.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
25 reported issues across 9 systems for the CONTESSA 26, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTESSA 26? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 25 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Engine Parts & Maintenance
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Used sails that fit the CONTESSA 26
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