COURIER 26 (SAILSTAR)
Specifications
About the COURIER 26 (SAILSTAR)
Similar to the SAILSTAR 26/BRISTOL 26. Also available with fixed keel. By most accounts, a rare model.
Designed by Halsey Herreshoff and built by Sailstar Boats (USA) from 1966–1968, the Courier 26 is a compact masthead sloop with a displacement of 5500.0 lb. While the exact number of hulls built is unknown, this vessel represents a specific era of American fiberglass construction characterized by Herreshoff's traditional design principles.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a classic, manageable package with a beam of 8.0 ft and a max draft of 5.92 ft. Its comfort ratio of 23.07 suggests it is well-suited for those seeking a stable, motion-moderating ride in protected waters.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.82 and a full/long keel, the Courier 26 offers reasonable offshore stability, though its light displacement and short production run suggest it is better suited for coastal passages than extended bluewater voyaging.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other late-1960s 26-foot fiberglass sloops such as the Pearson 26 or O'Day 26, the Courier 26 shares similar dimensions and a focus on family cruising. It differs from heavier bluewater designs due to its relatively light displacement of 5500.0 lb and lower D/L ratio of 236.02.
Direct variant of the COURIER 26 (SAILSTAR)
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the COURIER 26 (SAILSTAR) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 26ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the COURIER 26 (SAILSTAR)yet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind — but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.
Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.
Own a COURIER 26 (SAILSTAR)? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist — and they're the reason the boats above it have one.
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your COURIER 26 (SAILSTAR)?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Universal — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the COURIER 26 (SAILSTAR)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…