GREAT HARBOR 26

About the GREAT HARBOR 26

Available as a Daysailer (larger cockpit) or Weekender (more room below... two quarter berths, a V berth, an enclosed head and a midship galley). Hull #1 was a Weekender and originally built as a one-off. The photo above is of a Daysailer. With hull #5, Hinckley changed to a Nanni 2.10 engine. Also available with a fixed keel.

The Great Harbor 26 is a rare, lightweight fractional sloop designed by Bill Cook Yacht Design and built by Hank Hinckley Boat Builders. With only 6 hulls built in 1996, this model represents a very limited production run of a performance-oriented coastal cruiser.

Best for:

This boat suits experienced sailors seeking a responsive, lightweight day-sailer or coastal cruiser who prioritize sailing performance over heavy offshore comfort. Its low displacement and high sail area-to-displacement ratio make it ideal for short-handed sailing in protected waters.

Bluewater capability:

With a low displacement of 3625.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 16.3, this boat is not well-suited for heavy offshore passages, favoring instead protected coastal cruising where its light weight provides superior speed.

Comparables:

Comparable boats include the O'Day 26 and Pearson 26, which share similar length and coastal cruising roles, though the Great Harbor 26 distinguishes itself with a significantly lighter displacement and modern fractional rig. It also compares to early 1990s performance cruisers like the Beneteh First 26, offering similar agility.