Bandholm 26 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Bandholm Yachts commenced its journey in 1961, with Knud Olsen at the helm, driven by a vision to create practical and durable yachts ranging from 20 to 35 feet. The Bandholm 26, entering production in 1963, was among the first generation of designs to emerge from this esteemed builder, reflecting Olsen's distinctive naval architecture. Production of the Bandholm 26 continued through to 1982, with approximately 130 to less than 200 units built during this period.

The company flourished during an era when fiberglass became the material of choice for yacht construction, allowing for consistent quality and enhanced durability. Knud Olsen's design philosophy for Bandholm Yachts emphasized "honest sailing boats with character," a commitment evident in the Bandholm 26's focus on stability, stiffness, and excellent righting capability. True to the brand's identity, the Bandholm 26 features a masthead sloop rig and a fin keel, contributing to its noted stability and tracking abilities.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With an overall length of 26.64 feet and a waterline length of 21.65 feet, the Bandholm 26 offers a balanced blend of spirited performance and comfortable cruising attributes. She displaces 6,173 pounds, with a substantial 2,646 pounds of lead ballast, equating to a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 42.8%. This high ratio is a key indicator of her inherent stiffness and stability, enabling the boat to stand up well to a breeze and providing an excellent righting capability.

Her displacement-to-length ratio, calculated at around 271.69, places her in the category of a moderate to heavy cruiser, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway rather than a lightweight racer. The Bandholm 26 is generally regarded as a reasonably good performer for a moderate-weight sailboat of its size, with a sail area-to-displacement ratio of 17.40. This suggests a capable performer in varying wind conditions, offering a good balance between light-air speed and control in stronger winds. Her fin keel design, coupled with a maximum draft of 4.43 feet, provides good lateral resistance and allows for responsive handling.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts can vary between individual boats due to owner modifications and builder options over its long production run, the Bandholm 26 typically offers a classic layout expected of a 26-foot Danish cruiser from its era. The interior generally provides basic amenities suitable for coastal cruising and overnight stays. Owners can typically expect a V-berth forward for sleeping, a marine head, and a modest salon area. The galley, often positioned to port of the companionway, would typically feature a sink and perhaps a small stove, providing essential facilities for meal preparation.

The craftsmanship, a hallmark of Bandholm Yachts, would likely be evident in the use of traditional marine-grade materials, often including warm wood trim that creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere below deck. Storage, while compact, would be thoughtfully integrated to maximize the available space, catering to the needs of a cruising couple or small family.