Nicholson 26 Information, Review, Specs

The search results provide good information.

• Designer: Camper & Nicholson (the design bureau).
• Builder: Halmatic Ltd. (built by Halmatic, designed by C&N). This is an important distinction to make. The provided uses builder_slug: "camper-nicholson", but search results indicate built in fiberglass by Halmatic Ltd. since 1968. The builder article is about Camper & Nicholsons themselves. I should clarify this in the introduction and history.
• Production: Started 1968, 64 units built. Some sources say less than 100. production_end_year is null in, but one result mentions the Nicholson 27 (a different boat) production stopped in 1980, so for the 26, it's likely a relatively short run.
• Keel: Long keel with transom hung rudder. Encapsulated ballast keel.
• Performance: Described as "strong, sturdy sail", "good directional stability", "Folkboat-style weatherliness and performance", "good sailing performance". High comfort ratio (47.0-47.25). Sail-area/displacement ratio is around 10.22 or 18.06 (from sailboatdata, but this is likely SA/D^2/3, not SA/D, so I'll be careful here as the prompt asks for SA/D and then mentions values >18). Given the size, I'll avoid explicit ratio values in the main text as per instructions.
• Ballast: The states ballast_lbs: null. Search results confirm "encapsulated ballast keel" but some show Ballast, 0 lbs, which is clearly incorrect. Other sources mention "ballast ratio of 55%" for a similar boat in the Folkboat's moderate displacement camp. This implies a significant ballast amount. SailboatData itself says "A Ballast/Displacement ratio of 40 or more translates into a stiffer, more stable boat" for the N26, suggesting it does have significant ballast, despite the null/0 values in some snippets. I'll describe it qualitatively as having significant encapsulated ballast.
• Interior: "typical interior arrangement (e.g., V-berth, head, salon, galley, quarter berths)" (from prompt). Search suggests "galley and chart table aft, heads amidships and V-berth forepeak", "2 Burner Gas Hob; Sink with fresh water pump tap; Bench seating". Also described as "fully functional layout" and "adequate accommodation". The layout is compared to a Bowman's interior, which is helpful.
• Owner Perspectives: "strong, sturdy sail, receiving great reviews from owners". Owners praise "solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway" (general prompt example). "Owners consistently praise its solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway" is a good summary of what is implied by "strong, sturdy sail, receiving great reviews from owners" and "seaworthiness and comfort" of Nicholson designs. Common problems could be engine issues (Beta engine discussions), or issues with the compression post. Legs are not a good idea for beaching.

Given the instruction "If the boat is too small or is a catamaran (say less than 30 feet), do not use ratios as they do not really apply", I will avoid explicitly stating the calculated ratios, but rather interpret the implied characteristics (e.g., displacement, sail area, keel type) qualitatively. The boat is 26.58 ft LOA, so this applies.

I'll clarify the builder situation: designed by Camper & Nicholson, built by Halmatic.

I need to synthesize the information clearly and avoid just listing.

Refinement for Sailing Performance: The N26 has a long keel, which implies good directional stability and a comfortable motion in a seaway, but less maneuverability in tight quarters. Its displacement of 10,280 lbs for its length makes it a solid, heavy displacement boat for its size, contributing to its "sturdy" reputation. The reported sail area of 302 sq ft suggests it's adequately powered for a cruiser of its type. It's often praised for its "Folkboat-style weatherliness and performance".

Refinement for Accommodations: The interior typically features a V-berth forward, a head amidships, and the main salon and galley aft. The galley often includes a two-burner gas hob and a sink with a freshwater pump. It's described as a practical and pleasing layout, offering adequate accommodation for a boat of its size.

Refinement for Owner's Perspectives: Owners generally praise the Nicholson 26 for its robust construction, seaworthiness, and comfortable motion, often describing it as a strong and sturdy vessel. Common discussions among owners revolve around engine maintenance, with some mentioning Beta Marine engines, and occasional issues like compression post corrosion. While it's a capable cruiser, some note that beaching with legs is not recommended due to its design.