Tripp 26 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Tripp 26 commenced in 1990 under the meticulous craftsmanship of Carroll Marine, a builder renowned for its dedication to high-performance sailing yachts 5, 10, Builder Article. Carroll Marine, established in 1984 by Janice and Barry Carroll, quickly became synonymous with speed, efficiency, and robust construction, often integrating advanced materials and innovative techniques. William H. Tripp III, the boat's designer, had risen to prominence in the IMS world, known for his ability to craft powerful hull shapes combined with generous sail plans. His design philosophy for the Tripp 26 aimed to create a highly functional and responsive sailing machine, marrying a clean hull form with substantial horsepower. Carroll Marine produced more than 35 Tripp 26 models before Mark DaPonte took over subsequent production. The builder's commitment to collaborating with distinguished naval architects like Tripp was a cornerstone of their success, ensuring that their yachts were not only fast but also aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tripp 26 is characterized by sailing performance that lives up to its designer's and builder's reputations. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 28.19, she boasts an exceptionally powerful sail plan for her size, indicating excellent responsiveness and brisk performance, particularly in lighter air. This large sail area, coupled with a shallow hull, contributes significantly to the boat's speed potential. The ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.37, combined with a robust E-glass hull layup with Baltek coring, provides a good level of stiffness. This allows the Tripp 26 to stand up well to its generous rig, making it responsive in light breezes yet stable enough to be considered a capable performer in more varied conditions. Its displacement to length ratio of approximately 253.56 places it in the moderately light to medium-displacement category, aligning with its design as a performance-oriented vessel that is neither an ultralight sportboat nor a heavy cruiser. Owners and reviewers often describe the Tripp 26 as fun to sail and responsive, a "grand prix speed in a trailerable" package that handles well, with the mainsheet conveniently placed for the helmsman.

Accommodations and Layout

While performance was paramount in the design of the Tripp 26, the interior accommodations are designed to be functional and adequate for its intended use. Although specific headroom measurements are not detailed, the layout is described as suitable for an overnight race crew or short weekend trips rather than extended family cruising. Compared to other sailboats of similar size, the Tripp 26 is noted to have a slightly more spacious hull design. Typically, the interior would feature basic sleeping arrangements such as a V-berth forward, a simple head, and a main salon area that provides seating and space for gear. Given Carroll Marine's focus on robust construction, the interior finish would likely be practical and durable, prioritizing utility over luxurious appointments, consistent with a performance-oriented boat of its era. Small capacities for water (2 gallons) and fuel (3 gallons) further underscore its design as a fast daysailer or weekender with auxiliary power, rather than a long-distance cruiser.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Tripp 26 frequently praise its solid construction, a hallmark of Carroll Marine's build quality, and its exhilarating sailing characteristics. The boat's responsiveness in light winds and its ability to handle varied conditions with stability are commonly highlighted strengths. Many owners appreciate its competitive edge in racing and the overall enjoyment derived from its performance-driven design. Forum discussions among owners often revolve around the boat's enduring appeal as a capable and engaging sailboat. While specific common weaknesses or maintenance issues are not widely documented in general reviews, the robust build quality typically means that well-maintained examples continue to offer reliable performance on the used boat market.