Edel 760 (740) Information, Review, Specs

As one of Edel's smaller offerings, the 760 reflects the company's reputation for producing robust and functional yachts rather than high-end luxury vessels. While relatively few of this particular model were produced compared to some of Edel's more iconic boats, it represents a continuation of their commitment to making sailing accessible through innovative fiberglass techniques during an era of significant growth in recreational boating.

History and Design

The Edel 760 (740) commenced production in 1980, emerging from the shipyards of Edel Yachts, a company founded by Maurice and Pierre Edel around 1956. Maurice Edel, a key figure in the company, is widely credited with foreseeing the potential of fiberglass in boat building and was likely involved in the design of the 760, consistent with his design contributions to other Edel monohulls such as the Edel 820, also released in 1980. The builder's ethos at the time focused on crafting practical, reliable, and often trailerable sailboats, making yacht ownership achievable for a broader audience.

The 760 features a fin keel and a fractional sloop rig, a common configuration for performance and ease of handling in boats of this size. Despite the company's eventual diversification into multihulls in 1981, the Edel 760 remained a testament to their monohull design principles. While the specific end year for the 760's production is not definitively documented, Edel Yachts continued manufacturing sailing vessels until 1995.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Edel 760 (740) is characterized as a moderate weight sailboat with a reported hull speed of 6.07 knots. While considered "underpowered," suggesting it may require a decent breeze to truly come alive, it is also described as "reasonably stable" and "stiff," indicating a solid feel on the water. Its fin keel contributes to its sailing performance, offering good lateral resistance and allowing it to point well to windward.

Anecdotal descriptions suggest the 760 is best suited for coastal and lake sailing, where its moderate displacement and responsive fractional rig make for an enjoyable experience. Its comfort ratio, calculated at 16.74, places it slightly below average for similar designs, yet it is considered more comfortable than approximately 31% of comparable sailboats, implying a reasonable level of comfort for its size during typical conditions. Owners can generally expect predictable handling characteristics, aligning with Edel's design philosophy of building functional and practical boats.

Accommodations and Layout

Although specific interior details are limited in available data, the Edel 760 (740) was designed with a focus on maximizing interior volume for its length. Reviews suggest it offers more interior space than 62% of similar sailboat designs, pointing to a thoughtful layout aimed at enhancing liveability within its compact footprint.

Given its dimensions, a 26-foot sailboat from this era would typically feature a functional, if modest, interior. This would likely include sleeping accommodations in a V-berth forward, a convertible dinette or settee in the main salon, a small galley area, and potentially an enclosed head compartment. The emphasis on practicality, a hallmark of Edel designs, suggests that the interior would prioritize functionality and efficient use of space, likely utilizing fiberglass moldings complemented by some wood trim, typical of production boats of the 1980s. While detailed headroom figures are not specified, the general design philosophy implies a design that optimizes perceived and actual interior volume for its class.