Evelyn 26 Information, Review, Specs

The Evelyn 26 began production in 1980, built by Formula Yachts, a company founded by Robert Evelyn in 1979, which operated until 1985. Evelyn, a notable figure in the marine industry with a background as a design engineer at Electric Boat, applied his superior knowledge of hull shapes and NACA foils to his sailboat designs, ensuring a direct translation of his performance-oriented principles into the finished product. The core design ethos emphasized light displacement, efficient hull forms, and weight minimization to achieve high performance on the water, aligning with the prevalent racer-cruiser trends of the era.

During its production run, the Evelyn 26 was offered with variations, including both fin keel and lifting keel configurations. Notably, a flush deck lifting keel version, known as the Evelyn 26 FD, was also built in limited numbers—approximately five—and was considered an earlier, more performance-oriented variant. While the standard rigging for the Evelyn 26 was a fractional sloop, a masthead rig option was available exclusively for fin keel versions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Evelyn 26 was specifically engineered for speed, a characteristic evident in its design ratios and handling. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 20.13, the boat exhibits excellent light-air performance, allowing it to move efficiently even in lighter winds. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of about 188.66 classifies it as a lighter, performance-oriented vessel, consistent with Robert Evelyn's design philosophy. The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 33.3% indicates moderate stiffness, providing a balanced feel at the helm.

Owners frequently praise the Evelyn 26 for its responsiveness and agility, often configured with racing necessities such as a bendy mast with adjustable backstay, mainsheet tweakers, boom vang, and cunningham. The generous sail plan further contributes to its noted excellent light-air performance. The boat has a history of performing well in races, reflecting its design as a capable racer-cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications on interior headroom are not commonly listed, the Evelyn 26 is described as having an open, airy, and well-ventilated interior, typical of a performance-oriented 26-foot racer-cruiser. The layout generally includes a cabin house, providing basic amenities for cruising. Given its emphasis on sailing performance, the interior is likely functional and efficient, making good use of the available space for weekend cruising or short offshore trips.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Evelyn 26 consistently highlight its robust sailing performance and speed as key strengths, often noting its ability to perform well in PHRF races and achieve line honors. The boat's design for speed and its responsiveness are frequently commended.

Regarding common issues, some owners of the lifting keel version have reported challenges with the cabin top where the daggerboard hangs. Additionally, as with many boats of its vintage, routine maintenance needs like rewiring may arise over time. Despite these potential maintenance considerations, the Evelyn 26 maintains a respected presence in the sailing community for its solid construction and enjoyable sailing characteristics.