Contessa 26 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Contessa 26 can be traced back to 1965, stemming from discussions between British boatbuilder Jeremy Rogers, known for his work with wooden Folkboats, and David Sadler, one of his customers. Their vision was to evolve the beloved Folkboat design by incorporating modern fiberglass construction and specific enhancements for improved performance and practicality. The result was the Contessa 26, which made its debut in 1966. Rogers chose Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) for the build, marking a significant transition for his boatyard from traditional wood to fiberglass production. The design maintained the Folkboat's graceful lines, including a low freeboard, narrow beam, and an acutely raked transom, while introducing a masthead rig and a larger genoa to boost racing capabilities. A notable design feature is the long keel, which is cut away at its forward end and has a horizontal base, allowing the boat to dry out upright.

Production of the Contessa 26 spanned from 1965 to 1990. Jeremy Rogers Ltd. in Lymington, England, initially built approximately 350 units until 1977. Following this, the molds were sold to other UK builders for a brief period. Concurrently, in 1969, a separate set of molds was shipped to J.J. Taylor and Sons Ltd. in Toronto, Canada, who built around 400 additional Contessa 26s under license. The Canadian-built boats were initially sold as Contessa 26s, but due to licensing disputes, they were renamed the Taylor 26 from 1984 onwards. While the hull design remained consistent across both UK and Canadian production, there were some notable variations, particularly in later Canadian models. From 1983, J.J. Taylor redesigned the deck molding to allow a greater extension of the coachroof's "hump" into the cabin, aiming to increase headroom, and also added an amidships hatch for improved light and ventilation. Earlier Canadian versions may have used cast iron ballast, with a switch to cast lead in later boats, potentially increasing ballast weight.

Jeremy Rogers Ltd. fostered a reputation for building robust, seaworthy vessels, a philosophy evident in the Contessa 26's construction. The British versions featured solid fiberglass decks, which many owners appreciate for eliminating the risk of core rot common in balsa-cored decks of the era. The hand-laid fiberglass construction often exceeded Lloyd's specifications, with through-hull fittings made of bronze and the hull-deck joint riveted every inch with stainless steel pop rivets, contributing to the boat's durability and resistance to saltwater corrosion.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Contessa 26 is renowned for its exceptional sailing performance and predictable handling, particularly in challenging conditions. Despite her modest dimensions, she has repeatedly proven her mettle in prestigious offshore races, including the Round Britain and Ireland Race and the OSTAR solo transatlantic race. She is described as a "strong, seaworthy vessel" that "sails like a dream and has no real bad habits".

When sailing, the Contessa 26 may heel quickly initially, but she soon stiffens up, capable of carrying a full mainsail in winds up to 20 knots. Her design, which includes a narrow, easily driven hull and a long, cut-away keel paired with a large transom-hung rudder, contributes to her "exceptional windward performance" and ability to track remarkably well. This strong tracking ability makes her particularly well-suited for self-steering systems on long passages. Owners often praise her ability to "cut through the waves" and maintain momentum upwind, even when larger, beamier boats might be stopped dead. While her upwind performance over very long stretches might not be considered "impressive" by some, her ability to survive almost any storm more than compensates.

One characteristic of the Contessa 26 is her low freeboard and narrow beam, which can result in a "wet ride" with spray often covering the deck, particularly in rougher conditions. The cockpit, while comfortably seating four or five adults, is considered by some to be too large for serious bluewater service, and its low self-draining design can lead to water splashing back up through the drains at sea. Maneuvering under power can also present a learning curve due to the size of her rudder, requiring a delicate touch.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Contessa 26, reflecting its emphasis on seaworthiness and sailing over spacious living, offers compact yet functional accommodations. It is often described as feeling "safe, protected, and cocoon-like," suitable for serious sailing rather than extensive entertaining or long-term living aboard. Standing headroom is limited, generally not exceeding 5 feet 8 inches, which can be a consideration for taller individuals.

A fairly standard layout across most models includes a V-berth forward in the bow, serving as the primary sleeping area. Aft of the V-berth, the head compartment is typically located to starboard, which in later models became a small, enclosed space with a folding teak door and deck vent (earlier models sometimes had the head in the forecabin). To port, there is often a hanging locker. The main saloon features a small galley to port, equipped with a stainless steel sink, a freshwater pump, and often an optional two-burner stove. Opposite the galley, to starboard, is a chart table that typically tops a foam-insulated icebox. Further aft, quarterberths are situated to port and starboard, providing additional sleeping capacity. Despite the narrow beam, these berths are generally over six feet long.

Regarding finish and materials, the Contessa 26 typically features quality materials, with a tasteful use of teak trim to impart warmth without making the interior feel overly closed in. Later Canadian models sometimes boasted a teak and holly cabin sole. Original ventilation could be limited, with some owners noting poor air circulation. The unique "bubble" companionway entrance, which replaced a traditional sliding hatch to enhance structural integrity and watertightness in offshore conditions, also meant less overhead light and air initially. However, later Canadian versions addressed this by adding an amidships hatch to improve light and ventilation. Storage space is considered considerable for a boat of this size.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Contessa 26 consistently express fierce loyalty to the design, often highlighting its primary design features of strength, stability, and seaworthiness as key reasons for their appreciation. Many praise its solid construction and the secure feeling it instills, particularly when tackling rough conditions. The boat's ability to be single-handed effectively is a recurring strength mentioned by owners, making it a popular choice for adventurers seeking to sail anywhere in any weather. Its performance in heavy weather, with some likening its motion to "slicing through waves smoothly and powerfully" or floating "like a cork" under bare poles, contributes to its "bluewater cruiser" reputation. Owners also value its classic aesthetics and the active, supportive community surrounding the model.

Despite its many virtues, owners frequently point out a few common issues and areas for improvement. Engine access, often gained by removing the cockpit floor, can be inconvenient, especially in rough weather, making routine maintenance challenging. The original deck fittings, particularly chainplates, may be prone to developing leaks over time, requiring re-bedding or inspection. Some owners note that the self-draining cockpit's low design can lead to water splashing back up the drains at sea. The lack of standing headroom is a widely acknowledged compromise, and some find the cabin can feel cramped and quickly cluttered if not meticulously organized. Additionally, earlier auxiliary engines like the Petter or Faryman can be difficult to maintain due to parts availability, leading many owners to repower with more modern diesels like Yanmars. The low freeboard, while contributing to the boat's classic appearance, can lead to a "wet ride" in choppy seas, with spray frequently coming over the deck. However, most of these concerns are seen as relatively minor and often addressable through creative solutions or refits, reinforcing the Contessa 26's status as a highly capable and cherished small cruising boat.