Kells 26 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Kells 26 began its production run in 1973, a period when its builder, Kells Corp., was actively engaged in fiberglass sailboat manufacturing under the leadership of Raymond F. Kells. Drawing on his extensive background in the marine industry, including his tenure as national sales manager for Bristol Yachts, Raymond Kells embraced fiberglass construction, a material that had become the industry standard for its durability and reduced maintenance requirements. Kells Corp. established a reputation for producing relatively compact and practical fiberglass sailboats, primarily targeting the recreational sailing market. The Kells 26, with its design by Paul A. Lindh, was part of this ethos. While specific design philosophies from Lindh for this model are not extensively documented, the Kells 26 was noted for potentially offering a "spacy" hull design compared to many contemporary sailboats of similar length, suggesting an emphasis on interior volume and comfort for its size. Information regarding significant variations in its design or production, such as MkI or MkII versions, is not widely available, reinforcing the notion that its actual production numbers, if any, were very limited.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a reported sail area of 276 square feet and a displacement of 6,000 pounds, the Kells 26 exhibits a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 13.35. This relatively low figure suggests that the Kells 26 would likely be a moderate performer in light air conditions, potentially requiring stronger breezes to achieve its full potential. The ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at around 36.67% (2,200 lbs of lead ballast in a 6,000 lb displacement). While offering a reasonable level of stability, this ratio indicates that the boat, while capable, might not be exceptionally stiff in heavy weather compared to vessels designed for more extreme offshore conditions.

Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at approximately 243.17, places the Kells 26 in the moderate-to-heavy displacement category. This suggests a boat built for robustness and a comfortable motion rather than outright speed, aligning with its intended purpose as a coastal cruiser. The reported hull speed for the Kells 26 is 6.32 knots. Furthermore, its Comfort Ratio is listed as 22.45, and the Capsize Screening Formula result is 1.91, both suggesting a design that prioritizes stability and crew comfort, particularly in challenging seas. While specific anecdotal accounts of its handling are scarce due to its potential rarity, these ratios paint a picture of a steady and predictable performer, well-suited for coastal voyages.

Accommodations and Layout

Detailed information regarding the Kells 26's interior accommodations and layout is not readily available, largely owing to the uncertainty surrounding its actual production numbers. However, the design was noted for a slightly more voluminous hull compared to some similar sailboats, indicating a possible intention by designer Paul A. Lindh to maximize interior space. Typically, sailboats of this length (25.58 feet overall) from the 1970s often featured a V-berth forward, a small head compartment, a compact galley, and a saloon with opposing settees that could convert into berths. Given the boat's coastal cruiser designation, one could anticipate a layout designed for weekend trips and short cruising, emphasizing essential amenities within its compact footprint. Without specific production models to examine, further details on finish quality, materials, or specific storage solutions remain speculative.