Nordborg 26 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Nordborg 26 began its production run in 1977, emerging from the Nordborg Baadebyggeri A/S shipyard in Nordborg, Denmark. The builder, established in 1937, transitioned from crafting small wooden boats to embracing modern fiberglass construction for its yacht range, a shift exemplified by models like the Nordborg 26 and later, the Nordborg 33. Peter Roos, the designer behind the Nordborg 26, is known for his practical and performance-oriented designs, which align with Nordborg's philosophy of blending performance, stability, and comfortable cruising, 3, 5, 7]. The shipyard aimed to produce vessels with "finest Danish boat building skills" and "classic lines," attributes clearly visible in the Nordborg 26. While specific design philosophies for the Nordborg 26 point to a slightly more speedy hull design, the emphasis remained on stability and stiffness. During its production, the Nordborg 26 consistently maintained its masthead sloop rig, with no widely noted significant variations such as MkI/MkII versions or tall rig options found in common records.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a reported sail area of 279 square feet and a displacement of 5,512 pounds, the Nordborg 26 is characterized as a moderate-weight sailboat. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 14.36 suggests that it is not optimized for extreme light-air performance, instead offering a more balanced and manageable sail plan. However, its impressive Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.48, with 2,646 pounds of iron ballast in its fin keel, indicates a remarkably stiff and stable boat. This high ballast ratio contributes significantly to its excellent righting capability, making it well-suited to standing up to stronger winds and providing a secure feel on the water. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 217.5 places it firmly in the category of a moderate-displacement cruiser, capable of comfortable passage-making without sacrificing too much speed. Owners and reviewers consistently describe the Nordborg 26 as very stable and stiff, possessing good righting capability, though some sources note it is "slightly under powered" in certain conditions. Its fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder likely contributes to its tracking stability and reliable handling.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Nordborg 26, particularly for a boat of its 26-foot length overall, is designed for practical cruising. It typically features five berths, accommodating a small crew or family for overnight stays. The boat is equipped with a galley, and it has a fresh water capacity of 16 gallons. A hallmark of Nordborg's construction ethos, the interior is often finished with mahogany, a hardwood known for its water-repellent and decay-resistant properties, contributing to the boat's enduring quality and classic aesthetic. While specific headroom figures are not consistently documented across all sources, for a vessel of this size from its era, standing headroom would likely be limited, particularly away from the main companionway. The overall layout emphasizes efficient use of space to maximize living and sleeping areas within its compact hull.