Samphire 26 Information, Review, Specs

The Samphire 26 began production in 1975, emerging from the United Kingdom-based North Sea Craft builder. North Sea Craft established itself in the mid-1970s, recognized for its robust, traditionally styled fiberglass yachts. The company's ethos during this period was to skillfully translate classic yacht lines into modern GRP construction, emphasizing seaworthiness and characterful vessels.

The consistent hand behind the Samphire designs was naval architect David M. Cannell, who is credited with designing the entire Samphire range, including the 23, 26, and 29 models, as well as the Tamarisk range. Cannell's designs for North Sea Craft boats were celebrated for being both fast and seaworthy, embodying a robust and reliable nature. The Samphire 26, like its siblings, features a long keel, a characteristic design choice by Cannell that provides excellent directional stability, aligning with the builder's focus on creating dependable coastal cruisers 2, 3, Builder Article. There is no indication of significant MkI or MkII variations within the Samphire 26 production run, suggesting a consistent design throughout its build.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Samphire 26 is widely regarded for its solid construction and dependable performance, particularly in various sea states. Described as a sea-kindly coastal cruiser, it is known for being capable of handling heavy seas and has received excellent reviews for its seakeeping abilities. Its long keel is a defining feature, contributing significantly to its excellent directional stability, making it a predictable and reliable vessel to handle 2, 3, Builder Article.

While some anecdotal accounts suggest it might be perceived as "slow to sail or motor" compared to more performance-oriented designs, its strength and seaworthiness are consistently praised by those who have experience with the model. Notably, one Samphire 26 successfully completed an Atlantic crossing, underscoring its robust capabilities as an offshore vessel. Its design, which is described as a "Folkboat derivative but chunkier with shorter ends, fuller but shallower keel," suggests a design prioritizing stability and comfort over outright speed.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Samphire 26, while traditionally styled, is designed to provide comfortable accommodation for coastal cruising. Typical layouts often feature around four to five berths, making it suitable for small families or a group of friends. The galley generally includes practical amenities such as a two-burner gas stove with a grill and a sink, often equipped with an electrically pumped water system.

Owners note that the design incorporates a "higher coachroof so better headroom," which enhances comfort below deck, especially for a boat of its size. While some describe the layout as "old fashioned" and potentially restricting usable space, the overall finish quality is consistent with North Sea Craft's reputation for sturdy construction, with the hull and deck primarily built from solid fiberglass.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Samphire 26 consistently commend its solid construction and robust build quality. The enduring popularity of these vessels on the used market, decades after their initial production, serves as a testament to their durability and the quality of their construction. Many owners praise its excellent seakeeping abilities and its reliable, sea-kindly motion, even in challenging conditions. The long keel is frequently cited as a major asset, providing superb directional stability that makes for a comfortable and predictable ride.

However, some common observations include the layout being somewhat traditional, which might limit usable space by modern standards. Additionally, while robust, some owners have noted that the Samphire 26 can be "slow to sail or motor," indicating that speed is not its primary attribute. A potential maintenance consideration, common to many boats of its era, is the presence of balsa-cored decks, which if not properly maintained, could be susceptible to issues over time. Despite these points, the strong sense of community among Samphire owners highlights their appreciation for these enduring GRP classics.