The search results provide a lot of useful information to construct the article about the Frances 26.
Key findings from search:
- Designer: Chuck Paine. It was his first successful design, created in 1975 for his own personal use.
- Builders: Primarily Morris Yachts (USA) and Victoria Marine (UK). The lists "Northshore Yachts (UK)" as a builder, and the provided builder article is about Northshore. However, Chuck Paine states "About 35 of them were built by Morris Yachts and 175 by Victoria Marine in the UK, and a very few by Northshore in the UK". Victoria Marine took the Frances hull form and added their own coachroof, deck layout, and interior, marketing it as the Victoria 26. The builder article provided for Northshore mentions building "Vancouver and MG lines" and "Fischer motorsailors" but not the Frances 26 directly. So, it seems Northshore built a "very few" according to Paine, but Morris and Victoria Marine were the main builders.
- Production: Started in 1975. Approximately 200 boats built total. About 100 by Morris Yachts, and 175 by Victoria Marine in the UK.
- Purpose/Reputation: A "proper little yacht", "simple, no frills but well-thought-out and rugged little cruiser", "beautiful", "small sailboat big enough for the world". Designed for fast, simple sailing. Emphasis on comfort, quality, and character.
- Variations: Flush deck and full coachroof versions. Also available with a cutter rig. The Victoria 26 is based on the Frances 26 hull form but with Victoria Marine's own deck and interior.
- Design Philosophy: Chuck Paine considered it an "imperfect, classic design" comparable to an MG TD. He wanted a boat that embodied "everything he knew about the design of efficient cruising vessels of GRP construction". It's a heavy displacement double-ender.
- Sailing Performance & Handling: Described as an "excellent performer" especially with a tall rig and genoa. "Great sailing yacht". Owners praise its handling. Its heavy displacement and long keel suggest a comfortable motion in a seaway, but not a light-air flyer.
- Accommodations/Layout: Open-plan layout. No headlining in some versions, making fastenings accessible. Max headroom is 4.67 ft, but 5.0 ft for the full coachroof version. Interior typically includes V-berth, head, salon, galley (need to confirm with more search). Owners sometimes customize the interior. "Compact but well equipped".
- Owner's Perspectives: Owners express deep affection ("love a boat?"), praising its sailing ability and ruggedness. Some have made significant voyages (Bahamas to Connecticut, Georgia to New Zealand). Common modifications or restorations are mentioned.
Reconciling Builder Information:
The builder_slug is northshore. However, the search results strongly indicate Morris Yachts and Victoria Marine as the primary builders, with Chuck Paine mentioning Northshore built "very few". The provided Northshore article doesn't mention Frances 26. I will mention Morris Yachts and Victoria Marine prominently, and acknowledge Northshore as having built a limited number.
Ratios: As per instructions, since the boat is 26 feet, I will not be using the performance ratios.
I have enough information to proceed with generating the article.