New Horizons 26 Information, Review, Specs

The New Horizons 26, originally promoted as the "New Horizons 25," began production in 1958, with approximately 175 units built. This vessel holds a significant place in yachting history as Sparkman & Stephens' first production sailboat designed entirely in fiberglass. Ray Greene & Co. was a perfect fit for this project, as Raymond P. Greene was a pioneer in the field, credited with building the very first fiberglass boat hull in 1942. The company's ethos during this era emphasized practical, durable designs, and their collaboration with renowned naval architects like Sparkman & Stephens was key to their success. A forward-thinking aspect of the New Horizons 26 was the extensive use of molded fiberglass for interior components, a practice that was uncommon in boatbuilding for many years.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The New Horizons 26 is characterized as a moderate-weight sailboat offering reasonably good performance. Its design as a masthead sloop, combined with a centerboard keel, provides versatility in various sailing conditions. The centerboard allows for a shallower draft of 3.0 feet with the board retracted, ideal for exploring thin waters, while extending it to 6.42 feet enhances upwind performance and stability. The boat is noted for being reasonably stable and stiff, possessing excellent righting capability. These design elements suggest a comfortable motion in a seaway, making it suitable for coastal cruising and potentially light offshore ventures.

Accommodations and Layout

Designed as a small cruiser, the New Horizons 26 features an interior optimized for its size, offering basic amenities necessary for weekending and coastal voyages. Ray Greene & Co. was innovative in its use of materials, extensively utilizing molded fiberglass for many interior components, a practice that was ahead of its time in the late 1950s. While specific detailed layouts are not widely documented, a vessel of this size and era would typically include V-berths forward for sleeping, a convertible dinette or settees in the main salon, a small galley area for meal preparation, and a marine head. The use of molded fiberglass likely contributed to a durable and easily maintained interior, a practical choice for a cruising sailboat.