Pegasus 800 Information, Review, Specs

This 26-foot masthead sloop, with its attractive profile and well-finished interior, served as a valuable resource for sailing enthusiasts, appealing to both seasoned sailors and those new to yacht ownership. Her design philosophy aimed to strike a balance between manageable sailing performance and a comfortable cruising experience, making her a enduring presence in the UK sailing community.

The Pegasus 800 entered production in 1978, a product of Rydgeway Marine Ltd., a company founded by Gordon Harris and Kevin Taylor in 1968. Rydgeway Marine quickly embraced fiberglass construction, a strategic move that allowed for consistent production and reduced maintenance for owners, aligning with their vision to create accessible and capable sailing yachts for the growing leisure marine market. Co-founder Gordon Harris, with a background in dinghy design, personally helmed the design of the Pegasus 800, bringing a focus on good sailing characteristics and efficient layouts to the model. The builder article highlights Rydgeway Marine's reputation for practical, well-built fiberglass yachts particularly suited for the diverse conditions of British waterways, including the shallow Norfolk Broads, as well as coastal cruising. The Pegasus 800 was derived, in part, from E. G. van de Stadt's original Trotter Pandora, indicating a lineage of thoughtful design. Production by Rydgeway Marine continued into the early 1990s, with later models also being built by Pegasus Yachts.

One of the notable design features of the Pegasus 800 was its versatility in keel configuration, with both lifting and bilge keel versions available, alongside options for fin and wing keels, catering to varying sailing grounds and owner preferences. This adaptability made the Pegasus 800 suitable for shallow waters and tidal moorings, further enhancing its appeal as a practical cruiser.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Pegasus 800, with a sail area of 367 sq ft, displaces 4408 lbs. Interpreting its key performance ratios reveals much about its sailing characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 21.86, the Pegasus 800 suggests a boat that is relatively well-powered for its displacement, indicating good performance in lighter winds while still being manageable when the breeze picks up.

The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of approximately 0.426 signifies a good level of stiffness and stability. This high ratio suggests the Pegasus 800 is capable of standing up to a fair amount of wind, providing a secure and comfortable motion in a seaway, a desirable trait for a cruising yacht. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, at approximately 476, classifies the Pegasus 800 as a heavy displacement cruiser. This indicates a solid, sea-kindly vessel that will offer a comfortable ride in choppy conditions, though it might not be the quickest in very light air or when sailing against strong currents. Owners have generally praised the Pegasus 800's pleasant sailing manners.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of 25.75 feet, the Pegasus 800 was designed with an emphasis on a comfortable and well-finished interior. The builder article notes its "well-finished interior," a characteristic often highlighted in reviews. While specific headroom figures are not readily available in the provided data, a 1989 model was noted to feature a separate heads compartment, a significant convenience for a yacht of this size.

The typical layout of a Pegasus 800 often includes a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees that can convert to berths, a galley area, and a navigation station or quarter berth. The attention to detail in the interior finishing, likely incorporating wood trim and practical fiberglass mouldings, contributed to a sense of warmth and durability. The design aimed to maximize usable space, providing adequate storage for cruising essentials and sufficient ventilation for comfort in various climates.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Pegasus 800 generally hold their boats in high regard, often praising their solid construction and practical design for coastal and inland cruising. The active community among Pegasus 800 owners, often found discussing their experiences on online forums, attests to the boat's enduring appeal.

One commonly noted strength is the boat's stable and comfortable motion under sail, with many owners appreciating its predictable handling. The availability of different keel types, particularly the bilge and lifting keel options, is also frequently lauded for allowing access to shallower anchorages and drying out on tidal moorings. Discussions among owners sometimes touch upon handling characteristics, with one owner noting a tendency for the boat to come into the wind too easily when sailing close-hauled, which could indicate a degree of weather helm or sensitivity to sail trim. Overall, the Pegasus 800 is viewed as a capable, well-built, and enjoyable small cruiser that continues to provide reliable sailing for its owners decades after its initial production.