Sandstream 26 Information, Review, Specs

Sandstream Yachts, though having a brief production period, distinguished itself by collaborating with respected European naval architects, including E. G. Van de Stadt and Maurice Edel. While specific design credits for the Sandstream 26 are not detailed, its creation aligns with Sandstream's goal of bringing thoughtfully designed fiberglass yachts to the North American market.

History and Design

The production of the Sandstream 26 commenced in 1987. Sandstream Yachts, operating from 1983, aimed to craft sailing vessels by leveraging external design expertise and prevalent fiberglass construction techniques of the era. E. G. Van de Stadt, a prominent Dutch yacht designer, was known for designs that blended speed, comfort, safety, and quality, often pushing performance boundaries while maintaining practical usability. Maurice Edel, a French designer, was noted for his pioneering work with polyester boats, a material central to fiberglass construction. The Sandstream 26, as a "Canadian-built sailboat," represented a domestic design focus for the builder, rather than a direct rendition of an existing foreign model like the Sandstream 665. Available records do not indicate significant design variations or marks (e.g., MkI, MkII) during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 26.0 feet and a waterline length of 24.5 feet, the Sandstream 26 is designed to offer a balance of performance and manageability. She is equipped with a masthead sloop rig, providing a straightforward sail plan common for cruisers of her size. Power is typically supplied by an 8 horsepower Yanmar diesel engine.

The Sandstream 26 features a fin keel and a spade rudder. A fin keel is generally recognized for providing splendid maneuverability, though it may offer less directional stability compared to a longer keel. The spade rudder complements the fin keel, contributing to the boat's responsiveness at the helm. With a maximum draft of 3.9 feet, the Sandstream 26 possesses a relatively shallow draft for its size, which can be advantageous for accessing shallower anchorages or entering marinas with depth restrictions. The theoretical hull speed for the Sandstream 26 is calculated at 6.63 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Sandstream 26 are not widely documented, the designers of the boat appear to have aimed for a more spacious hull design relative to its size. As a 26-foot monohull primarily intended for cruising, the interior layout typically features a functional arrangement for overnight stays and coastal adventures. Common configurations for boats of this size and era often include a V-berth forward for sleeping, a main salon area with settees that may convert into additional berths, a compact galley for basic meal preparation, and an enclosed head compartment. The design emphasis on a "spacy hull" suggests efforts to maximize the usable volume below decks, enhancing comfort for its crew during extended periods aboard.