Tartan 26 Information, Review, Specs

The Tartan 26 began production in 1971, with 73 units built before its run concluded in 1973. This period marked a pivotal moment for Tartan Marine, as Charles Britton had recently established the company in 1971 after acquiring the remnants of Douglass & McLeod, ensuring the continuation of the Tartan legacy. During this era, Tartan yachts were recognized for their dedication to fiberglass construction, delivering what the company aimed to be "heirloom quality" vessels known for their robust build and thoughtful design. While specific design philosophies for Tom Norton regarding the Tartan 26 are not widely detailed, the boat's characteristics align with Tartan's broader aim of producing yachts that offered a blend of performance-oriented design and comfortable cruising capabilities. There is no indication of significant variations or mark designations during its relatively short production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tartan 26 exhibits sailing characteristics indicative of a well-balanced cruiser-racer of its time. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 17.0, she possesses enough sail power to perform capably in lighter winds without being overly tender in a breeze. Her ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of approximately 0.44 suggests a good degree of stiffness and stability, enabling the boat to stand up to a fair amount of wind and maintain an upright stance. The displacement to length ratio (Disp/L) of around 203.80 classifies the Tartan 26 as a moderate displacement vessel, striking a balance between light, nimble performance and a more comfortable motion at sea. Her theoretical hull speed is calculated at 6.36 knots. These figures, combined with a Comfort Ratio of 21.38 and a Capsize Screening Formula of 1.85, imply a boat designed for a reasonably comfortable motion in various sea states and a good level of initial stability, suitable for coastal passages and weekend cruising. Tartan Yachts generally aimed for "superior handling and performance," a philosophy likely reflected in the Tartan 26's design.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout of the original Tartan 26 (1971-1973) is limited in publicly available records. However, as a "cabin boat for cruising/racing," it would typically feature a functional interior designed to provide basic overnighting and shelter capabilities for its size. Boats of this vintage commonly included a V-berth forward, a main salon area with settees that might convert to berths, and a small galley area, often incorporating a sink and basic cooking facilities. Headroom would have been commensurate with a 26-foot vessel from the early 1970s. The overall finish would likely have reflected the solid, quality construction synonymous with Tartan Marine's early fiberglass boats.