Sirius 26 (Can) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Sirius 26 saw a short but impactful production run from 1987 to 1988. Born from the molds of the popular Kelt 7.60, a design by Jean Berret that garnered the prestigious "boat of the year" award at the 1980 Paris Boat Show, the Sirius 26 inherited a solid foundation. Vandestadt and McGruer, operating from Owen Sound, Ontario, were known for their commitment to durable fiberglass construction and a philosophy centered on creating accessible yet capable sailboats. During this era, the company, co-founded by Hubert Vandestadt (nephew of renowned naval architect E. G. van de Stadt), embraced innovative features, as exemplified by their Sirius 21 model which incorporated both ballast and positive flotation. The Sirius 26 reflects this builder's reputation for quality and solid construction. A key modification by Vandestadt & McGruer for the Sirius 26 was the incorporation of a lead winged keel, distinguishing it from some configurations of its French predecessor.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 24.42 feet and a waterline length of 22.0 feet, the Sirius 26 is designed for spirited performance without sacrificing stability. Her calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 16.19 suggests a moderate performer, capable of moving well in a variety of conditions, though not necessarily a dedicated light-air racer. The Ballast to Displacement ratio of nearly 0.40 (39.77%) indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to more wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. This robust stability is further enhanced by her 1,790 lbs of lead ballast. Her Displacement to Length ratio of around 189 positions her as a relatively lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser for her size, rather than a heavy, traditional displacement vessel. The wing keel, with a maximum draft of 3.17 feet, provides good directional stability while also offering access to shallower waters. The original Kelt 7.60, upon which the Sirius 26 is based, was noted for being a "stiff boat but by no means slow in light air," with a tiller that "remains steady" in various wind conditions. Her theoretical hull speed is 6.29 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layout diagrams for the Sirius 26 can be scarce, insights can be drawn from its Kelt 7.60 lineage. The Kelt 7.60 was praised for its "superb below decks design creating livability and comfort." Owners of the Kelt 7.60 found the interior accommodating, with a reported headroom of 1.76 meters (approximately 5.77 feet) allowing for comfortable movement below deck. Generally, a boat of this size would feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert into berths, a galley area, and a dedicated head compartment. Based on the builder's reputation for quality, it is likely the Sirius 26 features a well-finished interior, typical of Canadian-built boats of its era, emphasizing practicality and durability.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Kelt 7.60s, the design basis for the Sirius 26, have expressed significant satisfaction with their vessels, with one owner noting immense joy in ownership. General sentiment regarding Kelt boats often highlights their seaworthiness and suitability for family sailing. While specific owner reviews for the Sirius 26 itself are not extensively documented in available public forums, the reputation of Vandestadt and McGruer for building "very well built boats" suggests that owners of the Sirius 26 likely appreciate its solid construction and reliable performance.