Capo 26 Information, Review, Specs

Westerly Marine Inc., established in 1970 in Santa Ana, California, was a custom and semi-custom builder known for its commitment to advanced composite materials, including carbon fiber. This focus on high-performance construction was a hallmark of the builder, positioning them as pioneers in creating lightweight yet strong racing and cruising yachts. The Capo 26, though a smaller production model, reflects this builder's expertise in crafting vessels optimized for speed and graceful performance.

The Capo 26 began its limited production in 1982, with only 15 units built by Westerly Marine Inc.. Its creation was guided by the Midget Ocean Racing Club (MORC) rule, which often led to designs optimized for rating well in offshore races for boats 30 feet and under. The designer, Carl Schumacher, a prolific naval architect who established his own firm in 1977 after working for Gary Mull, was a significant influence on sailboat design and racing, particularly known for his successful production and custom designs including the Express and Alerion-Express lines.

Schumacher's design philosophy for the Capo 26 emphasized performance within the MORC framework, aiming for a boat that could be both competitive and enjoyable to sail. Notably, the keel and rudder profiles underwent changes on later boats in the production run, indicating a continuous refinement process. Given Westerly Marine's specialization in custom, high-performance, and advanced composite construction, the Capo 26 likely benefited from the builder's progressive manufacturing ethos during this era, utilizing advanced materials to achieve its performance goals. It's also noted that some Capo 26s were sold as kit boats, which means the final fit and finish could vary depending on the owner's craftsmanship.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Capo 26 exhibits performance characteristics typical of a dedicated racing design. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of 20.08, the boat is well-powered, suggesting strong performance in lighter air conditions. This high ratio indicates that the Capo 26 carries a generous sail plan relative to its displacement, allowing it to accelerate quickly and maintain speed in marginal wind.

A Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of 44.19% points to a stiff and stable platform. This substantial ballast ratio enables the boat to stand up to its sail area effectively, providing a comfortable motion and allowing the crew to maintain control even when pressed. The Capo 26's Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of 180.28 signifies a relatively light to moderate displacement for its length, consistent with a performance-oriented boat designed for racing.

Owners and commentators often describe the Capo 26 as a "light-air boat" and an "upwind flyer". Its design, featuring a fin keel and spade rudder, contributes to its agility and responsiveness. However, some anecdotal accounts suggest that in stronger winds, significant crew weight on the rail is beneficial to help the boat track to weather effectively.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its primary purpose as a MORC racer, the Capo 26's interior accommodations are generally considered functional and geared towards racing efficiency rather than luxurious cruising comfort. While specific detailed layouts or photographs are scarce, it can be inferred that the interior prioritizes berths, a basic galley, and perhaps a small head, providing essential amenities for overnight racing or short-term cruising. The lack of extensive interior data available online suggests a simple, unadorned finish, often characteristic of boats from this era designed for performance where weight savings and structural integrity were paramount. The "spacy hull design" noted by some sources might hint at efficient use of the interior volume for its size, but detailed descriptions of materials, storage, or ventilation are not widely documented.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Capo 26 frequently laud its sailing prowess, particularly its ability to perform well in lighter wind conditions and its commendable upwind capabilities. The boat is appreciated for being a "fun" vessel to sail. However, as with many performance-oriented designs, it benefits from active crew participation, especially in heavier air where stacking crew weight to windward is often employed to enhance its performance to weather. The fact that some Capo 26s were offered as kit boats means that the quality of the interior finish and certain aspects of the boat's outfitting can vary significantly from one vessel to another, depending on the initial owner's completion work. Despite these variations, the underlying Carl Schumacher design and Westerly Marine's robust hull construction remain consistent points of appreciation among enthusiasts.