Van de Stadt Dolphin 26 Sailboats for Sale

Drawing Diagram

Builder drawing

Hull Type

Monohull · fin

Rig

Fractional Sloop

LOA

26.25' · 8 m

Disp.

3,968 lbs · 1,800 kg

First year

1980

The Van de Stadt Dolphin 26 represents a pivotal era in European yacht design, bridging the gap between traditional heavydisplacement cruisers and the modern performanceoriented coastal sailor. Designed by the visionary E.G. van de Stadt, this 26foot sloop was introduced during a period when the design house was pioneering the use of spade rudders and fin keels—features that are now industry standards. The Dolphin 26 was conceived as a versatile family cruiser capable of spirited performance, often outsailing larger contemporary vessels due to its balanced hull form and efficient underwater profile. While many examples were constructed in marine plywood or coldmolded wood, the design’s success led to its adoption by various smallscale builders across Europe, ensuring a lasting presence in the secondhand market.