Design and Construction
Dubois gave the 790 a length-to-beam ratio of 2.84, a comparatively narrow hull for her era that, combined with the 173.55 displacement-length ratio, earns her the "heavy cruiser" classification in standard design metrics anchor. The solid fiberglass hull and deck are straightforward molded construction, and the fin keel and spade rudder follow conventional British practice of the period. Her wetted surface runs about 226 square feet, and the immersion rate of 694 pounds per inch means she sits loaded with a draft between 4.76 and 5.06 feet depending on stores and crew. That draft lets her into shallow marinas while still giving the fin enough bite to stand up to her sail plan.
Rig and Handling
The 790 is a masthead sloop carrying 350 square feet of sail on a 26-foot overall hull. Her sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 15.90 marks her as modestly powered under canvas — enough to drive the heavy little hull at a civilized pace but not to ghost away from heavier air. The capsize screening value of 1.95 and a motion comfort ratio of 23.1 both sit in territory that favors steadiness over sparkle, which suits the boat's cruising intent. Under the Yanmar diesel with saildrive, she makes 5.0 knots, while her theoretical displacement-hull speed is 6.2 knots. The standing and running rigging follow period dimensions: jib and genoa sheets run 26 feet at 3/8 inch, the mainsheet is 65 feet at 3/8 inch, and the spinnaker sheet is 57.2 feet at the same diameter.
Accommodations
Below, the 790 is fitted with four berths, a galley, and a toilet facility. The arrangement is compact but functional for a 26-footer, giving a small crew the means to cruise without camping on the cabin sole. No elaborate interior detail survives in the record beyond those three fixed provisions, but the berth count alone tells the story of a boat meant for short-handed coastal passages rather than dockside entertaining.
The Verdict
The Verl 790 is a small, honestly built Dubois cruiser with the numbers of a steady coastal vessel. She is not quick off the wind, nor does she pretend to be; her virtues are ballast stability, manageable draft, and a simple four-berth layout from a reputable British yard.
Pros
- Solid fiberglass hull and deck from Verlvale Ltd.
- Iron ballast near 44 percent of displacement for stiff behavior
- Shallow-enough draft to enter modest marinas
- Four berths with galley and head for its length
Cons
- Modest sail-area-to-displacement ratio limits light-air performance
- Small size constrains liveaboard or extended cruising comfort
