Contessa 26 or Albin Vega?

V

Vid

Well-Known Member
Joined
29 Apr 2002
Messages
262
Location
SE London
Visit site
After many years of questions, cogitations, dead ends and miscellaneous adventures I think I have finally narrowed it down to a choice between two boats.

They can both do everything I want, need and can afford. I'm aware of their strengths and weaknesses, which seem to be to be pretty evenly balanced.

Choosing one over the other is now the issue - given the choice, which one would you of infinitely greater wisdom and experience than I go for and why?

Thanks, as ever

Vid
 
Contessa is beautiful looking boat and certainly is a quick one. I wouldn't really want to think of anyone buying an Albin Vinegar - for a start off Webcrunch has one.
 
I have to say, having just decided to pack in looking until after Chirstmas (there is not enough of the season left now to make it worth it), that if you would be happy with either, then find the best example at the best price of either.

If you decide that the Contessa is the one, would you really be better off with a shoddy Contessa and turning down a pristine Vega? Of course not.

Good ones of either are both hard to find, so go for the best example you can find.
 
A very personal decision, of course. and the choice will depend on your priorities.

Both are very capable, well built boats of proven pedigrees.

The Vega scores more points on the accomodation front, but, to my eye, is nowhere near as pretty as the Contessa (but then few boats are).

The Vega's prop. is above the rudder (GM IV style), so close quarters manoevring under power is a bit more interesting.

I know you've narrowed your choice down to these two, but the Invicta 26 and Halcyon 27 are also in a similar category (I used to have a Halcyon and often regret selling her).

Between the two, I'd go for the Contessa on aesthetic.
grounds.

Good luck!
 
Me too. But I always did put a higher priority on sailing ability than accomodation. Then you get a higher standard of both with the Nic26 at the expense of a deeper draft....
 
The contessa is a prettier boat the Vega has a bit more room .Both sail well and have proven themselves in bad weather. See what turns up?
 
Last time I looked there were at least a couple of Contessas for sale locally including one at Gillingham Marina (slightly on the dear side though). I have a friend who keeps one on the Medway and, I understand, his is one of a number in that area. I've crewed on a number of races on friend's boat and, aside from RTI, it has done very well including a win.
On the forum Bob Frost is an owner of one although he has foolishly given his son a set of keys and it seems he's about to dissappear off to distant horizons aboard it.
 
One guy in our club has a Vega which has a deep rudder fitted in pintles hung off the transom...
The original rudder is glassed and faired in to the keel.

Seems to work really well...
 
I think the Contessa is a better boat but still over priced for a blown up folk boat, I think there is better value boats out there that will do more for your money.

Yoda
 
The Vega has a LOT more room inside than the Contessa and is a drier boat. I'm prejudiced of course because we've got a Vega but a few years ago both these boats were on my short list and I leaned towards the Contessa because she is prettier and more of a mini ocean greyhound - but then I was invited aboard one in Falmouth and was astounded at how poky the accommodation was.

The Vega is just as fast if not faster than the Contessa, and the only boat I would consider in the same price/performance bracket would be a Halcyon 27 - especially if headroom is an issue.

There are a lot of Vegas around - over 3,300 built - so you should have plenty of choice.

- Nick
 
Yes, but the Contessa is a much more beautiful boat and sea worthy to boot.

Yes it's not a tardis inside, but more than comfortable for two. In addition to the four bunks I have an arrangement to turn the two aft bunks into a very comfortable double !

When I first started sailing I saw a picture of a contessa in PBO and the lines and curved cockpit door and it stuck in my mind ever since..... until I found my own boat. Expensive ? not really I picked my up for a song off ebay !

For a 100+ pics, works and voyages see my website below.

P.S. I've registered my interest in the 2010 Jester Challenge in which I plan to sail my Contessa 26 so I'm very biased !
 
You have done the research, the deliberation, the weighing up and the homework. I would advise you to look at as many Contessas and Vegas as you can. You will soon learn the difference between clean ones and rough ones and go with your gut feel. I do the same and find that you know your boat as soon as you step onto her.
 
Re: Contessa 26 or Albin Vega or Halcyon 27 or Invicta 26?

I'm deafened! Just how many forumites are out there with this short list?

The lines of the baby Conti are very pleasing, agreed, but she's cramped and wet (I do hope everyone knows what 'wet' means . . Will Google explain? I doubt it.) She's also stiffer and therefore faster, carrying more canvas before reefing.
The Vega was too pricey for me 30 years ago and I ended up
with a Halcyon 27 as the best compromise - not as stiff but faster in lighter winds and best for accommodation.

BUT the attraction of these long keel designs is questionable compared with modern fin and skeg. Drying out is a cinch, but they are NOT necessarily better balanced or seakindly, and everyone know they're pigs when motoring backwards!
We moved up from the Halcyon to an Arpege - fat, dry, pointed high, beautifully balanced - and dried out on legs. Inadequate galley tho, but I ignored complaints from 'er indoors - so she walked out!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder of course, but personal prejudice aside, do you refer to Portsmouth Yardstick Tables when looking around? I always used them as a performance indicator and have them going back yonks. PM me if interested.
 
[ QUOTE ]

On the forum Bob Frost is an owner of one although he has foolishly given his son a set of keys and it seems he's about to dissappear off to distant horizons aboard it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Has dissappeared.

Left Falmouth last Tuesday heading towards the Canaries before Senegal/Gambia. Has satellite phone and told to 'phone every day giving lat and long'.

Have heard nothing since!

According to SWMBO (who is wavering between concern and panic) all this is my fault, I should not have encouraged him, should not have lent him the boat etc. etc.

Fully expect postcard from Canaries in about a month.

Meanwhile I cant even escape to the boat at weekends to get some peace.

B#gger.
/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
Blimey, that soon came round. I wouldn't worry about not hearing from him 'cos if he's half as sensible as his father.............. er no, forget that and start really panicking!!!

Best you put your name down on the crewing forum below /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Don't rule out the Invicta 26. I had one as my first yacht.
Same as the Co26 is based on the International Folkboat.
The Invicta is equal to the Co26 in performance.
Better made and prettier IMHO with more sheer than the Co26.
Yes it was restricted in space but would stand up to any weather. Would sail itself and never had the need for an autopilot (when sailing) and half my sailing was singlehanded.

And yes, you can get a good sized double in the main saloon by joining the port & stbd bunks......My wife (now) and I, fondly remember those (child) care free days!
 
Totally Biased Vega opinion

I have had a Vega for a few years (Three Vegas and fifteen years in fact!). I am now at the Vega Rally in Germany on the Baltic in another Vega owned by a Dane that I met for the first time last week. We have sixty five Vegas here, fun, parties, racing and friendship. More than just a boat. We hold the Rally every two years somewhere in Europe and vegas join from all over. We have UK Vegas here, danish, Swedish, German, Dutch etc etc. The furthest one travelled over 1000 miles to join in. The next IFR will be held in Harwich in 2008. We get spares for the Vega, make parts and all at a price that helps the owner, not the chandlery!. 12 Vegas have circumnaviagated the world, countless crossed the Atlantic. A true thoroughbred yacht at a reasonable price. The Association sells Vegas for members without a fee so no cut to the broker! If you need a test sail then just ask and I can arrange a sail in a Vega anywhere in the UK. Im off to the BBQ now and a free bar here in Eckenforde on the German Baltic Coast with about 160 other like-minded friends/vega owners.... Cheers all hic hic pass the beer
 
When he gets to Gambia ask him to look up Phil Birch (My father). He lives there and him and his new wife will love to show him round and help in any way. My dad is 83 and his new wife is 26 so half my age. I will be going to meet my new mummy for the first time in September!! Lovely place to sail and live...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top