Contessa or Vega

[Guest]

I have a friend who wants to buy a "budget" deep sea sailing boat. He is considering buying either a Contessa 26 or an Albin Vega, both proven cruisers.

But they seem to be very close in price and era. So which boat is the wiser choice for long, short handed passages ?

 

[ronniewood]

Both good boats. There are loads of Vegas', I think a few thousand were built - good boats with a better freeboard than the Contessa. Oddity is the prop aft of the rudder but it's got a long keel and has been used on transatlantic trips. Nice easy boat to sail.

A pal had a Contessa. Great seaboat if a bit wet and the accomodation is not quite a spacious as the Vega. I'd say try and get a sail on both boats and go for the one that appeals best.