sophies choice

[sophie4]

what should it be? A Contessa 26, a Folkboat, a Halcyon 27, a Warsach 27? I want something reasonably fast, very seaworthy, some home comforts that looks nice in a classic sort of way. What should it be? Which is the fastest. most sea worthy etc.? Please let me hear your opinions

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[Jeremy_W]

I think these are all Folkboat derivatives, so the handling should be similar. But you'll only know that from trial sails. The Warsash 27 seems to have the unspeakable luxury of a separate heads compartment! That's probably wise if you have mixed parties aboard, although some of these compartments are very cramped.

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[Deep_6]

Cabin head height would be an important factor - but myself- I would go for the Contessa.

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[Guest]

Post deleted by danfoley

 

[webcraft]

Hi Sophie,

I think I'd go for the Halcyon 27 out of these, as having more room - plenty of headroom, most have separate heads compartment, tough, fairly fast and very seaworthy - and there's a few around.

For some pics see <font size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.bluemoment.com>http://www.bluemoment.com</font size=1>

 

[Davy_S]

What about, Twister, Invicta, Vega, Sabre27, Trapper500, All very seaworthy boats. Vegas held the fastest atlantic crossing for yachts under 32feet until the 1980s but then again I am biased. Good luck with your search!.

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[canaille]

What about a Waarschip? Depending on your budget, there are some lovely ones offered for sale on the Waarschip Association website (Vereniging van Waarschippers.nl). I have a 7.25, very seaworthy, lovely lines, fast sailor, low on comfort, bur if you can afford a 7.30 or a 10.10, your sailing, so to speak! I'll help you out with the language and would be happy to go out there and bring it back for you..... .

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[Avocet]

Do have a look at a Cutlass 27. Made by MARCON throughout the 1970s. They're a lovely "classic" looking Folkboat copy (full length keel) but a bit bigger and a bit drier. They're surprisingly quick, tough as old boots and pretty cheap. If they have a major drawback it's the lack of room below and maybe the wayward handling astern under power. Modern 25 fotters have more interior room but it did have a bit more headroom than the Contessa 26 - which clinched it for me. Also try an Invicta 26 and as others have said, I've heard great things about the Albin Vega's performance.

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[Gunfleet]

The big difference between the Contessa and the Nich is 6'1" headroom in the C&N. Also they are priced a bit better. But there can't be many small boats you could cross Biscay in in complete confidence... though I'm prejudiced
John (Nich 26 owner)
PS pm me Sophie if you want details abt the boat

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[bob_tyler]

I bought an Invicta 26 3 weeks ago and so far have been amazed by her performance.

On all points of sailing she seems to track on tramlines with just a whiff of weather helm - even close hauled needs very little "pull" to prevent luffing up.

Despite the long keel, seems to track well in astern under power. Very solidly built, previous owners have kept the "cores" from holes drilled in the deck and hull and they "ain't half thick" and solid GRP, none of the foam or balsa filled nonsense which will deteriorate quickly.

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[homa]

My first boat was an Invicta 26, had her for 4 years and loads of enjoyment, it did everything I wanted. A strong seaworthy boat. Very similar to a Contessa 26 but with a little shear which makes for a prettier looking boat and a little more room in the focsle. Better constructed and cheaper than the Contessa. When sailing & the sails trimmed you can leave the helm for long periods. Only used the Autopilot for singlehanding when motoring and sailing with spinnaker (singlehanded).
Short on headroom and space by modern standards, but otherwise a proper boat, well put together that sails very well and will last a lifetime.
happy hunting.........

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[Scillypete]

Went through more or less the same process of deduction before I finally settled for a Halcyon 27, the decision finally came down to there being a bit more room inside plus full standing headroom. The one I finally found was in much better condition than pretty much all of the marks that I looked at, but you should still look. So far I have not been disappointed in any way with her performance (having changed down from a 31ft cat it was somewhat different) and her seakeeping. There is ample stowage aboard and is an excellent load carrier (160 bottles wine plus several cases beer last year) and will still sail well even when well laden.
One point is there is more wood on the Halcyon than the Contessa so its out with the varnish on a fairly regular basis to keep it looking good.


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