The Annapolis 26 Holmes is modestly canvassed and unhurried, with acceptable motion comfort for coastal passages.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 20.0′, the Annapolis 26 Holmes tops out around 6.0 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √20.0′ LWL = 6.0 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
SA / Displacement
12.4
Modestly canvassed — a comfortable, unhurried cruiser.
Ballast / Displacement
40.0%
Stiff enough to carry a big genoa comfortably into moderate breeze.
Displacement / Length
279
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Comfort Ratio
22.3
Acceptable coastal comfort — fine for weekends, notice the chop offshore.
Capsize Screening
1.87
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
SA/Disp (Calculated)
16.1
Computed from measured I/J/P/E rather than reported sail area.
Pounds/Inch Immersion
3lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
Motion & Offshore Suitability
Two ratios that matter most when you're planning passages — how the boat feels in a seaway, and whether the hull geometry is suitable for open ocean.
Comfort Ratio
22.3
Acceptable coastal comfort — fine for weekends, notice the chop offshore.
Under 20 — Snappy, racing motion
20–30 — Acceptable coastal
30–40 — Good offshore comfort
Over 40 — Very comfortable offshore
Capsize Screening Formula
1.87
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore
Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Annapolis 26 Holmes sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Cruiser/Racer 90–150
Cruiser 150–210
Heavy Cruiser 210–300
Irwin 25
207s/nm
Balboa 26
219s/nm
Contessa 26
219s/nm
Estimated Speed by Wind
Rough boat speed estimates at different true wind speeds and points of sail — derived from hull speed, SA/D, and displacement, not measured polars.
| Point of Sail |
6 kts TWS |
10 kts TWS |
15 kts TWS |
20 kts TWS |
| Close-hauled40–50° |
2.1 |
2.6 |
2.9 |
3.0 |
| Close Reach60° |
2.5 |
3.2 |
3.5 |
3.7 |
| Beam Reach90° |
3.1 |
3.9 |
4.3 |
4.5 |
| Broad Reach120–135° |
2.8 |
3.6 |
4.0 |
4.2 |
| Run150–180° |
2.3 |
2.9 |
3.2 |
3.3 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (6.0 kts),
SA/D (12.4), and empirical efficiency curves — not instrument-measured
polars. Real-world speed varies with sea state, bottom condition, sail trim, and current.
Speeds in gold approach hull speed;
bold gold means near or at hull speed.
Wind Range & Comfort Envelope
Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the Annapolis 26 Holmes — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghost
Sweet Spot
Reef
Heavy
0–8 kts
8–24 kts
24–34 kts
34+ kts
Ghosting
0–8 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
8–24 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
24–34 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
34+ kts
Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Annapolis 26 Holmes.
|
Annapolis 26 Holmes |
Balboa 26 |
Contessa 26 |
First Class 8 Beneteau |
Hunter 255 |
Irwin 25 |
| Dimensions |
| LOA |
25.6 |
25.6 |
25.5 |
25.4 |
25.6 |
25.4 |
| LWL |
20.0 |
20.8 |
20.0 |
21.7 |
22.1 |
20.5 |
| Beam |
8.0 |
8.0 |
7.5 |
8.2 |
9.1 |
8.0 |
| Displacement |
5 |
3 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| Ballast |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
| Sail Area |
225 |
306 |
233 |
316 |
282 |
315 |
| Performance |
| PHRF |
— |
219 |
219 |
— |
— |
207 |
| SA/Disp |
12.4 |
20.9 |
12.2 |
23.8 |
16.6 |
16.4 |
| Bal/Disp |
40.0 |
33.3 |
42.6 |
37.1 |
40.0 |
40.7 |
| Comfort |
22.3 |
15.8 |
26.3 |
12.8 |
15.9 |
23.8 |
| Capsize |
1.87 |
2.08 |
1.71 |
2.24 |
2.20 |
1.83 |
| Hull Speed |
6.0 |
6.1 |
6.0 |
6.2 |
6.3 |
6.1 |