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Cheetah 26 Monk
Designer: Edwin Monk Jr,  ·  Builder: Island Partners (Sun Yachts)/Reinell Boat Co.  ·  First built: 1974
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About the Cheetah 26 Monk

Built during an era when performance-oriented small sailboats were gaining popularity, this 26-foot design represents an interesting intersection of sailing efficiency and practical coastal cruising. The Cheetah 26 Monk carries the distinctive characteristics of boats designed for sailors who prioritize responsive handling and decent turn of speed over maximum interior volume. With its moderate displacement and clean lines, this sailboat appeals to those seeking an engaging sailing experience on protected waters and near-coastal environments. The design philosophy emphasizes sailing performance while maintaining enough interior space for weekend getaways or day sailing with family and friends. The boat's size makes it particularly suitable for single-handed sailing or small crew adventures. While detailed specifications remain limited, the Cheetah 26 Monk appears well-suited for sailors transitioning from smaller dinghies to keelboat sailing, offering a good balance of performance and manageability. The boat's reputation centers around its ability to provide spirited sailing characteristics without the complexity or expense of larger vessels. For coastal exploration and club racing in protected waters, this design offers an appealing combination of accessibility and sailing excitement that has attracted dedicated followings in various sailing communities.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.50 ft / 8.38 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 21.67 ft / 6.61 m
Beam 9.00 ft / 2.74 m
Max Draft 4.35 ft / 1.33 m
Displacement 5,200.00 lb / 2,359 kg
Ballast 2,300.00 lb / 1,043 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 326.00 ft² / 30.29 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Edwin Monk Jr,
Builder Island Partners (Sun Yachts)/Reinell Boat Co.
First Built 1974
Last Built 1977
Number Built 85
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
17.43
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
18.38
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
2.08
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.24
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
2.44
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 696.86
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 32.3
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.3
P (Mainsail Luff) 27.3
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.5
ISP (Spinnaker Luff) 32.3
SA Fore 182.5
SA Main 143.33
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