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Evolution 26
Designer: Julian Everitt  ·  Builder: Evolution Yachts Ltd. (Uk)  ·  First built: 1976
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About the Evolution 26

Designed by Julian Everitt and built by Evolution Yachts Ltd. in the UK starting in 1976, this 25.75-foot sailboat represents a thoughtful approach to compact cruising. With only 75 hulls produced during its production run, the Evolution 26 remains a relatively rare find on the used boat market. The boat's defining feature is its lifting keel configuration, which reduces draft from 5 feet to allow exploration of shallow waters and easier trailer transport. This versatility makes it particularly appealing for coastal cruising and gunkholing adventures where fixed-keel boats cannot venture. The masthead sloop rig with 266 square feet of sail area provides adequate power for its 4,853-pound displacement, while the moderate beam of 9.33 feet strikes a balance between interior space and sailing performance. With a comfort ratio of 17.35, the Evolution 26 falls into the moderate comfort category, suitable for coastal passages and protected water sailing rather than extended offshore voyaging. The capsize screening formula of 2.21 indicates reasonable stability for its intended use. Julian Everitt's design philosophy emphasized practical sailing characteristics over racing performance, creating a boat well-suited for weekend cruising couples or small families seeking coastal adventures with the flexibility of shallow-water access.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 25.75 ft / 7.85 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 20.50 ft / 6.25 m
Beam 9.33 ft / 2.84 m
Max Draft 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Min Draft 1.00 ft / 0.30 m
Displacement 4,853.00 lb / 2,201 kg
Ballast 1,600.00 lb / 726 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 266.00 ft² / 24.71 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Lifting Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Julian Everitt
Builder Evolution Yachts Ltd. (UK)
First Built 1976
Number Built 75
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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
 14.89
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 32.97
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 251.48
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
 17.35
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
 2.21
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. 6.07 kn
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
 1.95
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. 683.41 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 14.87
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 31.00 ft / 9.45 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.00 ft / 3.05 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 27.00 ft / 8.23 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 8.20 ft / 2.50 m
SA Fore 155.00 ft² / 14.40 m²
SA Main 110.70 ft² / 10.28 m²
SA Total (100%) 265.70 ft² / 24.68 m²
Est. Forestay Length 32.57 ft / 9.93 m
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