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Iw 26
Designer: Peter Norlin  ·  Builder: Iw-Varvet (Swe)  ·  First built: 1971
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About the Iw 26

Designed by renowned Swedish naval architect Peter Norlin and built by Iw-Varvet beginning in 1971, this 25-footer represents solid Scandinavian craftsmanship from sailing's golden era. The fiberglass construction features a fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration, providing reliable directional stability while maintaining reasonable performance under sail. With a displacement of 4,189 pounds and 1,800 pounds of ballast, the Iw 26 strikes a balance between seaworthiness and sailing ability. The masthead sloop rig carries 238 square feet of sail area, delivering a moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio that favors steady, predictable sailing over raw speed. Her comfort ratio of 18.19 indicates quick motion in waves, typical of boats designed for active sailing rather than heavy cruising. The hull proportions, with a waterline length of 19.33 feet and beam of 8.33 feet, create a relatively narrow profile that enhances sailing performance while the 4.83-foot draft provides good upwind ability. This combination makes the Iw 26 well-suited for coastal cruising and club racing, particularly in areas with moderate weather conditions. The design reflects Peter Norlin's philosophy of creating practical, seaworthy boats that reward active seamanship.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 25.33 ft / 7.72 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 19.33 ft / 5.89 m
Beam 8.33 ft / 2.54 m
Max Draft 4.83 ft / 1.47 m
Displacement 4,189.00 lb / 1,900 kg
Ballast 1,800.00 lb / 816 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 238.00 ft² / 22.11 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Peter Norlin
Builder IW-varvet (SWE)
First Built 1971
Associations Quarter Ton Class
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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
 14.69
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
 42.97
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
 258.92
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
 18.19
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
 2.07
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. 5.89 kn
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. 575.34 pounds/inch
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