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Leisure 26
Designer: Holman & Pye  ·  Builder: Leisure Marine (Uk)  ·  First built: 1983
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About the Leisure 26

Designed by the renowned British firm Holman & Pye and built by Leisure Marine in the UK starting in 1983, this 26-footer represents solid English yacht design principles from the early 1980s. The fractional sloop rig and fin keel configuration with transom-hung rudder create a responsive sailing platform that balances performance with practicality. With a displacement of 6,363 pounds and generous beam of nearly 10 feet, the Leisure 26 offers impressive stability and interior volume for its size. The substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio contributes to confident sailing characteristics, while the moderate draft of 4.75 feet allows access to a variety of harbors and anchorages. The comfort ratio of 19.7 indicates this boat leans toward performance rather than heavy cruising comfort, making it well-suited for coastal sailing, weekend cruising, and club racing. The capsize screening value of 2.13 suggests good initial stability for coastal waters, though like most boats of this size, it's best kept closer to shore rather than venturing far offshore. Fiberglass construction ensures durability and relatively low maintenance, while the hull speed of 6.39 knots provides respectable performance under sail. This design appeals to sailors seeking a capable coastal cruiser with sporting characteristics.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.17 ft / 7.98 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.75 ft / 6.93 m
Beam 9.83 ft / 3.00 m
Max Draft 4.75 ft / 1.45 m
Displacement 6,363.00 lb / 2,886 kg
Ballast 2,535.00 lb / 1,150 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Holman & Pye
Builder Leisure Marine (UK)
First Built 1983
Associations Leisure Owners Association
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
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
39.84
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
241.25
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
19.7
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
2.13
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. 6.39 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. 799.06 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo
Engine Type Diesel
How It Compares

vs. First 27 Beneteau, Marieholm 26, Sonata 26

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Leisure 26 ★
26.2 ft
First 27 Beneteau
26.2 ft
Marieholm 26
26.3 ft
Sonata 26
26.3 ft
LWL
Leisure 26 ★
22.8 ft
First 27 Beneteau
21.8 ft
Marieholm 26
20.2 ft
Sonata 26
19.8 ft
Beam
Leisure 26 ★
9.8 ft
First 27 Beneteau
9.8 ft
Marieholm 26
7.2 ft
Sonata 26
8.2 ft
Displacement
Leisure 26 ★
6 lbs
First 27 Beneteau
5 lbs
Marieholm 26
5 lbs
Sonata 26
2 lbs
Ballast
Leisure 26 ★
2 lbs
First 27 Beneteau
1 lbs
Marieholm 26
2 lbs
Sonata 26
500 lbs
Sail Area
Leisure 26 ★
First 27 Beneteau
306 sq ft
Marieholm 26
291 sq ft
Sonata 26
277 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Leisure 26 ★
First 27 Beneteau
16.2
Marieholm 26
15.0
Sonata 26
22.3
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Leisure 26 ★
39.8 %
First 27 Beneteau
36.0 %
Marieholm 26
Sonata 26
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Leisure 26 ★
19.7
First 27 Beneteau
16.8
Marieholm 26
27.8
Sonata 26
12.2
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Leisure 26 ★
2.13
First 27 Beneteau
2.26
Marieholm 26
1.64
Sonata 26
2.32
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Leisure 26 ★
241
First 27 Beneteau
229
Marieholm 26
Sonata 26
Hull Speed
Leisure 26 ★
6.4 kts
First 27 Beneteau
6.3 kts
Marieholm 26
6.0 kts
Sonata 26
6.0 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Leisure 26 ★
First 27 Beneteau
2.3
Marieholm 26
1.6
Sonata 26
3.8
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