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Newell Cadet
Designer: G. Taylor Newell  ·  Builder: Cheoy Lee Shipyard Ltd.(Hk)  ·  First built: 1965
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About the Newell Cadet

Designed by G. Taylor Newell and built by Hong Kong's respected Cheoy Lee Shipyard from 1965 onward, this 26-foot masthead sloop represents classic coastal cruising design from the mid-1960s. With only 120 hulls produced, the Cadet remains a relatively rare find among vintage fiberglass sailboats. The long keel configuration and substantial displacement of 6,900 pounds create a seaworthy platform well-suited for coastal cruising and offshore passages. Her traditional proportions include a moderate beam of 7.5 feet and generous draft of 4.3 feet, contributing to excellent tracking ability and windward performance. The 2,700-pound ballast ratio provides reassuring stability in challenging conditions. Built during Cheoy Lee's golden era of quality construction, these boats earned a reputation for solid fiberglass work and attention to detail. The masthead sloop rig carries 323 square feet of sail area, providing adequate power while remaining manageable for small crews. Her comfort ratio of 34.58 indicates excellent motion characteristics for extended passages, while the capsize screening formula of 1.58 confirms her blue-water capability. Modern sailors appreciate the Cadet's traditional sailing qualities and robust construction, making her an attractive option for those seeking a classic cruiser with proven offshore credentials.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.42 ft / 8.05 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.75 ft / 5.72 m
Beam 7.50 ft / 2.29 m
Max Draft 4.30 ft / 1.31 m
Displacement 6,900.00 lb / 3,130 kg
Ballast 2,700.00 lb / 1,225 kg
Ballast Type Iron
Sail Area (Reported) 323.00 ft² / 30.01 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer G. Taylor Newell
Builder Cheoy Lee Shipyard Ltd.(HK)
First Built 1965
Number Built 120
Owner Reviews

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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
 14.3
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
 39.13
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
 467.3
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
 34.58
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
 1.58
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. 5.80 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
 0.73
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. 502.47 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. 14.16
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 31.00 ft / 9.45 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.30 ft / 3.14 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 26.70 ft / 8.14 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.00 ft / 3.66 m
SA Fore 159.65 ft² / 14.83 m²
SA Main 160.20 ft² / 14.88 m²
SA Total (100%) 319.85 ft² / 29.72 m²
Est. Forestay Length 32.67 ft / 9.96 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo Penta
Engine Model MD-1
Engine Type Diesel
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