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Sonata 26
Designer: Gary Mull  ·  Builder: Investigator Yachts Pty.ltd.  ·  First built: 1980
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About the Sonata 26

A compact and nimble sailboat, the Sonata 26 has earned a loyal following among sailors who appreciate a responsive, fun-to-sail design that punches above its size. Built for inshore and coastal sailing, this British one-design racer became a popular choice on the club racing circuit, offering competitive sailing at an accessible level for both seasoned racers and those newer to the sport. The Sonata 26 is well regarded for its lively performance and manageable proportions, making it equally appealing as a weekend cruiser or a spirited club racer. Its one-design heritage means that fleets remain competitive and well-matched, placing the emphasis firmly on seamanship and tactics rather than equipment advantages. This has helped the class maintain a dedicated community of owners over the years. For buyers considering a first performance sailboat or a budget-friendly entry into racing, the Sonata 26 represents solid value. Its relatively simple systems and modest size keep maintenance straightforward, while its sailing characteristics reward those who invest time in learning to get the best from her. A worthy consideration for coastal sailing enthusiasts.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.25 ft / 8.00 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 19.75 ft / 6.02 m
Beam 8.20 ft / 2.50 m
Max Draft 5.09 ft / 1.55 m
Min Draft 0.69 ft / 0.21 m
Displacement 2,822.00 lb / 1,280 kg
Ballast 500.00 lb / 227 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 277.00 ft² / 25.73 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Lifting Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Gary Mull
Builder Investigator Yachts PTY.LTD.
First Built 1980
Related Sailboats ["J/80" · "First 26 Beneteau" · "Tanzer 26" · "Pearson 26 One Design" · "Marieholm 26"]
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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
 22.25
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
 12.18
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
 2.32
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. 5.96
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
 3.84
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. 578.67
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 25.75
J (Foretriangle Base) 9.0
P (Mainsail Luff) 28.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 11.48
SA Fore 115.88
SA Main 160.72
How It Compares

vs. First 26 Beneteau, Pearson 26 One Design, Tanzer 26

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Sonata 26 ★
26.3 ft
First 26 Beneteau
26.3 ft
Pearson 26 One Design
26.2 ft
Tanzer 26
26.3 ft
LWL
Sonata 26 ★
19.8 ft
First 26 Beneteau
22.9 ft
Pearson 26 One Design
21.7 ft
Tanzer 26
22.5 ft
Beam
Sonata 26 ★
8.2 ft
First 26 Beneteau
9.2 ft
Pearson 26 One Design
8.7 ft
Tanzer 26
8.7 ft
Displacement
Sonata 26 ★
2 lbs
First 26 Beneteau
4 lbs
Pearson 26 One Design
5 lbs
Tanzer 26
4 lbs
Ballast
Sonata 26 ★
500 lbs
First 26 Beneteau
1 lbs
Pearson 26 One Design
2 lbs
Tanzer 26
1 lbs
Sail Area
Sonata 26 ★
277 sq ft
First 26 Beneteau
291 sq ft
Pearson 26 One Design
321 sq ft
Tanzer 26
282 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Sonata 26 ★
22.3
First 26 Beneteau
16.4
Pearson 26 One Design
17.2
Tanzer 26
17.0
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Sonata 26 ★
—
First 26 Beneteau
30.2 %
Pearson 26 One Design
42.3 %
Tanzer 26
44.8 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Sonata 26 ★
12.2
First 26 Beneteau
16.2
Pearson 26 One Design
19.7
Tanzer 26
16.0
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Sonata 26 ★
2.32
First 26 Beneteau
2.18
Pearson 26 One Design
2.00
Tanzer 26
2.13
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Sonata 26 ★
—
First 26 Beneteau
178
Pearson 26 One Design
228
Tanzer 26
170
Hull Speed
Sonata 26 ★
6.0 kts
First 26 Beneteau
6.4 kts
Pearson 26 One Design
6.2 kts
Tanzer 26
6.4 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Sonata 26 ★
3.8
First 26 Beneteau
2.9
Pearson 26 One Design
2.4
Tanzer 26
3.1
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