Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
6.0 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 20.0′, the Stella 26 tops out around 6.0 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √20.0′ LWL = 6.0 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Ballast / Displacement
46.0%
Race-oriented ballast ratio — very stiff and powerful.
Displacement / Length
337
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Hull Speed
6.0kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
3lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Stella 26 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Contessa 28
Morgan 28
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Stella 26.
| Stella 26 | Contessa 28 | East Anglian 28 | Indra 28 | Morgan 28 | Normandy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 27.8 | 27.7 | 27.8 | 27.7 | 27.8 | 27.7 |
| LWL | 20.0 | 22.0 | 21.0 | 20.0 | 23.8 | 21.4 |
| Beam | 7.5 | 9.4 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 9.0 | 7.6 |
| Displacement | 6 | 6 | 9 | 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Ballast | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 3 | — |
| Sail Area | — | 338 | 275 | 313 | 401 | 355 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | 171 | — | — | 207 | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 14.9 | 10.0 | 15.3 | 16.7 | 14.6 |
| Bal/Disp | 46.0 | 40.2 | 49.5 | 44.5 | — | — |
| Comfort | — | 22.9 | 39.1 | 26.0 | 25.2 | 34.1 |
| Capsize | — | 1.98 | 1.52 | 1.76 | 1.83 | 1.55 |
| Hull Speed | — | 6.3 | 6.1 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.2 |