Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.8 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 19.0′, the Swallow tops out around 5.8 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √19.0′ LWL = 5.8 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
59.5%
Race-oriented ballast ratio — very stiff and powerful.
Displacement / Length
147
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
5.8kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
2lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Swallow sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Contessa 26
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Swallow.
| Swallow | Ariel 26 Pearson | Contessa 26 | Offshore 26 Cheoy Lee | Sagitta 26 | Victoire 26 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 25.4 | 25.6 | 25.5 | 25.6 | 25.5 | 25.4 |
| LWL | 19.0 | 18.5 | 20.0 | 23.3 | 19.7 | 20.2 |
| Beam | 5.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.8 | 8.3 | 8.4 |
| Displacement | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Ballast | 1 | 2 | 2 | — | 2 | 1 |
| Sail Area | — | — | 233 | 328 | — | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | — | 219 | — | — | — |
| SA/Disp | — | — | 12.2 | 19.3 | — | — |
| Bal/Disp | 59.5 | 44.9 | — | — | 48.5 | 34.0 |
| Comfort | — | — | 26.3 | 16.0 | — | 23.1 |
| Capsize | — | — | 1.71 | 2.14 | — | 1.90 |
| Hull Speed | — | — | 6.0 | 6.5 | — | 6.0 |