Back to Search
Victoria 26
Designer: Chuck Paine  ·  Builder: Victoria Marine Ltd.  ·  First built: 1982
+ Add to Compare
About the Victoria 26

A compact and approachable coastal cruiser, the Victoria 26 appeals to sailors looking for an entry-level keelboat that balances simplicity with genuine sailing capability. Designed with weekend cruising and daysailing in mind, this small sloop offers a manageable platform for newer sailors developing their skills while still providing enough room for a small crew to enjoy time on the water comfortably. The Victoria 26 carries a reputation as a practical, no-frills boat that rewards attentive helmsmanship without overwhelming its owners with complexity. Its modest size makes it easy to handle shorthanded, and the straightforward systems keep maintenance demands reasonable — an appealing trait for those stepping up from dinghies or trailerable boats. While not built for offshore passages, the Victoria 26 finds its natural element on sheltered bays, inland waterways, and calmer coastal stretches. Buyers researching this model often cite its affordability and accessibility as key draws, making it a sensible choice for sailors prioritizing time on the water over performance credentials. It remains a solid option for those seeking a genuine sailing experience on a modest budget.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.00 ft / 7.92 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 21.25 ft / 6.48 m
Beam 8.17 ft / 2.49 m
Max Draft 3.83 ft / 1.17 m
Displacement 6,800.00 lb / 3,084 kg
Ballast 3,500.00 lb / 1,588 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 337.00 ft² / 31.31 m²
Headroom 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Chuck Paine
Builder Victoria Marine Ltd.
First Built 1982
Last Built 1998
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Known Issues & What to Watch For

No known issues documented for this model yet.

Own or have surveyed a Victoria 26? Submit a known issue

Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 237
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
 15.07
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
 28.24
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
 1.73
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. 6.18
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
 1.48
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. 620.34
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 34.5
J (Foretriangle Base) 9.75
P (Mainsail Luff) 29.39
E (Mainsail Foot) 11.5
SA Fore 168.19
SA Main 168.99
Find a Victoria 26 For Sale
Y YachtWorld Brokerage listings S Sailboat Listings Sailboats only C Craigslist National search F Facebook Marketplace Local listings B boats.com Global marketplace