Taylor 26

Masthead Sloop · Long keel w/trans. hung rudder · 1984–1990

Specifications

Dimensions

Weights

Ballast / displacement

42.6%

Rig & sail area

Rig

Masthead Sloop

Ratios

SA / displacement

15.8

Displacement / length

260.3

Comfort ratio

25.5

Capsize screening

1.71

Hull speed

6.1 kn

Pounds / inch immersion

563

Hull

Hull type

Long keel w/trans. hung rudder

Construction

Fiberglass

Production

Years built

1984–1990

Designer

David Sadler

Builder

J. J. Taylor, J.J. Taylor, Sons Ltd.

Design & history

The TAYLOR 26 is the Canadian-built version of the CONTESSA 26, renamed in 1984 to avoid a legal dispute over North American building rights. About 400 were built through 1990, and Tania Aebi sailed one to become the youngest woman to single-handedly circumnavigate the globe.

Notable features

Tania Aebi sailed a TAYLOR 26 when she became the youngest woman to single-handedly circumnavigate the globe

Variants

CONTESSA 26

Design

Similar to the CONTESSA 26. In 1984 the CONTESSA 26 became the J.J. TAYLOR 26 after the original molds from Jeremy Rogers were destroyed in a fire and a U.K. company that purchased the building rights also claimed rights in North America.

Production

Molds from Jeremy Rogers were destroyed in a fire. Another company purchased the rights to build the boat in the U.K. and also claimed rights in North America; the name was changed to avoid a costly dispute. About 400 Canadian versions were built, with the last in 1990.

Curated reference notes

Not yet featured in any indexed video.