The Sadler 26 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Sadler 26, an aft-cockpit sloop, was designed by David Sadler and built in the UK by Sadler Yachts.

A Sadler 26

Published Specification for the Sadler 26

Underwater Profile: Fin keel with transom-hung rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 25'9" (7.9m)

Waterline Length: 20'6" (6.3m)

Beam: 9'5" (2.9m)

Draft: 4'8" (1.4m)

Rig Type: Masthead sloop

Displacement: 4,800 lb (2,177 kg)

Designer: David Sadler

Builder: Sadler Yachts (UK)

Year First Built: 1981

Number Built: 200

Published Design Ratios for the Sadler 26

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 15.4

Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 41.7

Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
Over 40: stiffer, more powerful

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 249

Under 100: Ultralight
100 to 200: Light
200 to 275: Moderate
275 to 350: Heavy
Over 350: Ultraheavy

4. Comfort Ratio: 16.9

Under 20 indicates a lightweight racing boat
20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser
30 to 40 indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat
40 to 50 indicates a heavy offshore boat
Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy offshore boat

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 2.2

Under 2.0 (the lower the better): Better suited for ocean passages
Over 2.0: Less suited for ocean passages

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Sadler 26

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1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 15.4 suggests that the Sadler 26 will need a stiff breeze to get her going. In light conditions, unless you've got plenty of time on your hands, motor-sailing may be the way to go.

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 41.7 means that the Sadler 26 will stand up well to her canvas in a blow, helping her to power through the waves.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 249, tells us the Sadler 26 is a moderate displacement cruiser, which means she'll carry all your cruising gear without it having a dramatic effect on her performance. Most of today's sailboats intended for offshore cruising fall into this displacement category.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 16.9 suggests that the Sadler 26 will have the motion underway to that of a lightweight racing boat. Crew comfort will often be memorable for all the wrong reasons. Upwind in lively conditions the Sadler 26 will slam enough to shake your fillings out with a motion that most cruising sailors have no desire to get used to.

5. The Capsize Screening Formula of 2.2 tells us that a Sadler 26 would not be a good choice of sailboat for ocean passage-making, owing to the increased risk of capsize in strong winds and heavy seas when compared to a sailboat with a CSF of less than 2.0.