Albin 78 Cirrus vs Dawson 26
How do the Albin 78 Cirrus and Dawson 26 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Albin 78 Cirrus 
Dawson 26 | Albin 78 Cirrus | Dawson 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 25.6 ft7.80 m | 25.6 ft7.80 m |
| Waterline length | 21.8 ft6.65 m | 22.2 ft6.76 m |
| Beam | 9.1 ft2.76 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 4.9 ft1.49 m | 5.3 ft1.62 m |
| Displacement | 5,181 lb2,350 kg | 4,700 lb2,132 kg |
| Ballast | 2,094 lb950 kg | 1,165 lb528 kg |
| Sail area | 281 ft²26.1 m² | 270 ft²25.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.02 | 15.40 |
| Displacement / Length | 223 | 193 |
| Comfort ratio | 18.5 | 19.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.09 | 1.91 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.3 | 6.3 |
Albin 78 Cirrus vs Dawson 26: the short version
- The Albin 78 Cirrus and Dawson 26 are close in length (25.6 ft7.80 m vs 25.6 ft7.80 m ).
- The Albin 78 Cirrus is heavier, displacing about 10% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Dawson 26 carries the more powerful rig (15.4 vs 15.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Dawson 26 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Dawson 26 rates better for offshore work (1.91 vs 2.09).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.