Albin 78 Cirrus vs Nimbus 42
How do the Albin 78 Cirrus and Nimbus 42 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Albin 78 Cirrus 
Nimbus 42 | Albin 78 Cirrus | Nimbus 42 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 25.6 ft7.80 m | 41.4 ft12.62 m |
| Waterline length | 21.8 ft6.65 m | 34.2 ft10.42 m |
| Beam | 9.1 ft2.76 m | 12.5 ft3.81 m |
| Draft | 4.9 ft1.49 m | 5.8 ft1.78 m |
| Displacement | 5,181 lb2,350 kg | 23,325 lb10,580 kg |
| Ballast | 2,094 lb950 kg | 10,000 lb4,536 kg |
| Sail area | 281 ft²26.1 m² | 854 ft²79.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.02 | 16.74 |
| Displacement / Length | 223 | 261 |
| Comfort ratio | 18.5 | 34.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.09 | 1.75 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.3 | 7.8 |
Albin 78 Cirrus vs Nimbus 42: the short version
- The Nimbus 42 is the larger boat at 41.4 ft12.62 m LOA versus 25.6 ft7.80 m for the Albin 78 Cirrus.
- The Nimbus 42 is heavier, displacing about 350% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Nimbus 42 carries the more powerful rig (16.7 vs 15.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Nimbus 42 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Nimbus 42 rates better for offshore work (1.75 vs 2.09).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.