Beneteau First 26 vs Herreshoff H-26
How do the Beneteau First 26 and Herreshoff H-26 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau First 26 
Herreshoff H-26 | Beneteau First 26 | Herreshoff H-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.3 ft8.02 m | 26.3 ft8.02 m |
| Waterline length | 22.9 ft6.98 m | 22.3 ft6.78 m |
| Beam | 9.2 ft2.80 m | 9.0 ft2.74 m |
| Draft | 4.3 ft1.31 m | 3.9 ft1.19 m |
| Displacement | 4,814 lb2,184 kg | 6,500 lb2,948 kg |
| Ballast | 1,455 lb660 kg | 3,000 lb1,361 kg |
| Sail area | 291 ft²27.0 m² | 360 ft²33.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.33 | 16.54 |
| Displacement / Length | 179 | 263 |
| Comfort ratio | 16.2 | 22.9 |
| Capsize screening | 2.18 | 1.93 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 6.3 |
Beneteau First 26 vs Herreshoff H-26: the short version
- The Beneteau First 26 and Herreshoff H-26 are close in length (26.3 ft8.02 m vs 26.3 ft8.02 m ).
- The Herreshoff H-26 is heavier, displacing about 35% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Herreshoff H-26 carries the more powerful rig (16.5 vs 16.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Herreshoff H-26 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Herreshoff H-26 rates better for offshore work (1.93 vs 2.18).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.