C&C 26 vs Contessa 26
How do the C&C 26 and Contessa 26 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
C&C 26 
Contessa 26 | C&C 26 | Contessa 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 25.6 ft7.80 m | 25.6 ft7.80 m |
| Waterline length | 23.6 ft7.19 m | 21.0 ft6.40 m |
| Beam | 10.4 ft3.18 m | 7.5 ft2.30 m |
| Draft | 4.6 ft1.40 m | 3.9 ft1.20 m |
| Displacement | 5,400 lb2,449 kg | 5,291 lb2,400 kg |
| Ballast | 2,040 lb925 kg | 2,293 lb1,040 kg |
| Sail area | 331 ft²30.8 m² | 301 ft²28.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.21 | 15.86 |
| Displacement / Length | 184 | 255 |
| Comfort ratio | 15.2 | 24.7 |
| Capsize screening | 2.38 | 1.73 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.5 | 6.1 |
C&C 26 vs Contessa 26: the short version
- The C&C 26 and Contessa 26 are close in length (25.6 ft7.80 m vs 25.6 ft7.80 m ).
- On sail area/displacement the C&C 26 carries the more powerful rig (17.2 vs 15.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Contessa 26 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Contessa 26 rates better for offshore work (1.73 vs 2.38).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.