Cygnus 20 vs Nonsuch 26
How do the Cygnus 20 and Nonsuch 26 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Cygnus 20 
Nonsuch 26 | Cygnus 20 | Nonsuch 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 20.0 ft6.10 m | 26.0 ft7.92 m |
| Waterline length | 17.5 ft5.33 m | 24.4 ft7.44 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 10.5 ft3.20 m |
| Draft | 2.8 ft0.84 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 950 lb431 kg | 8,500 lb3,856 kg |
| Ballast | 140 lb64 kg | 2,750 lb1,247 kg |
| Sail area | 178 ft²16.5 m² | 420 ft²39.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 29.47 | 16.13 |
| Displacement / Length | 79 | 261 |
| Comfort ratio | 6.0 | 23.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.85 | 2.06 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.6 | 6.6 |
Cygnus 20 vs Nonsuch 26: the short version
- The Nonsuch 26 is the larger boat at 26.0 ft7.92 m LOA versus 20.0 ft6.10 m for the Cygnus 20.
- The Nonsuch 26 is heavier, displacing about 795% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Cygnus 20 carries the more powerful rig (29.5 vs 16.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Nonsuch 26 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Nonsuch 26 rates better for offshore work (2.06 vs 2.85).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.