Discovery 7.9 vs Nonsuch 26
How do the Discovery 7.9 and Nonsuch 26 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Discovery 7.9 
Nonsuch 26 | Discovery 7.9 | Nonsuch 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.0 ft7.92 m | 26.0 ft7.92 m |
| Waterline length | 21.8 ft6.63 m | 24.4 ft7.44 m |
| Beam | 8.3 ft2.54 m | 10.5 ft3.20 m |
| Draft | 3.8 ft1.14 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 5,100 lb2,313 kg | 8,500 lb3,856 kg |
| Ballast | 2,300 lb1,043 kg | 2,750 lb1,247 kg |
| Sail area | 323 ft²30.0 m² | 420 ft²39.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.44 | 16.13 |
| Displacement / Length | 221 | 261 |
| Comfort ratio | 20.3 | 23.0 |
| Capsize screening | 1.94 | 2.06 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.2 | 6.6 |
Discovery 7.9 vs Nonsuch 26: the short version
- The Discovery 7.9 and Nonsuch 26 are close in length (26.0 ft7.92 m vs 26.0 ft7.92 m ).
- The Nonsuch 26 is heavier, displacing about 67% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Discovery 7.9 carries the more powerful rig (17.4 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 Discovery 7.9 rates better for offshore work (1.94 vs 2.06).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.