Herreshoff H-26 vs Shields
How do the Herreshoff H-26 and Shields compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Herreshoff H-26 | Herreshoff H-26 | Shields | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.3 ft8.02 m | 30.2 ft9.21 m |
| Waterline length | 22.3 ft6.78 m | 20.0 ft6.10 m |
| Beam | 9.0 ft2.74 m | 6.4 ft1.96 m |
| Draft | 3.9 ft1.19 m | 4.8 ft1.45 m |
| Displacement | 6,500 lb2,948 kg | 4,600 lb2,087 kg |
| Ballast | 3,000 lb1,361 kg | 3,080 lb1,397 kg |
| Sail area | 360 ft²33.4 m² | 363 ft²33.7 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.54 | 21.00 |
| Displacement / Length | 263 | 257 |
| Comfort ratio | 22.9 | 25.9 |
| Capsize screening | 1.93 | 1.54 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.3 | 6.0 |
Herreshoff H-26 vs Shields: the short version
- The Shields is the larger boat at 30.2 ft9.21 m LOA versus 26.3 ft8.02 m for the Herreshoff H-26.
- The Herreshoff H-26 is heavier, displacing about 41% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Shields carries the more powerful rig (21.0 vs 16.5), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Shields scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Shields rates better for offshore work (1.54 vs 1.93).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.