IW 26 vs Sunwind 26
How do the IW 26 and Sunwind 26 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
IW 26 | IW 26 | Sunwind 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 25.6 ft7.80 m | 25.6 ft7.80 m |
| Waterline length | 19.5 ft5.95 m | 21.1 ft6.42 m |
| Beam | 8.4 ft2.55 m | 8.6 ft2.62 m |
| Draft | 4.6 ft1.40 m | 4.9 ft1.50 m |
| Displacement | 4,189 lb1,900 kg | 4,630 lb2,100 kg |
| Ballast | 1,984 lb900 kg | 2,425 lb1,100 kg |
| Sail area | 339 ft²31.5 m² | 388 ft²36.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.87 | 22.35 |
| Displacement / Length | 251 | 221 |
| Comfort ratio | 17.9 | 18.2 |
| Capsize screening | 2.08 | 2.06 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.9 | 6.1 |
| Average used price | €4,500 | €4,490 |
IW 26 vs Sunwind 26: the short version
- The IW 26 and Sunwind 26 are close in length (25.6 ft7.80 m vs 25.6 ft7.80 m ).
- The Sunwind 26 is heavier, displacing about 11% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Sunwind 26 carries the more powerful rig (22.3 vs 20.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Sunwind 26 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Sunwind 26 rates better for offshore work (2.06 vs 2.08).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.