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Sailboat Specifications

Centaur 26 Westerly

Masthead Sloop · Twin Keel

Designed by Laurent Giles · Built by Westerly Marine Ltd. · First built 1969

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LOA 26.00 ft  ·  Beam 8.42 ft  ·  Displacement 6,700.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 324.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Twin Keel
About the Centaur 26 Westerly Sailboat

Built during Westerly's prolific era of small cruiser production, this 26-footer represents the British manufacturer's commitment to creating affordable yet seaworthy family sailing boats. The Centaur 26 emerged as part of Westerly's successful line of fiberglass cruisers that helped democratize recreational sailing throughout the 1970s and beyond. Designed primarily for coastal cruising and weekend adventures, this compact sailboat strikes a practical balance between comfort and performance. The boat's modest dimensions make it an ideal choice for new boat owners or those seeking a manageable vessel for exploring protected waters and nearby coastal areas. Its Westerly pedigree suggests solid construction typical of the yard's reputation for building robust, no-nonsense cruising boats. The Centaur 26's appeal lies in its straightforward approach to small boat cruising. While not intended for serious offshore passages, it offers enough accommodation and seaworthiness for comfortable coastal exploration. The design reflects Westerly's understanding of the British sailing market, where reliability and practicality often trumped racing performance. For sailors seeking an honest, unpretentious cruiser with proven British engineering, the Centaur 26 delivers traditional sailing values in an accessible package.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 26.00 ft / 7.92 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 21.33 ft / 6.50 m
Beam 8.42 ft / 2.57 m
Max Draft 3.00 ft / 0.91 m
Displacement 6,700.00 lb / 3,039 kg
Ballast 2,800.00 lb / 1,270 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 324.00 ft² / 30.10 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Twin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG/balsa cored foredeck
Designer Laurent Giles
Builder Westerly Marine Ltd.
First Built 1969
Last Built 1980
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Engine & Accommodations
Fuel Capacity 12
Water Capacity 17
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Centaur 26 Westerly's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Centaur 26 Westerly has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 14.63. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Centaur 26 Westerly's comfort ratio?

The Centaur 26 Westerly has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 26.66. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Centaur 26 Westerly safe for offshore sailing?

The Centaur 26 Westerly has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.79. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Centaur 26 Westerly?

The theoretical hull speed of the Centaur 26 Westerly is 6.19 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Centaur 26 Westerly weigh?

The Centaur 26 Westerly has a displacement of 6,700.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 26.00 ft.

Who designed the Centaur 26 Westerly?

The Centaur 26 Westerly was designed by Laurent Giles, first built in 1969.