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Sailboat Specifications

Snapdragon 26

Masthead Sloop · Twin Keel

Designed by L. Wakefield · Built by Thames Marine (Uk) · First built 1966

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LOA 26.00 ft  ·  Beam 8.42 ft  ·  Displacement 4,500.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 285.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Twin Keel
About the Snapdragon 26 Sailboat

Designed by L. Wakefield and built by Thames Marine in the UK between 1966 and 1969, this twin-keeled masthead sloop represents classic British coastal cruising design from the swinging sixties. With 200 hulls produced during its brief production run, the Snapdragon 26 earned a reputation as a practical family cruiser well-suited to tidal waters and shallow anchorages. The twin keel configuration stands as this boat's defining characteristic, allowing owners to take the ground confidently in tidal harbors while maintaining directional stability under sail. At 26 feet overall with a displacement of 4,500 pounds and substantial ballast of 2,000 pounds, she offers reassuring stability for coastal adventures. The moderate sail area of 285 square feet provides manageable power for short-handed sailing. Her comfort ratio of 17.72 suggests a motion that favors relaxed cruising over speed, while the capsize screening value of 2.04 indicates she's best kept in protected and semi-protected waters rather than venturing far offshore. The fiberglass construction has proven durable over the decades, and many examples remain active today as affordable entry points into cruising sailboats. Thames Marine's reputation for solid construction makes well-maintained examples particularly attractive to budget-conscious sailors seeking coastal exploration capability.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 26.00 ft / 7.92 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 21.67 ft / 6.61 m
Beam 8.42 ft / 2.57 m
Max Draft 2.58 ft / 0.79 m
Displacement 4,500.00 lb / 2,041 kg
Ballast 2,000.00 lb / 907 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 285.00 ft² / 26.48 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Twin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer L. Wakefield
Builder Thames Marine (UK)
First Built 1966
Last Built 1969
Number Built 200
Associations Snapdragon, Mirage and Invaders Association
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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Snapdragon 26 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.78. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Snapdragon 26's comfort ratio?

The Snapdragon 26 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 17.72. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Snapdragon 26 safe for offshore sailing?

The Snapdragon 26 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.04. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Snapdragon 26?

The theoretical hull speed of the Snapdragon 26 is 6.24 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Snapdragon 26 weigh?

The Snapdragon 26 has a displacement of 4,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 26.00 ft.

Who designed the Snapdragon 26?

The Snapdragon 26 was designed by L. Wakefield, first built in 1966.