Folks, I sometimes tell what I did not to be bragging but to let you know my experience with the 26 and 260 as I was involved with these boats very heavily and as a dealer sold nearly a quarter of the production line so I am knowledgable and experienced.
The boats have a B&R rig with swept back spreaders and no back stay which is a big plus. You can haul the jib in further without the use of a traveler being needed. Not only you have a lot more room in the cockpit without the backstay but it gives you a much larger mainsail. Thus combining the two sails give you comparing to other brands a traditional main and a 135-140% genoa. Thus the boat moves in light to moderate airs. In light air, I suggest a spinnakerwhich does nicely. As or heeling I never went over 12-14 degrees for two reasons. First not to scare the kids and women. Secondly, you add more wetted surface thus slowing you down so the boat sails faster flatter. Finally, I learned a lot from a friend who use to professionally raced and won in the Mediterainian (sorry for the spelling). He was very helpful when it came to lake racing as well. Sail control was the key which you need to learn. As a result, I raced against unofficially against some of the best in the country applying what I knew and generally won which I kept to myself. Hopefully this will help you but some will disagree. I respect all opinions except for those when safety is compromised and then I will speak out against any unsafe practices.
Mike; this was for both performance and safety. Sail faster flatter and the use of sail control is important. I sailed the 25.5 and a 40% heel of any kind is not only unsafe but one is battling the boat to control it. Think of it this way, when there is too much resistance on that rudder, you are slowing the boat down. Reduce sail area and/or let the sails out. If too much wind for the crew and you, come in for safety. Once I let a potential customer talk me into taking a Beneteau out in stormy weather and thought the mainsail should be in the water. I took over control when he not only scared me but his wife was screaming bloody murder. When we came into the dock, I read him the riot act and said it would be correct if she divorced him. I refused to sell any boat to him and seriously consider what he had done. Several years later, I saw that couple again with a child and that man came over and not only apologized but thanked me for saving his marriage. We became long time friends.
