I would like to hear from anyone that races a Hunter 26 (1995/ water ballast) I would really like to know if she can hold her own or if it is just a good family cruising boat. Winning is not even on our list of priorities, just want to be competitive We're looking at buying one, and we are anything but serious racers. Just a great way to spend a Wednesday night with my sons. But we do want to know that we can finish somewhere in the pack and not behind it. Thanks
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Can be done!
Yes! An H-26 can be competitive. In my local sailing club, several club races were won by an H-260, which is nearly identical to an H-26. On my own boat, a 1997 H-26, I have regularly hit hull speeds of 6+ knots, with occasional bursts up to 8 knots (has happened twice). This boat will keep up with several larger ones, provided the rig is properly tuned and the rudder is all the way down. (Rudder can ride up due to pressure of the water. This throws the boat out of balance in a hurry.)
Yes! An H-26 can be competitive. In my local sailing club, several club races were won by an H-260, which is nearly identical to an H-26. On my own boat, a 1997 H-26, I have regularly hit hull speeds of 6+ knots, with occasional bursts up to 8 knots (has happened twice). This boat will keep up with several larger ones, provided the rig is properly tuned and the rudder is all the way down. (Rudder can ride up due to pressure of the water. This throws the boat out of balance in a hurry.)
She'll Hold Her Own!
The Tucson Sailing Club holds a two-day regatta at San Carlos, Mexico twice a year, spring and fall. Last spring I came in 2nd out of 10 boats in the PHRF low fleet in my 1994 H26. We were just three minutes (corrected time) behind first place (which happened to be a H37). The boat can only do so much though -- a lot depends on how you sail it. Happy Sailing! Jim Schaff s/v Savannah
The Tucson Sailing Club holds a two-day regatta at San Carlos, Mexico twice a year, spring and fall. Last spring I came in 2nd out of 10 boats in the PHRF low fleet in my 1994 H26. We were just three minutes (corrected time) behind first place (which happened to be a H37). The boat can only do so much though -- a lot depends on how you sail it. Happy Sailing! Jim Schaff s/v Savannah
No Luck
I just started racing my Hunter 26 in a PHRF fleet. I always come in last, but I think it is because of my inexperience, not the boat. Also, my sails are old. I do think that if I switched to hanked on head sails and bought new ones I would be more competitive. Be that as it may, I am not a serious racer, I sound similar to you, that is I like getting out on the water and sharpening my skills. Maybe this year I'll move up in the fleet. It sounds possible.
I just started racing my Hunter 26 in a PHRF fleet. I always come in last, but I think it is because of my inexperience, not the boat. Also, my sails are old. I do think that if I switched to hanked on head sails and bought new ones I would be more competitive. Be that as it may, I am not a serious racer, I sound similar to you, that is I like getting out on the water and sharpening my skills. Maybe this year I'll move up in the fleet. It sounds possible.
The 26 can win, place or show... or just have fun. 
In our club the H-26's and the H-260's seem to be dominating the class they race in. Now, nobody in our club is very serious about racing, but this year seems to be a 'Hunter' year. We're thinking about having an all 26/260 race in mid-September, just for bragging rights. If we participate I'll slap some pictures up. Dave Crowley Wind Dreamer
In our club the H-26's and the H-260's seem to be dominating the class they race in. Now, nobody in our club is very serious about racing, but this year seems to be a 'Hunter' year. We're thinking about having an all 26/260 race in mid-September, just for bragging rights. If we participate I'll slap some pictures up. Dave Crowley Wind Dreamer
Most defenitely!
I have had my 260 only a year and a half and out of three races we got two first and one second place. We were first in actual and compensated times both times. Granted we are part of a small sailing club and nobody gets too serious. We usually have between 8 and 12 boats racing; a couple of Catalina 30, a Pearson 28, two O'day 25, Catalina 22, Beneteau 235 and some others. The boat that beat us was a C&C 24.
I have had my 260 only a year and a half and out of three races we got two first and one second place. We were first in actual and compensated times both times. Granted we are part of a small sailing club and nobody gets too serious. We usually have between 8 and 12 boats racing; a couple of Catalina 30, a Pearson 28, two O'day 25, Catalina 22, Beneteau 235 and some others. The boat that beat us was a C&C 24.
The H26/260 can be a big surprise
Won this taking on 25 other boats from 29.5 upto a 40 something. They were very surprised at how well the boat did and were after my butt in 2003. I fooled them and upgraded to a H356, lost big time. Jim S/V Java
Won this taking on 25 other boats from 29.5 upto a 40 something. They were very surprised at how well the boat did and were after my butt in 2003. I fooled them and upgraded to a H356, lost big time. Jim S/V Java
anyone can race
Although several postings alluded to it, the answer to your question is Performance Handicapped Racing Fleet. PHRF is a handicapping system that tries to let dissimilar boats race. Its not perfect, but it does work. Consider the fun, if you will, of doing a tactically fine race, so that the guy with the extra fast boat has to sit at the finsih line worrying whether you will correct out faster than him. Talk to the people at your marina or local club. If you don't have racing experience, volunteer to crew for an experienced skipper while you learn the basics of racing. You'll enjoy it. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
Although several postings alluded to it, the answer to your question is Performance Handicapped Racing Fleet. PHRF is a handicapping system that tries to let dissimilar boats race. Its not perfect, but it does work. Consider the fun, if you will, of doing a tactically fine race, so that the guy with the extra fast boat has to sit at the finsih line worrying whether you will correct out faster than him. Talk to the people at your marina or local club. If you don't have racing experience, volunteer to crew for an experienced skipper while you learn the basics of racing. You'll enjoy it. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
For sure!
EVERY TIME I am heading to the same place as another sailboat WE ARE RACING. Bob Fleigal and I were tossing around the idea of organizing a "one design" stock 26/260 race around here. As someone else on this board said "...they race turtles, so why not..." alan
EVERY TIME I am heading to the same place as another sailboat WE ARE RACING. Bob Fleigal and I were tossing around the idea of organizing a "one design" stock 26/260 race around here. As someone else on this board said "...they race turtles, so why not..." alan
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