Bobsprit wrote:

Interesting. When I look at their video of the 26M racing the 26X with
identical sails, the 26M is passing the X model as if the X model is
standing still.

Jim, I watched the video. Something is VERY wrong there. Sailboats don't show
such a wide variant in speed from design improvements. The results are
significant, but still subtle overall. A J35 which is FAR faster than my C&C 32
doesn't pass a Catalina 30 "like it's standing still." The M & X models are
still pretty close in their performance envelope and I'm doubtful that the
video was done honestly.

RB


Obviously, I don't know whether the video and/or the "race" was a fair
representation. - However, I read comments by one of the participants,
and he didn't seem to have any ulterior or deceptful motives. (As an
attorney, I would say that he sounded believable and plausable.) He also
stated that he was amazed at how easily the 26M passed the 26X. I don't
think it's reasonable to compare such relatively unique, lighter boats
with traditional fixed keel sailing vessels. I also spoke with a former
M26 owner, and he also said that he had found the new boat to be
significanly faster under sail. (He sold his boat because he wanted a
larger one with room for a bigger crowd.) Again, I don't know how
representative the video demo was, but I tend to think it's fairly
representative. I also think that the camera included a high zoom factor
that may have exaggerated the speed delta to some degree.

Jim