Nonsuch 26

Description

The Nonsuch 26 is a Canadian cat-rigged pocket cruiser built by Hinterhoeller Yachts Ltd. in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, designed by Mark Ellis (a key figure in the Nonsuch line, emphasizing unstayed cat rigs for simplicity and efficiency). Production ran from 1981 to 1988, with a modest number of hulls constructed in solid fiberglass (GRP) with balsa-cored deck for lightweight strength—part of the iconic Nonsuch series inspired by Gary Hoyt's Freedom cats but refined for practical family/singlehanded use. It features an unstayed cat rig (single large mainsail on a wishbone boom for easy reefing, no headsails/jib, and excellent twist control), fin keel with spade rudder for balanced handling and good upwind performance, and a surprisingly spacious interior (stand-up headroom ~6 ft, 4–6 berths with V-forward, settees, galley, enclosed head, and decent tankage/storage for weekend/coastal cruising). It's renowned for simplicity (one sail, self-tacking, minimal lines), stability, seaworthiness in moderate conditions, and fun sailing—often described as a "single-hander's family cat" with lively performance in light air (more sail area/displacement than the larger Nonsuch 30) and proven versatility for solo or crewed use.