1985 Nonsuch 26

What makes this Nonsuch 26 a standout is how much big-boat thinking is packed into a compact, easily handled hull. The broad beam carries well aft, so you get a surprisingly generous cockpit and a remarkably stable platform at rest. The catboat sail plan keeps the foredeck clear for safe anchoring and hassle-free line handling, and there’s no headsail to wrestle with when the breeze pipes up. Down below, the open-plan interior feels more like a small studio than a traditional cabin maze, with wide berths and plenty of natural light. It’s a boat you can sail short-handed, tuck into shallow coves, and still feel you’ve got a “proper” cruising home.

In these waters, conditions can change quickly—from lazy afternoon zephyrs to choppy, breeze-on passages—and the Nonsuch 26 is built for exactly that kind of variety. The simple mainsail-driven rig lets you react fast to squalls or fading wind, so you spend more time moving and less time wrestling gear on deck. Its moderate draft makes exploring thin-water anchorages, marsh creeks, and tucked-away coves realistic, not risky. Ample cockpit space suits relaxed evenings on the hook as well as days spent daysailing with friends. For a sailor who wants one boat that can comfortably hop between marinas, moorings, and quiet backwaters, this design is an especially practical choice.