GBR2626

The Tripp 26 is an ultra light sail racing vessel that was reportedly introduced into the UK in the early 1990’s. The race boat was imported from the USA in 1993.

The boat was designed by Bill Tripp, Jr. who rose to the top of the IMS world in the early 1990’s and his boats are accumulated significant wins. The sales blurb states, “The Tripp 26 puts all his experience into a portable package with a lifting keel and removable outboard and transom mounted rudder”.

Let's start with the hull. In profile, it shows the now typical bow knuckle clear of DWL and the minimal forward overhang associated with the modern racing boats. Aft, the counter is lifted clear of the waterline with rounded sections. The keel is a deep, high-aspect-ratio fin with a bulb. There appears to be little planform to the fin but, as aspect ratio increases, efficiency of the keel increases, reducing the need for planform area. This configuration and the powerful hull shape means that the 26 is quite stiff despite the big rig.

For the technically minded, the boat has a Displacement/Length ratio (D/L ratio) of 122 which means that it’s very light for it’s length. With the beam in the stern, the cockpit is huge with molded-in foot braces running down each side. The mainsheet is located where the helmsman can easily grab it or adjust the traveller.

In the USA running backstays are used to get the most out of the rig, however modern rating penalties means that the removal of the running backstays are a more advantageous route without overly sacrificing performance.


The boat had a retractable bowsprit installed around 2006 and this, coupled with a larger, masthead asymmetrical spinnaker should see sparkling performance.

This is not a cruising boat, but there are accommodations. With the addition of the optional V-berth, you could sleep four. Although theoretically possible to sleep 4 on board when the bunk cushions are in place, internally she pretty much stripped out for racing, as weight makes all the difference to performance. She has a very simple sink, manual water tap and a basic WC facility. There is an Igloo ice box cooler that doubles as a companionway step.

Construction

The Tripp 26 is manufactured with a balsa cored hull and deck, glass fibre reinforced epoxy below the waterline and glass resin polyester above

Race History

The boat itself has a proven successful race history, having won the Sportsboat Class Week 2007. Although race technology has moved on, it is this feat that we will be trying to repeat, albeit, this time with a novice crew.

The unique feature of this vessel is its retractable keel made of solid fibreglass with combination lead andiron ballast. The keel will be bolted down whilst sailing.