The Contessa 26 needs no introduction. Always described as a 'pretty boat' and often as the ultimate 'pocket cruiser', the Contessa 26 has proved herself to be a dependable, capable and sea-kindly vessel. Designed by David Sadler, they were first manufactured by Jeremy Rogers in 1966 and they went on to build approximately 350 Contessa 26's from 1966 to 1977. "Trinco" has been in her current (third) ownership for over 15 years and has been well maintained by her experienced owner over this time. She benefits from a 2004 Beta marine diesel engine, as well as new sprayhood, new winches and batteries.

Viewing by appointment only through the Essex office - 01621 785600 or email: essex@clarkeandcarter.co.uk

Accommodation

The accommodation offers four berths in two cabins. V-berths forward with lee cloths and in-fill to make a double berth. Heads compartment with Jabsco marine toilet to starboard with hanging locker opposite. A bi-fold door separates the heads from the saloon and a zip-up vinyl door separates the heads from the forepeak. Galley to port with Plastimo Neptune 2500 two burner gas stove with grill and oven (new 2017), galley sink with manual pumped freshwater supply. Sliding seat between galley and chart table. Two settee berths in saloon with lee cloths. Removable saloon table stows in port quarter berth, also fits in cockpit. New teak and holly stripe cabin sole board fitted 2024. Purpose made seat/berth cushions (foam and covers) 2018.

Mechanical Systems

Beta Marine BZ482, twin cylinder, 13.5hp marine diesel engine fitted in 2004. Shaft drive to three blade fixed propeller (new shaft and bearing 2020). Freshwater cooled via heat exchanger. Heat exchanger stack removed and cleaned 2024. Nine gallon stainless steel fuel tank. Engine annually serviced, most recently in July 2026. Engine hour meter reads approx. 1,050 since replacement tacho fitted in 2017.

Electrical Systems

2 x 12 volt, 85ah batteries, both new September 2026. Charging via engine alternator and solar panels. Interior lighting.

Sails and Spars

Masthead rigged sloop. Gold anodised aluminium single spreader, deck stepped mast and boom. Mast beam support strengthened 2015. Stainless steel standing rigging (2010). Terylene running rigging. Slab and round boom roller reefing mainsail system. Furlex headsail furling system (new 2021 including forestay). 2 x Antal 16 self-tailing sheet winches (new 2021). 2 x Gibb halyard winches on mast. 2 x Gibb spinnaker sheet winches. Spinnaker pole.

Deck Equipment

Navigation Equipment

Safety Equipment

Construction

Contessa 26 built by Jeremy Rogers in 1975 to a design by David Sadler. Original dark blue GRP hull with white boot top and red antifouling. Underwater hull has been epoxied at some time in the past. White GRP decks with moulded-in grey non-slip surfaces. Timber capping rail. Cast iron encapsulated long keel. Tiller steering to transom/keel hung encapsulated wooden rudder. New rudder bearings 2024. Self-draining aft cockpit with teak grating. Coachroof windows removed, professionally serviced and refitted 2013.

Disclaimer:

The company normally acts as brokers for the vendor who unless otherwise stated is not selling in the course of a business. Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of these particulars the correctness is not guaranteed and they are intended as a guide only and do not constitute a part of any contract. A prospective buyer is strongly advised to check these particulars and where appropriate and at their own expense to employ a qualified marine surveyor to carry out a survey and/or to have an engine trial conducted which if conducted by us shall not imply any liability on our part.
General note on safety equipment: Any safety equipment such as liferaft, fire extinguishers and flares etc., are usually personal to the current owner(s) and if being left on board as part of the sale of a used vessel, may require routine servicing, replacement, or changing to meet the specific needs of the new owner(s).