The South Coast 26A Story

The 1978 South Coast 26A had its beginning in 1972 when South Coast Seacraft, while examining the sailboat market, found that trailer launchable sailboats had created a new market by introducing young families to the fun of sailing together. Most of the trailer launchable yachts in the 20-24' foot range were day sailers that utilized lighter construction with spartan accommodations, rather than the heavier construction and luxurious appointments associated with cruising yachts.

South Coast felt that this new market would eventually require a trailer launchable yacht that the family could cruise comfortably and safely. Further examinations revealed that no boat existed which met these requirements. South Coast at that time directed its marketing to investigate and develop the parameters required for a comfortable cruising yacht that could be trailer launched.

In early 1973 these parameters were presented to answer the needs of these new cruising families. The boat must:

1. Trailer-launch easily, and be kept at minimum weight.
2. Look like a yacht.
3. Perform well, have a good turn of speed, but the family should feel safe in all sailing conditions.
4. Have 6' minimum headroom; roomy enough for the family to live aboard comfortably.
5. Have an enclosed head with lavatory preferable; anchor locker on deck.
6. Be priced under $12,000.

The keel configuration would be of major importance, since it directly affects performance. Several types were considered:

1. A shoal draft keel: shallow enough to trailer-launch, but would tend to sail sideways, therefore, discarded.
2. The swing-keel: used on smaller boats, would offer too much turbulence in the keel housing and the weight necessary to self-right made this type of keel impractical.
3. The fin keel: would be ideal, offering performance and handling characteristics the others could not match. Could a retractable fin keel be developed?

1973

Late in the year a South Coast engineering breakthrough: Utilizing the wedge principle, a prototype retractable fin keel was built. This South Cost keel required only 22 inches of water to launch. After launching, an electric winch lowers the keel to its 3' 10" sailing draft (ed. Note: other literature lists 3'8" draft). The keel operation could be compared to a piston within an engine. In its lowered position it closes the keel housing, eliminating turbulence. There is no troublesome cable outside the hull to break or cause noise. By concentrating the majority of ballast in a bulb, on the lowest part of the keel, South Coast was able to gain a more effective use of that weight, while still keeping the overall boat weight moderate for trailering.

1974

In the summer the first 26' prototype utilizing the new keel was launched. This was incorporated into a mid-cockpit, aft cabin design introduced later. The model turned out to be extremely fast with excellent handling and sailing characteristics. A number were delivered to pleased owners. To South Coast, however, public reaction to a split cabin configuration was disappointing.

1976

South Coast began to design a new cabin and deck for this yacht following traditional lines and providing 6' headroom.

1977

Early in January a new approach within the sailing industry! South Coast entered the new prototype South Coast 26A, with unfinished interior, in the Chicago boat show for customer criticism and suggestions.

1978

The South Coast 26A is the result of over 15,000 interviews gathered from the viewing public. These suggestions were carefully analyzed and when possible, were incorporated into the 1978 South Coast 26A. As a result you will find many innovative features in this fine family yacht.