Description
The Frances 26 is a classic double-ended cruiser sailboat designed by American naval architect Chuck Paine in 1974 for his personal use, inspired by the curvaceous lines of traditional Scottish fishing boats he encountered during a backpacking trip. Paine aimed to create an affordable, seaworthy pocket cruiser capable of coastal and offshore voyages, such as annual trips from Maine to the Caribbean, while surviving gales at sea. The first hull was hand-laid in fiberglass by Paine himself but was destroyed by fire before completion; fortunately, Tom Morris of Morris Yachts in Maine had taken a mold, leading to production starting in 1975. Initially offered as a flush-deck sloop or cutter, it evolved with options for a short trunk cabin or full coach roof for added headroom. Built primarily by Morris Yachts (USA, ~100 units), Victoria Marine/Northshore Yachts (UK, ~100+ units, often as the similar Victoria 26 with modifications like a longer coach roof), and custom builders worldwide (e.g., cold-molded wood in Australia), over 200 were produced until the late 1990s when molds were lost to fire. It's renowned for its elegant sheer, fine entry, full bilges, and long keel, blending traditional aesthetics with modern efficiency for easy handling and stability. Out of production, used examples are sought-after for their "big-boat feel" in a compact package, typically priced at $20,000–$40,000 (£15,000–£30,000) depending on condition and upgrades. Active owner communities praise its offshore capability—one completed a circumnavigation—and suitability for solo or couple cruising, though it's best for protected to moderate seas rather than high-performance racing.
