Hi Barry
We have had Iris BC26/003 since December 2015 one of the first two GRP production boats and are just about to leave, trailering to Spain for the fourth time, by ferry Plymouth Santander this time. In the past we have driven down through France, taking it easy and using the boat as accommodation en route. Once you get used to dropping the mast and packing up, it becomes second nature. We have found Dyneema shrouds very helpful in this respect, no kinks to worry about.
We could enthuse endlessly about what we like about the boat. Comfortable cabin, good head - Carol was insistent- which doubles as wardrobe for foulies, We might have invested in an electric head, but the pump is ok, comprehensive but compact galley, useful double sink, the Dometic oven has been essential but it’s build quality for its price is questionable. We have a fridge under the companionway, which has hardly been off since we bought it, with four solar panels feeding it and keeping the batteries topped up, especially on long tows off shore and engine power. The panels are still working fine, but have delaminated so look 10 years older than they are. Recommend a Lagun table frame for cockpit (and possibly cabin - still thinking about that, BC26/001 swaps the frame and table between the two.)
optional Shelf above swing table has proven very useful, but there are also a lot of useful storage areas in cabin.
Sailing- copes fine with F5 and whilst, because of its flat bottom, you get a fair bit of slamming, we have had some bumpy rides in 2m.+ swell. Have found as the wind gets up, 16-18 knots, putting a reef in steadies the boat and increases the SOG. We have a top down furling asymmetric, which is great fun and can pull you along quite handily in light to very light winds.
We also had davits and pushpit seats retro- fitted, partly so Carol, being short could see where we were going! With a tiller extension makes cruising very relaxing in the sunshine! Never ha d a problem with Mainsheet post, but beware the throttle assembly on starboard locker, easily knocked!
There is a tent option, which we got and have found useful but am now looking at a re-design, a little less camouflage-muddy brown, not quite in keeping with the BC26 look and certainly not with our turquoise hull and multicoloured cockpit cushions and halyard bags! No Farrow & Ball colours here!
As electric motors are moving on and becoming cheaper ( is anything cheaper on a boat?) and fuel getting ever more expensive, we have looked at the options. BC26/001 is now all electric, although at some considerable expense. But the Recommended Yamaha 9.9 high thrust outboard has proven very reliable and gives 6-7 knots on a flat sea. However, recently with wind 25 knots, swell 1.5m and current all against us passing Eddystone Light, and 8 hours out of Falmouth, we were only managing about 3.5 knots and drinking fuel, so a quick turn to port, sails up, we covered the 12 miles into Plymouth in just under two hours.
Swimming off the back of the boat is very popular and accessible, which In your neck of the woods might be an added advantage. Optional shower on back of boat, we use a lot.
Comparatively large cockpit for the size of boat, seat 5-6 easily and generous locker space.
You would get the new design rudders which I understand give even better hold.
Nick Orchard (BC26/007 Luminos II) will no doubt pick up on things I have missed and can be far more technical than I. He often sails without water ballast in without any mishap.
There are four BC26s in the South West of England of which we are aware. 002 Redwing in Topsham and Iris, Luminos and 011 Zephyr in Torquay.
Needless to say, we would recommend the BC26, we have had hours (days and nights) of enjoyment on it. Despite Matt’s recent move into motor cruisers, he remains a sailor at heart and continues to be readily and happily accessible for after-sales advice.
You won’t regret it, and will get many admiring looks and comments. We are expecting to have the usual children want to get photographed by the side of our trailered boat on the road on Thursday!
Best Wishes
If you want to keep in touch E:lawson_conquer@mac.com