Astus 26.5

Its arrived!

The much anticipated Astus 26.5 has just been unveiled. The new flagship of the Astus fleet is the latest of the VPLP designed boats to be launched. Naval architects, VPLP, are world renowned for their high performance mono and multihull designs which have won countless round the world- and ocean racing trophies. The principles of these race winning designs have been used for the latest Astus boat too. The new Astus 26.5, like its smaller siblings, has massively buoyant floats which are set further apart and further forward than older models. This creates a superbly stable platform, capable of achieving high speeds in safety and at reassuringly low angle of heel. Even cruising sailors can plan double digit cruising speeds to achieve a wider range of far flung destinations.  If sailing there is not an option, at 1200kg the Astus 26.5 is light enough to be towed by a large family car and, thanks to Astus’ well proven telescopic tubes, the floats can be retracted to create a road friendly 2.5m towing width. Those same telescopic tubes can also be set to 3m wide to squeeze into tight marina berths whilst retaining plenty of stability for overnight comfort.

The latest Astus 26.5 is bursting with fresh ideas. VPLP have given the bows of the floats a fine entry point for their wave piercing characteristics, enabling both skipper and crew to take on the most gnarly conditions with confidence. The main hull too has an updated feel to it, being fuller in the bow to provide both buoyancy and enough space to accommodate a forward hold and a big double berth down below. The large aft cockpit is well protected by raised coamings and provides the helmsman with excellent visibility behind the well positioned mainsheet traveler – the option of raised captain seats enhances this experience even further.  Designed primarily as a cruiser, VPLP have equipped the 26.5 with plenty of room for stowage;  each float boats two separate watertight lockers and the forward hold in the bow is enormous, there are open lockers next to the helmsman, together with more watertight locker space in the cockpit sole as well as cubby holes in the coamings. Astus don’t skimp on spars and deck gear either – Selden and Ronstan are the main suppliers. The standard 35m2 leisure rig delivers plenty of performance but a larger 4om2 ‘Sport’ rig, together with range of reaching sails and control systems are available as options to make to most of  sailing opportunities, whether fully crewed or singlehanded. As with all other Astus boats, both the centreboard, which is housed in the main hull, and the rudder swing up, enabling the 26.5 to float in only 35cm of water – perfect for easy trailer recovery or for parking on a beach!

The standard Astus 26.5 is delivered as light and spartan as race purists (and many day sailers) would like but weekending and holidays are entirely possible on this boat. The 26.5 boasts up to 1.8m of standing headroom in the cabin and 4 berths (5 at a push). The wide forward double berth is separated from the main cabin by a structural bulkhead.  Privacy can be further enhanced by an optional roll down screen. An optional marine or chemical heads can be accommodated under the forward berth too. Two long quarter berths flank the main cabin either side of the companionway entrance – both can be widened for extra comfort at night. Off grid weekending is enabled by the addition of optional galley units complete with gas stove and pumped fresh water. Back support cushions and table options make for a comfortable evening for up to six crew and visitors. Plenty of stowage can be found in the cabin area with handy shelves behind the cabin seats and deeper lockers under all of the berths. A vast stowage space can be found under the cockpit sole and, with all sails easily accommodated in deck lockers, there is no need to live with wet gear down below.  Options exist for a sprayhood to offer even more protection in the cockpit and even a cockpit tent to extend the living space when moored up.

Boats on Wheels tested the new 26.5 ourselves in Brittany this Autumn and we weren’t disappointed. Performance was excellent, of course, and with lots of innovative touches this latest Astus achieves new levels of comfort too. We hope to get our hands on a demonstrator for the UK soon. Register your interest now to experience this wonderful new model yourself!

*Prices quoted are inclusive of VAT/ex yard at the prevailing exchange rate as at 15.01.2026

Make an Enquiry