Pearson 26 Ariel

Description

The Pearson Ariel is a compact, seaworthy fiberglass sailboat celebrated as a "plastic classic" for its offshore capabilities despite its modest 26-foot length. Designed by Carl Alberg, it blends racing prowess with cruising comfort, making it ideal for solo sailors, couples, or small families tackling coastal passages, gunkholing, or even extended voyages like circumnavigations. Its full long keel provides stability and tracking, while the masthead sloop rig delivers balanced performance in varied conditions. Owners often describe it as stiff, able, and forgiving—capable of handling heavy weather with ease—but its age means it's frequently a rewarding restoration project rather than a turnkey vessel. Introduced in 1962 by Pearson Yachts in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the Ariel was part of the early wave of mass-produced fiberglass cruisers that democratized sailing. Designer Carl Alberg, known for rugged designs like the Pearson Triton, crafted it as a Midget Ocean Racing Club (MORC) racer/cruiser, sharing its hull and rig with the more daysailer-oriented Pearson Commander (which has a smaller cabin and larger cockpit). Production ran through 1966, with approximately 440 hulls built—fewer than contemporaries like the Triton but enough to foster a dedicated owners' community. Alberg himself owned a Commander (hull #302, named Alma after his wife). Today, active groups like the Pearson Ariel and Commander Owners Association provide support, parts sourcing, and events.