One of the all-time success stories, 1,200 Albin Vegas were built from her launch in 1970. To a design by Per Brohall, she has a long keel and stiff sections while the topsides have slight, but distinctive reverse sheer. Because of the numbers built, she was able to race as a class in manycountries, which led to the idea that, in speed terms, her performance was better than it actually was. In reality, she is a middle-of-the-road cruiser with good manners and sturdy sea-keeping: a safe choice for family cruising. Handling under power was made interesting by theprop being astern of the rudder. The
accommodation was practical but not spacious and the heads was in the forecabin. Construction was sound and the finish good – except that the mast support structure was weak. The coachroof and deckhead in this area should be checked for sagging.

LOA 27ft 1in (8.25m), LWL 23ft (7.00m), beam 8ft (2.46m), draught 3ft 10in (1.17m), displacement 5,070 lb (2,230kg). Price guide: £6,000 to £12,000. Second Look YM June 1997.