[chef2sail]

A 55 lb CQR is for a 40 to 60 foot boat that has much more tonnage and a larger wind profile then your 5,400 lb Contessa 26.

As others said you could easily cut that down to 35 lbs with 6 to 10 feet of 1/4" chain and rope for the rode and still have more anchor than you will need and then have capacity to carry a few spare emergency anchors just in case.

Especially if you use a Rocna or Mason

 

[chef2sail]

Also even the best anchor is ineffective if you don't use proper technique