Sportina and S - Yachts.......any good?

[Witchwood]

In the market for a modern lift keeler that will ideally sit level on a drying mooring. A couple of examples from these manufacturers have caught the eye (Sportina 680 or S-Yachts New Classic 700). I know nothing about them, but think they may be Polish? They come with trailers, but I'd not be trailing frequently - perhaps once a season.

If anyone can comment on build quality, sailing performance and drying-out suitability, I'd appreciate it.

How might they compare with better known (if slightly smaller) boats such as the Jeanneau Sun 2000, Beneteau 211 and Etap 21i. I'm aware the last two might struggle to sit flat on my sandy mooring on the Exe.

Thanks.

 

[neilf39]

Hi,

I own a Sasanka Viva 700 which is similar to the Sportina(for sale by the way as moved up to larger boat). Used to keep her on a drying mooring in Emsworth Pool so sat in the mud all summer. They will all dry out fine. Mud/sand is best as there is not much protection other than thick fibreglass so sitting on gravel or where there are rocks not recommended. I did find that the mud used to squidge up into the keel box so needed a prod to make it drop if I did not use her for a while (swing keel, 80Kg). I know the classic 700 has a 400Kg keel which is a straight lift so less likely to get stuck and makes her a stiffer boat. When I trial sailed one before I bought the Viva the keel clonked all the time whilst sailing, but that was in 2008 so may have improved. She sails well. The classic is really small inside and I personally did not find her very comfortable. For that reason I went with the Viva. The Viva is more tender and has more windage so you reef early (sails like a big dinghy) but still sails well with more room and headroom inside. I imagine the Sportina is pretty much the same. Horses for courses, the Classic is probably a slightly better sailer and the Sportina/Viva types more roomy. Build quality is ok but they are built to modern standards and to a price so you don't get great thick glassfibre layups of older boats and trim finish could be better. On the other hand they come in at weights to allow a largish family car to be able to tow. We loved our Viva, but wanted to move up to something a bit bigger. They are all advertised as sleeping 4 or more but in reality 3 adults plus gear or two adults and two children are about as many as you'd want for comfort for weekend trips

 

[TrailerSailer]

I had a Sportina 760. Loved the boat and mainly kept her on a semi drying mooring in the Solent. Trailed her around the coast for holidays and found her great fun. I think she was well built and survived a dog and 4 boys. Fairly easy to rig - around 45 minutes from arriving to launching. She sailed like a big dinghy and had the advantage of the lift keel that meant we could get to places others could not. She also had an inboard diesel. Watch the trailer bearings and salt water. I seemed to go through far too many despite flushing with fresh water.