Sportina 600 Information, Review, Specs

The Sportina 600 entered production in 1996, at a time when Delphia Yachts (then operating under its founding name, Sportlake) was establishing itself with a vision to create small sailing boats, leveraging Poland's boat-building heritage. While the exact end year of its production isn't specified in all records, Delphia Yachts continued to build sailboats until September 2019, having transitioned to primarily motor and electric yachts after its acquisition by Groupe Beneteau.

Designed by Andrzej Skrzat, the Sportina 600 features a solid fiberglass hull, complemented by a sandwich construction deck. This deck construction is noted for improving the indoor climate, a thoughtful detail for a boat of this size. A key design feature is its centerboard keel, allowing for a variable draft ranging from a shallow 0.92 feet to 3.61 feet. This enables the Sportina 600 to access shallow anchorages and navigate inland waters, while still offering sufficient draft for sailing. The designer's intention to create a "significantly more spacy hull design" suggests a focus on maximizing interior volume within its modest length.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sportina 600, with an overall length of 19.69 feet and a reported sail area of 193.75 square feet, is rigged as a fractional sloop. This rigging choice, combined with its relatively light displacement of 2,116 pounds, suggests a boat that is nimble and responsive, likely offering lively performance in light to moderate breezes. The combination of a centerboard and an outboard rudder provides excellent maneuverability, making it well-suited for tight harbors and navigating crowded waterways. The variable draft afforded by the centerboard is a significant advantage, allowing sailors to explore shallow coastal areas and lake environments that might be inaccessible to fixed-keel vessels.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size, the Sportina 600 is designed to offer practical accommodations for overnight stays, typically providing berths for four people. The design emphasizes maximizing interior volume, which contributes to a more open feel below deck. With a maximum headroom of 4.6 feet, the cabin offers enough space for sitting comfortably, though standing height is limited, as is common in boats of this length. The interior arrangement generally features a forward sleeping area, a small salon, and possibly a basic galley and head, suitable for weekend cruising. The sandwich construction of the deck not only adds to the boat's structural integrity but also contributes to a more comfortable environment inside by providing insulation against temperature fluctuations.