Sportina 730 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Sportina 730 emerged from Sportlake S.A. in 1993, a company founded by brothers Piotr and Wojciech Kot with a vision to build small sailing boats, capitalizing on Poland's rich boat-building heritage. This era predates Delphia Yachts' pivot to electric motor yachts, representing a period when the company was establishing itself as a significant builder of sailing craft. The vessel was conceived by renowned Polish yacht designer Andrzej Skrzat, who was responsible for numerous popular designs including other Sportina, Sasanka, and Tango models. While a specific design philosophy for the Sportina 730 is not extensively documented, Skrzat's work often focused on creating practical and enjoyable boats for a broad market. The Sportina 730's design, particularly its lifting keel and outboard rudder, highlights a clear intention to provide flexibility for shallow water access and ease of transport, marking it as a popular choice for trailer-sailing enthusiasts. There is no widely documented evidence of significant variations or "Marks" during its production run, though it has sometimes been referred to alongside the Delphia Clever 24.5, suggesting potential marketing similarities or shared platforms.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a reported sail area of 271.25 square feet and a displacement of 3748 pounds, the Sportina 730 exhibits a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 18.08. This relatively high ratio suggests that the Sportina 730 is designed to perform well in lighter air conditions, making it responsive and enjoyable for casual cruising without requiring significant wind to get moving. Her Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of around 0.34 indicates moderate stability, providing a comfortable and predictable motion, though perhaps not the ultimate stiffness of a heavier offshore cruiser. Calculating the Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) with an estimated waterline length of 23 feet, the Sportina 730 comes in at approximately 137.5. This low D/L ratio firmly places it in the category of a lightweight, performance-oriented cruiser or trailer sailer, capable of respectable speeds for its size. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Sportina 730 handles as a "very capable" cruiser, particularly benefitting from its lifting keel which contributes to its versatility in various sailing grounds.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact length overall of 24.11 feet, the Sportina 730 is consistently praised for being a "surprisingly roomy cruiser with a light and airy interior." While specific interior diagrams require in-depth searching, common layouts for boats of this size often include a V-berth forward, a compact head (sometimes enclosed, sometimes an open porta-potti), a small galley area, and a saloon with opposing settees that can convert into additional berths. The lifting keel mechanism, typically housed within the cabin sole, can contribute to a more open interior feel compared to boats with fixed keels. Owners and reviews highlight the boat's interior as comfortable and practical for its class, suitable for weekend trips or short coastal voyages. The use of fiberglass for the hull and deck, combined with typical interior finishes of the era, would have provided a durable and relatively low-maintenance living space.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Sportina 730 often praise its robust construction and its ability to offer a comfortable sailing experience for a boat of its size. Its lifting keel is frequently cited as a major advantage, allowing access to shallow anchorages and simplifying trailering and dry storage. This feature makes it particularly appealing for sailors exploring areas like the Norfolk Broads or other inland and coastal waters where draft can be a limiting factor. While specific common problems are not widely cataloged, general discussions among owners of similar Sportina models sometimes touch upon considerations like the integrity of original deck fittings over time or the maintenance of the keel lifting mechanism itself. The Sportina 730 is generally regarded as a solid and practical small cruising sailboat, embodying the functional and value-driven approach of its early Polish builder.