Scandinavia 650 Race Information, Review, Specs

The Scandinavia 650 Race entered production in 2014, reflecting Scandinavia Yachts' focus on creating versatile vessels with excellent sailing capabilities. The shipyard, founded in 2006 by Michał Kiersnowski, emphasizes superior quality, innovative solutions, and strong sailing performance, embodying the essence of Scandinavian design through clean lines and intelligently planned spaces. The 650 series, including both the Race and Cruiser variants, represents the smaller, more accessible end of their lineup. The 650 Race hull serves as the basis for the more comfort-oriented 650 Cruiser, which has a higher displacement and different draft options. The design philosophy behind the Scandinavia 650 Race centers on a combination of speed, freedom, and exciting competition, making it ideally suited for regattas. A notable design feature is its lifting keel, allowing for a minimum draft of 0.82 feet (0.25 meters) for easy trailering and access to shallow waters, while extending to a maximum draft of 4.92 feet (1.5 meters) for enhanced sailing performance. The boat also features a retractable bowsprit.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Scandinavia 650 Race is characterized by its sporty and performance-oriented nature. It is described as an agile and responsive sailboat, perfect for those seeking a nimble and spirited experience on the water. Its design is optimized for speed and competition, making it an excellent platform for racing. The fractional sloop rig contributes to easier tacking, an advantage for both competitive sailors and those looking for more manageable handling. Its lightweight construction, with a displacement of 1,433 pounds (650 kg), further enhances its agility and acceleration, ensuring a lively performance across various wind conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary focus as a racing boat, the interior accommodations of the Scandinavia 650 Race are typically more spartan and functional compared to dedicated cruising vessels. While detailed layouts for the Race version are less commonly highlighted, information on its Cruiser counterpart provides insight into the potential arrangements possible within this hull design. The Skippi 650 Cruiser, which shares the same hull, features an open forepeak and provides for one double berth along with two full-size single berths. The interior utilizes a white polyester mold and lined cabins, suggesting a simple yet bright finish. While the Race version would likely prioritize weight savings and open space for sail handling over extensive amenities, it provides basic shelter and berths suitable for short overnight stays or quick retreats during regattas.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Scandinavia 650 Race, or its Skippi 650 counterpart, frequently praise its agility, speed, and overall performance in competitive settings. The boat has gained popularity as a monotype regatta yacht, indicating a strong community and consistent performance on the racecourse. Anecdotal evidence suggests that earlier models of the 650 series generally do not suffer from major recurring problems, which speaks to the solid construction quality upheld by Scandinavia Yachts. This positive feedback highlights the boat's appeal to sailors looking for a reliable, fun, and competitive small racing keelboat that is also easily trailerable.