Wasa 270 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Wasa 270 emerged from the Wasa Yachts shipyard, a company established in 1975 on the foundation of Södertälje Yacht Service. This background in boat servicing likely informed their commitment to crafting durable and functional yachts. While Wasa Yachts generally prided itself on robust construction and a superior finish, the Wasa 270 stands out as the only model in their lineup to feature a basic plastic interior, a design choice made to keep the vessel affordable and appealing to a new generation of sailors. Production of the Wasa 270 began in 1982, but it was a limited run, with less than 100 boats built, and possibly as few as 20, by the mid-1980s. This limited production underscores the builder's focus on quality over sheer volume, even for their more entry-level offerings.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Wasa 270's design firmly positions it as a performance-oriented sailboat. With a length overall of 27.21 feet and a waterline length of 23.61 feet, its dimensions contribute to its nimble character. The boat features a fractional sloop rig, a fin keel, and a spade rudder, all indicative of a design focused on maneuverability and responsiveness.

Analyzing its performance ratios further illuminates its sailing characteristics:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) Ratio of 22.46: This high ratio suggests excellent light-air performance, meaning the Wasa 270 can accelerate quickly and maintain speed even in minimal breeze.
• Ballast to Displacement (B/D) Ratio of 47.6%: A substantial ballast ratio indicates a very stiff and stable boat for its size. This allows the Wasa 270 to carry its sail area effectively, standing up to stronger winds without excessive heeling and providing a more secure feel in a seaway.
• Displacement to Length (D/L) Ratio of 176.8: This low ratio classifies the Wasa 270 as a light to moderate displacement vessel, leaning towards the lighter side. A lighter displacement, combined with its other performance metrics, suggests a boat that is easily driven and responsive, capable of competitive speeds.

Collectively, these ratios and the fin keel/spade rudder configuration point to a boat with a "speedy hull design" that is "tuned for racing," offering a lively and engaging sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

While built by a shipyard known for its high-quality finishes, the Wasa 270 diverges slightly with an interior designed for practicality and affordability. It is noted as the only Wasa model to feature a basic plastic interior, which, while perhaps less luxurious, contributes to ease of cleaning and maintenance. The interior layout typically consists of longitudinal sofas in the saloon, providing seating and potentially converting to berths. Aft, there are quarter berths, offering additional sleeping accommodations. The cockpit is described as open aft, which enhances the feeling of space and allows for efficient crew movement during sailing, particularly relevant for a boat with racing aspirations. This utilitarian approach to the interior prioritizes sailing functionality and robust construction over elaborate cruising amenities, making it well-suited for day sailing, weekend trips, and club racing.