Design and Construction
The hull is a hand-laid, glass-fibre-reinforced polyester laminate with no core. White topsides are set off by a double narrow dark-blue boot-top and matching decorative stripe at the hull sheer.
The 1.40-metre cast-iron fin keel weighs 720 kg. It is suspended from two U-profile iron bars laminated into the keel section and fastened to those carriers with four 20 mm stainless bolts. A free-standing rudder hangs from a small skeg, which is firmly laminated to a 25 mm stainless rudder post.
Inside, the saloon and forecastle berths are GRP sections laminated into the hull, visibly increasing hull rigidity. The cabinet bent-boards are finished in matt-lacquered wood, while the quarter-berth ends and aft locker seats are made from stable marine plywood with topcoat.
Rig, Sails, and Handling
Petterson’s unrestricted brief produced a sporty, fast yacht with hardware and a deck layout plainly intended for racing. The builder’s standard sail wardrobe comprised a 15.52 m² mainsail, an 18.67 m² genoa I, a 12.21 m² jib, and a 45.88 m² spinnaker. That range supports both club racing and relaxed coastal sailing.
Tested in winds from 1 to 5 Beaufort, the 806 showed outstanding course stability while responding sensitively to tiny rudder movements. Testers found that she could be manoeuvred as easily as a lighter boat three metres shorter.
Her light windward ardency didn’t worsen as heel increased. She bore off into stronger gusts without difficulty and slipped into waves without rigidity or awkwardness, producing almost no stern wave. Speed impressed even under standard sails and with the jib alone. Period test sailors considered her sailing qualities good enough to satisfy seasoned regatta sailors, while all the trimming options remained simple and functional in use at the helm.
Accommodation
Despite her sporting focus, the 806 surprised testers with a spacious interior and adequate comfort for families and weekend tours. The berths and locker seating form a coherent living space, with the saloon berth section continuing into the quarter-berth, which is finished with a GRP inner lining.
Matt-lacquered bent-wood detailing and marine plywood give the cabin a finished, purposeful character rather than the feel of a stripped-out racing shell.
Auxiliary Power
Standard equipment includes an engine mount with a reinforced surface sized for an outboard of up to 6 HP. This allows an owner to choose a portable auxiliary rather than a fixed inboard.
The Verdict
The International 806 is an unusual combination: a small, series-built Petterson design that behaves like a dedicated racer yet offers genuine weekending room. Her hand-laid hull, bolted cast-iron fin keel, and laminated berth structure reflect a focused approach to construction. Period testing describes a boat that is forgiving in gusts yet precise on the helm.
Pros
- Outstanding course stability with fingertip rudder response
- Manoeuvres like a boat three metres shorter
- GRP berth sections provide genuine hull rigidity
- Roomy interior for a 26-foot cruiser-racer
- Simple, functional sail-trimming arrangements
Cons
- Sport-focused deck layout may challenge less race-minded owners
- Auxiliary power is limited to a 6 HP outboard on the standard mount
