Nordship 666 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Nordship 666 is characterized by its responsiveness and surprising stiffness for a boat of its size. Featuring a 7/8 fractional rig and a fin keel, the boat was designed to handle the choppy, light-to-moderate air typical of the Baltic Sea. With a displacement of approximately 1,200 kg (2,645 lbs), the 666 has a relatively high ballast ratio, which provides a sense of security and "big boat" feel that many contemporary 22-footers lack.

Owners typically report that the boat tracks well upwind, a result of the well-profiled fin keel and balanced rudder. While it lacks the sheer planing speed of modern sportboats, its hull shape—characterized by a moderate beam and fine entry—allows it to maintain momentum through a chop. The 666 is often praised for its "sea-kindliness," a term usually reserved for larger vessels, but fitting here because of Buchwald’s refusal to compromise on structural laminate thickness even in his earliest designs.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its modest 22-foot length, the interior of the Nordship 666 demonstrates the "yacht-quality" woodwork that would eventually define the Nordship brand. The layout is a classic four-berth arrangement: a V-berth forward and two settee berths in the main cabin. While the headroom is limited—a common trait for a trailerable boat of this era—the use of high-quality teak veneers and solid wood trim makes the cabin feel more like a proper yacht than a plastic production boat.

Storage is cleverly integrated beneath the berths and in small lockers, though the boat lacks a dedicated galley or enclosed head. Most 666 models were equipped with a slide-out stove drawer and a chemical toilet tucked under the V-berth. There are few variations of the 666, as production was relatively limited before the yard pivoted toward the Nordship 808 and eventually the larger 28-foot and 34-foot models that introduced the first inklings of the deck saloon concept.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

As a vessel approaching its fifth decade, the Nordship 666 requires a discerning eye during inspection. Prospective buyers should focus on the following high-signal areas:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the 666 uses a balsa or foam-cored deck. Check for soft spots around the chainplates and stanchion bases, where water ingress can lead to delamination over time.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Inspect the internal floors and the area around the keel bolts for signs of "the smile"—a gap at the leading edge of the keel—which may indicate that the keel bolts need tightening or the joint needs re-sealing.
• Rudder Bearings: The simple spade rudder can develop play in the bushings. While not a structural failure, it can lead to a "clunking" sensation at the helm and a loss of steering feel.
• Rigging Age: Given the 7/8 fractional rig's reliance on spreader tension, the standing rigging should be carefully inspected for "meat hooks" or corrosion, especially if the boat has been used in saltwater environments.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for owners is the Nordship Klubben, a dedicated association for Nordship owners based in Denmark. While much of their documentation is in Danish, the club provides an invaluable repository of technical manuals and historical build data for the early Buchwald-designed models, including the 666 and 808.

The Verdict

The Nordship 666 is a "pocket cruiser" in the truest sense—a boat that offers the build quality and aesthetic of a premium Scandinavian yacht in a package that can be parked in a driveway.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Superior woodwork and fiberglass layup compared to mass-market 22-footers.
• Trailerability: Allows for easy exploration of different cruising grounds without expensive slip fees.
• Balanced Handling: Predictable and safe performance that rewards a sensitive hand on the tiller.

Cons:

• Limited Headroom: The low profile necessary for its sleek look and trailerability sacrifices interior standing room.
• Rarity: Finding parts or a second-hand model outside of Denmark and Northern Germany can be difficult.
• Basic Amenities: Lacks the "luxury" features (like a permanent head or shower) found on Nordship’s later, larger models.