Saro Scimitar Information, Review, Specs

Measuring 20 feet 3 inches in length with a remarkably narrow 6-foot beam, the Scimitar features a fin keel and a fractional sloop rig. While the design was technically sophisticated for its era, its commercial trajectory was cut short when the moulds were eventually sold to Ferranti in Bangor and later Dickies of Bangor, who pivoted toward other designs. Despite its limited production run, the Scimitar earned a reputation for its distinctive "needle" hull shape and its role in pioneering GRP construction within the UK’s conservative club racing circuits.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Scimitar is frequently described by its owners as "a witch" on the water, a testament to its agility and speed. With a Sail Area/Displacement ratio of approximately 18.1 and a slender length-to-beam ratio of 3.37, the boat feels more like a large dinghy than a traditional 20-foot keelboat. It is exceptionally quick in stays and highly responsive to helm input, a characteristic derived from its high ballast ratio of over 50%—nearly 1,100 lbs of its 2,180-lb displacement is concentrated in the lead fin keel.

Handling is characterized by its "needle" hull, which allows the boat to slice through chop with minimal resistance. However, this narrow design contributes to a "wet" sailing experience; in heavy air or wind-against-tide conditions, the Scimitar is prone to taking on spray and requires active bailing or a dedicated pump. Historical accounts from the Royal Anglesey Yacht Club, where the boat was a fixture, suggest that while it excels in sheltered waters and light-to-moderate winds, its lack of a forward bulkhead can make downwind legs in following seas particularly treacherous if the boat begins to ship water.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Scimitar's legacy is closely tied to its role in UK sailing education and regional racing. During the 1960s and 70s, the class was a staple at the Emsworth Sailing School and the Holyhead Sailing School, where it was used to bridge the gap between dinghy sailing and larger yacht handling. Technical discussions of the boat have appeared in Practical Boat Owner magazine, highlighting its durability and its transition from a masthead rig to the more performance-oriented fractional setup favored by racing enthusiasts. The model remains a celebrated "classic" at regattas in North Wales and the South Coast of England, often cited as a successful early application of Saunders-Roe's aerospace-grade testing tanks to small-boat design.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Saro Scimitar should approach an inspection with a focus on early GRP construction and specific mechanical vulnerabilities:

• Rudder Shaft Corrosion: Many Scimitars were built with a galvanized steel tubular rudder shaft encapsulated within the GRP blade. Over decades, water ingress often leads to internal corrosion, resulting in catastrophic failure where the tube shears off just below the hull. Modern replacements typically utilize solid phosphor bronze or stainless steel shafts.
• Swamping Risk: The original design lacks significant internal buoyancy or a forward bulkhead. For boats used in coastal conditions, owners often retrofit additional bulkheads or high-capacity bilge pumps to mitigate the risk of swamping in heavy seas.
• Keel Attachment: While the lead fin keel is robust, the keel bolts and the hull-to-keel joint should be inspected for signs of "smile" or movement, especially given the age of the fiberglass laminate.
• Rig Conversions: Several Scimitars have been modified over the years, including conversions to gaff rigs or masthead-to-fractional updates. Buyers should verify that any custom rigging was performed to professional standards, as poorly executed changes can affect the boat's balance and safety.

Community & Resources

The primary community for the Scimitar is centered around the Royal Anglesey Yacht Club in Beaumaris, where the class originated. While there is no longer a dedicated national class association, technical data and historical drawings are meticulously maintained by the Laurent Giles Archive. Owners and enthusiasts often congregate in regional classic boat forums and at vintage keelboat regattas in the Menai Strait and the River Dart.

The Verdict

The Saro Scimitar is a rewarding choice for the traditionalist who values dinghy-like responsiveness and historical pedigree over modern amenities.

Pros:

• Excellent light-air performance and high maneuverability.
• Historic "Saunders-Roe" build quality and Laurent Giles design.
• Dries out upright due to the flat bottom of the fin keel.
• Low maintenance compared to wooden one-designs of the same era.

Cons:

• A notoriously "wet" boat that requires frequent bailing in chop.
• Vulnerable rudder design requires careful inspection and possible replacement.
• Open cockpit provides no shelter, limiting its use to day sailing and racing.