Sprinta 70 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Sprinta 70 is widely regarded for its balanced and predictable handling, a hallmark of the E.G. van de Stadt design philosophy. Featuring a high ballast-to-displacement ratio (approximately 40%), the boat is notably stiff for its size, allowing it to carry full sail longer than many of its 1970s contemporaries. The hull form, characterized by a fine entry and a relatively flat run aft, enables the boat to track well upwind while maintaining stability on a reach.

According to the Dehler Brand History, the collaboration with Van de Stadt was instrumental in infusing these smaller models with "racing genes." While the standard Sprinta 70 was rigged as a Masthead Sloop, it offered enough performance to satisfy experienced sailors without intimidating novices. Under sail, the spade rudder provides immediate feedback, though owners often note that the boat requires an active hand in gusty conditions to prevent rounding up. Its displacement of roughly 1,500kg allows it to be launched from a trailer, though its fixed fin keel (drafting approximately 1.25m) makes it more suited to deep-water slips than shallow-water ramp launches.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 23-foot boat, the Sprinta 70 utilized several clever spatial innovations that would become Dehler signatures. The most notable is the "sliding galley" system—a module that could be tucked away to maximize floor space or pulled out for meal preparation. The interior layout typically accommodates four adults, featuring a V-berth in the bow and two longitudinal settees in the main salon.

Dehler maximized the versatility of the hull by offering three distinct variants:

• Sprinta 70 (Standard): The classic cruiser with a balanced interior and standard rig.
• Sprinta Sport: A stripped-down, high-performance version designed for IOR Quarter Ton racing. It featured a taller, fractional rig, a deeper keel, and a simplified interior. This version became a highly successful one-design class in Germany.
• Sprinta DS (Deck Saloon): Perhaps the most unique variation, featuring a raised "doghouse" or hard dodger that provided exceptional protection from the elements and increased headroom at the companionway, effectively creating a miniature motor-sailer aesthetic.

The use of GRP interior liners was pioneering at the time, providing a clean, low-maintenance finish, although the lack of extensive wood trim gives the cabin a more "functional" than "cozy" atmosphere compared to traditional Scandinavian builds of the same era.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Sprinta 70, and specifically the Sprinta Sport, holds a storied place in European club racing history. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Sprinta Sport was the "boat to beat" in the Quarter Tonner circuit, earning a reputation for being nearly indestructible in heavy air. This durability and performance led to its adoption as a major one-design fleet, particularly in the Baltic and North Sea regions. While it rarely appears in mainstream cinema, it remains a staple of German sailing literature and maritime "test of time" reviews in European journals, often cited as the boat that professionalized the production of small keelboats.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Sprinta 70 with an eye toward its age and the specific construction techniques of the late 1970s.

• Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this era, the Sprinta 70 uses a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around the chainplates or stanchion bases can lead to soft spots. Buyers should check for flex around the mast step and the cockpit sole.
• Rudder Play: The spade rudder is known to develop play in the bushings over decades of use. If the helm feels "clunky" or vibrates at speed, the rudder bearings likely require replacement.
• Compression Post: Ensure the mast step has not compressed the deck or the internal support structure. On some older units, the structural timber or reinforcement under the mast may have settled.
• Window Seals: The original acrylic windows are often secured with frames that can leak after years of UV exposure. Inspect the interior GRP liners for water staining or salt crystallization beneath the ports.
• Osmosis: While Dehler used high-quality resins, early GRP hulls are susceptible to osmotic blistering. A hull survey is recommended to check for moisture levels in the laminate.

Community & Resources

The Sprinta 70 benefits from a robust European following, particularly through the Dehler Club and various national Sprinta Sport associations. These groups maintain technical archives, including original sail plans and tuning guides. In Germany, the Sprinta-Sport Klassenvereinigung (Class Association) remains active, organizing regattas and providing a wealth of technical knowledge for the racing variant that often translates to the standard 70 model.

The Verdict

The Dehler Sprinta 70 is a testament to the longevity of German engineering and Van de Stadt’s design prowess. It remains an excellent choice for sailors looking for a manageable, seaworthy, and surprisingly quick small cruiser.

Pros:

• Versatile Design: Equally capable of club racing or weekend coastal cruising.
• Strong Pedigree: A high-quality build from one of Europe’s most respected yards.
• Innovation: Features like the sliding galley maximize the utility of its 7-meter footprint.
• Variant Choice: Options ranging from the racing-focused Sport to the weather-protected DS.

Cons:

• Limited Headroom: The low profile necessary for performance results in a cramped cabin for taller sailors.
• Aging Systems: Original wiring and plumbing likely require modernization.
• Fixed Keel Limitations: The draft limits its use in very shallow areas compared to swing-keel competitors.