While the Scandinavian Dory 18 was lifted out of the water dripping wet and shiny, I was reminded how just seeing and admiring the beautiful hull lines and the exceptional construction quality of the Scandinavian Dory 18 makes it desirable to own one. The lines are as much a sculptural art form as it is a functional pleasure craft.
The weather in Xiamen, China was sunny and warm as it seems to be each time we come here to sail. We started out by rowing the Scandinavian Dory 18 in the single rowing and sliding seat set-up, with my wife and son as passengers and acting as my “eyes” looking forward from the stern. The boat is exceptionally stable in rowing mode, and two people can easily change positions by walking past each other rather than one climbing through the legs of the other person.
The carbon fiber sliding seat, carbon oars, Concept II oar-locks, and outriggers are all located in a perfect ergonomic position, and the carbon fiber oars hits the water just right and provides plenty of power for one person to row the boat alone with two adult passengers.
The boat tracks beautifully, yet turns very well in the rowing mode in which I had removed the rudder and lifted the swinging centerboard. I had also filled the water ballast tank, which no doubt helped stability, tracking and momentum, and it is therefore the preferred arrangement.
Later the wind picked up and I had wind and waves plus two passengers, yet the boat performed beautifully, and provided me with a very good rowing workout of the upper body and legs.
The Scandinavian Dory 18 can also be changed to double rowing configuration with two fixed seats by simply attaching the additional gear with a few finger screws.
Finally the boat can be sailed with the free standing cat rig. You attach the carbon fiber rudder, swing down the carbon fiber centerboard, and put up the sailing cat rig. The cockpit is designed for up to three people sitting comfortably on the coamings, with foot straps available to hike out and get some additional exercise.
The wishbone boom is located far above the heads of any crew members so tacking or jibing is completely safe, as there is no boom, nor any vang or sheet to catch anybody in the cockpit. The boat hull is long and narrow, and it is designed for pleasure sailing in nice weather, and it is important that new owners gain sailing experience in the Scandinavian Dory 18 before more challenging winds are ventured into.
The hatch in the bow is foam-insulated to allow you to keep your drinks cold. The stern hatch is designed to fit a battery for a small electric motor which is attached to the transom fitting.
The first Scandinavian Dory will now be shipped to the boat show in Annapolis, USA, and additional boats will be shipped to Europe and Australia shortly for new owner demonstrations.
Best regards
Nis Peter Lorentzen
Founder of Scandinavian Cruisers
