In the expansive Star Wars universe, few ships hold as much intrigue and visual grandeur as Jabba the Hutt’s Sail barge. These large transport vessels, often used as pleasurecraft by underworld cartels, had the ability to traverse a variety of terrains—from the scorching sands of Tatooine to vast stretches of water or snow. As the saying goes, “A Hutt without a Sail Barge is like a smoke moth without wings,” and Jabba was no exception to the rule.
Appearing in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, Jabba’s Sail barge, known as the Khetanna, made an unforgettable debut as the site of Luke Skywalker’s daring escape. The vessel quickly became one of the most iconic and visually memorable ships in the Star Wars saga, symbolizing the opulence and danger of the galaxy’s underworld.
LEGO has paid homage to this legendary craft multiple times, recreating Jabba’s Sail barge in brick form in 2006, 2013, and most recently, with a new set hitting shelves on October 6th, 2024. Each version has brought its own set of features and nuances, delighting LEGO and Star Wars fans alike. In this article, we’ll dive into the history of these sets, exploring their evolution, pros, and cons.
LEGO 6210 Jabba’s Sail Barge (2006)
The first iteration of Jabba’s Sail Barge made its debut in 2006, a milestone for LEGO Star Wars enthusiasts. This set, numbered 6210, didn’t just feature the iconic Sail Barge—it also included the Desert Skiff ship and the infamous Sarlacc Pit, allowing fans to recreate the dramatic scenes from Return of the Jedi with ease.
With a total of 781 pieces, this set was available for £59.99/$74.99 at the time of release, offering excellent value for its size and scope. It came with an impressive lineup of eight minifigures: Boba Fett, R2-D2, Jabba the Hutt, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian, and a Gamorrean Guard. This made it possible for builders to immerse themselves in the iconic moments from the film, like Luke’s daring escape and Boba Fett’s unfortunate tumble into the Sarlacc Pit.
One of the key features of the 6210 Sail Barge was its detailed interior, which could be accessed by opening the side panels of the ship. This allowed for playability beyond the exterior, giving fans the opportunity to place their minifigures inside Jabba’s throne room. Overall, this set is remembered fondly as a comprehensive and immersive build, setting a high bar for future versions of the Sail Barge.
75020 Jabba’s Sail Barge (2013)
Seven years after the first iteration, LEGO revisited Jabba’s Sail Barge in 2013 with set number 75020. While fans were hoping for a similar format to the 2006 version, this release took a slightly different approach. The new set was bigger, with 850 pieces, and carried a heftier price tag of £99.99/$119.99. However, unlike its predecessor, it did not include the Desert Skiff or the Sarlacc Pit. To complete the iconic battle scene, fans had to purchase the 2012 set 9496: Desert Skiff, which retailed for $24.99.
This version of the Sail Barge included six minifigures: Jabba the Hutt, Princess Leia, Weequay, R2-D2, and two figures with new molds—Max Rebo and Ree-Yees. Notably missing were some key characters like Boba Fett, Luke Skywalker, and Lando Calrissian, who were available in the Desert Skiff set, along with a Klatooinian Skiff Guard. While this might have been frustrating for collectors aiming for a complete cast in one purchase, it also allowed for flexibility for those who wanted to focus on specific characters.
Despite the increased piece count, the interior space of the 2013 Sail Barge wasn’t significantly larger than the 2006 version. Most of the interior was dedicated to Jabba’s throne room, with a small area for Max Rebo’s band. Still, the design was more refined, with smoother details and a slightly more polished look compared to the first version. While this set might not have offered the same comprehensive scene as its predecessor, it provided a fresh take on Jabba’s iconic ship for a new generation of builders.
75397 Jabba’s Sail Barge
After a long wait since the 2013 release, LEGO fans were finally treated to a new version of Jabba’s Sail Barge in 2024—this time in the prestigious UCS (Ultimate Collector Series) format. Specifically designed for AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO), the 75397 set boasts an impressive size and level of detail. With a staggering 3,942 pieces, this model measures over 30.5 inches (77 cm) in length, making it the largest and most elaborate version of the Sail Barge to date.
The minifigure selection is also a highlight of the set, featuring 10 characters: Bib Fortuna, Princess Leia, C-3PO, Max Rebo, Kithaba, Vizam, Wooof, a Gamorrean Guard, Jabba the Hutt, Salacious Crumb, and R2-D2, complete with a bar table accessory. A special stand is included to display these figures alongside an informational plaque about the Sail Barge itself, a feature often found in UCS sets.
Thanks to its larger size, this Sail Barge offers a far more detailed interior compared to previous versions. Builders can explore the cockpit, prison cell, armory, kitchen, and even Jabba’s personal quarters, including his bed. This level of intricacy makes the set not only a display piece but also a joy for those who enjoy building with detailed interiors.
However, one downside of this highly anticipated set is the price—£429.99/$499.99/€499.99. For many, this high cost is a sticking point, especially considering that, once again, the Desert Skiff and Sarlacc Pit are not included. Fans looking to recreate the full Return of the Jedi scene will need to purchase the Desert Skiff & Sarlacc Pit set separately for $79.99/€79.99. Many collectors feel that, given the price, the set should have included both the Desert Skiff and Sarlacc Pit, as well as additional minifigures to complete the iconic scene.
Despite this, the UCS Jabba’s Sail Barge is an extraordinary collector’s piece that offers an unparalleled level of detail, making it a must-have for dedicated Star Wars and LEGO fans alike. Use the link below to order yours today!
Each of these LEGO Jabba’s Sail Barge sets has its own unique appeal, and the decision to buy one depends largely on your personal preferences. If you’re feeling nostalgic for older sets—perhaps you had one as a child or love the classic charm of early LEGO Star Wars models—then tracking down a used 2006 or 2013 Sail Barge on Bricklink could be a perfect option.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for the latest and greatest in LEGO Star Wars engineering, and have the space to display a truly massive, detailed set, the 2024 UCS version is an absolute showpiece. It offers unparalleled detail and playability, making it a fantastic addition to any collector’s home.
Of course, there’s always the option of combining the best of both worlds—buying an older set and upgrading it with newer figures or pieces. Or even better, you can take inspiration from these sets and create your own custom version of Jabba’s Sail Barge. The possibilities are endless when you bring your imagination into the mix, and that’s what makes LEGO so special.
