Designed by E.W. Etchells in 1966, this fractional sloop represents one of sailing's most successful one-design racing classes. With its sleek 30.50-foot hull and efficient 301 square feet of sail area, the Etchells delivers exceptional performance in keelboat racing while remaining manageable for competitive sailors. The boat's fin keel design with rudder mounted on a skeg provides responsive handling and predictable sailing characteristics that have made it a favorite among yacht clubs worldwide. At 3,325 pounds displacement with substantial ballast of 2,175 pounds, the Etchells offers excellent stability and upwind performance that rewards skilled crew work and tactical sailing. Built by David Heritage Racing Yachts using fiberglass construction, these boats maintain remarkable consistency across the fleet, ensuring fair competition. The class has earned a stellar reputation for close, tactical racing where boat handling and strategy matter more than equipment advantages. With a comfort ratio of 15.66 and capsize screening formula of 1.88, the Etchells is primarily suited for protected waters and coastal racing rather than offshore cruising. The Etchells' enduring popularity in competitive sailing circles stems from its perfect balance of performance, durability, and one-design integrity, making it an excellent choice for serious racing enthusiasts.
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What is the Etchells Class's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Etchells Class has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 21.68. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Etchells Class's comfort ratio?
The Etchells Class has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 15.66. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Etchells Class safe for offshore sailing?
The Etchells Class has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.88. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Etchells Class?
The theoretical hull speed of the Etchells Class is 6.29 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Etchells Class weigh?
The Etchells Class has a displacement of 3,325.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 30.50 ft.
Who designed the Etchells Class?
The Etchells Class was designed by E. W. Etchells, first built in 1966.