Etchells
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The International Etchells Class are a one design class of sailing boat.
The yacht designed in 1966 by E.W. "Skip" Etchells. The class was known as E22 until the name was changed to Etchells in 1990. Over the years, the Etchells has become increasingly popular and is now raced by members of more than fifty fleets around the world.
The Etchells is a fast, stable racing sloop that can be raced competitively and safely by three or four sailors. She can tack in 70 degrees and is extramely sensitive to subtle adjustments in tuning and trim. She has a sleek hull with relatively little wetted surface area, which allows her to move well in the lightest breeze. In heavier winds, she absolutely flies. Her sail plan includes a main, jib, and spinnaker.
The class's strict one-design principles were established in the late 1960's and are controlled today by a strong, well-managed class association, which has a good website (http://www.etchells.org/). The class and the ISAFmaintain (http://www.sailing.org/) tight control of the construction of these yachts, ensuring the high quality and uniformity of each Etchells built. The one-design principles help the Etchells hold her resale value exceptionally well.
The Etchells is trailerable and light enough to dry sail. The materials and techniques used in her constructions make her easy to maintain and repair.
Famous Etchells sailors include:
Mooloolaba Yacht Club hosted the Etchells 2004 World Championship.
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