International Etchells

International Etchells

5 Seasons

The class was known originally 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 extremely 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 1960s and are controlled today by a strong, well-managed class association. The class and the International Sailing Federation maintain 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 a fiberglass boat with aluminum spars; it has no electrical systems or auxiliary power. It is trailerable and light enough to drysail. The materials and techniques used in her construction make her easy to maintain and repair.

International Etchells
  • Festival of Sails - Magic Monster Monday Wrap Up

    Episode 1

    Cruising up the Corio Bay channel - sounds easy but it's like threading a needle with another 150 yachts at the same time. Glorious final day to the Festival of Sails 2020 with interviews with some of the International Etchells and Cruising divisional winners. Good-bye FoS - welcome to 2020 Ocean...