The ETAP 22i is a popular sailing boat designed and manufactured by ETAP Yachting, a Belgian boat builder. It is a small, trailerable sailboat that offers a combination of performance, comfort, and safety.
Here are some key features and characteristics of the ETAP 22i:
1. Design: The ETAP 22i features a modern design with sleek lines and a spacious cockpit. It has a fixed keel and a balanced rudder, providing stability and maneuverability.
2. Construction: The boat is constructed using ETAP's patented double-skinned unsinkable technology. The hull is made of two fiberglass skins with a foam core in between, ensuring buoyancy and safety even in case of damage.
3. Size and Trailering: The ETAP 22i has an overall length of 6.5 meters (21.3 feet) and a beam of 2.5 meters (8.2 feet). It weighs around 1,100 kilograms (2,425 pounds), making it easily trailerable behind a car.
4. Sailing Performance: The boat is designed for both cruising and racing. It has a fractional rig with a large mainsail and a genoa, providing good performance in various wind conditions. The ETAP 22i is known for its responsiveness and agility on the water.
5. Interior: Despite its compact size, the ETAP 22i offers a comfortable interior for its crew. It can accommodate up to four people with a V-berth in the bow and two settee berths in the main cabin. It also has a small galley area and a marine toilet.
6. Safety Features: ETAP Yachting is renowned for its focus on safety. The ETAP 22i is equipped with self-draining cockpit, positive flotation, and watertight bulkheads, ensuring that the boat remains afloat even in case of severe damage or capsizing.
7. Easy Handling: The boat is designed to be easily handled by a small crew. It has a simple and efficient deck layout with all control lines leading to the cockpit, allowing for single-handed sailing if desired.
8. Popularity: The ETAP 22i has gained popularity among sailors who seek a versatile and safe sailboat. It is often praised for its build quality, sailing performance, and the peace of mind provided by its unsinkable construction.
Overall, the ETAP 22i is a well-regarded sailing boat that offers a combination of performance, comfort, and safety in a compact package.