The ETAP 23 is a popular sailing boat designed and manufactured by ETAP Yachting, a Belgian boat builder. It is a small, trailerable sailboat that is known for its excellent sailing performance and safety features.
Here are some key features and characteristics of the ETAP 23:
1. Design: The ETAP 23 has a modern and sleek design with a low freeboard and a wide beam, which provides stability and good sailing performance. It has a fixed keel and a spade rudder.
2. Construction: The boat is constructed using ETAP's patented double-skinned construction technique, which ensures unsinkability. The double hull design incorporates a foam core, making the boat buoyant even if it is filled with water.
3. Size and Weight: The ETAP 23 has an overall length of approximately 7 meters (23 feet) and a beam of around 2.5 meters (8 feet). It has a draft of about 1.2 meters (4 feet) with the keel down. The boat weighs around 1,200 kilograms (2,650 pounds).
4. Sailing Performance: The ETAP 23 is known for its excellent sailing performance, thanks to its efficient hull design and sail plan. It has a large mainsail and a genoa, which provide good power and speed. The boat is easy to handle and maneuver, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced sailors.
5. Interior: Despite its compact size, the ETAP 23 offers a comfortable and functional interior. It typically has a small cabin with a V-berth, a compact galley with a sink and stove, and a marine toilet. The cabin can accommodate a small crew for overnight stays or weekend trips.
6. Safety Features: One of the standout features of the ETAP 23 is its unsinkability. The double-skinned construction and foam core provide buoyancy even if the boat is filled with water. Additionally, the boat has self-draining cockpit and a watertight bulkhead, which further enhance its safety.
7. Trailerable: The ETAP 23 is designed to be easily trailerable, allowing owners to transport it to different sailing locations. It can be launched and retrieved from a trailer, making it convenient for those who want to explore various sailing destinations.
Overall, the ETAP 23 is a well-regarded sailing boat that offers a combination of performance, safety, and comfort. Its unsinkable construction and trailerability make it a popular choice among sailors looking for a versatile and reliable sailboat.
