Etap 32s

Most Innovative

November 22, 2002

By Tim Murphy

The Belgian-built Etap 32s laid a threefold claim on our innovation award this year. Its novel features include unsinkability, a shoal-draft tandem keel, and a space-saving vertical tiller. The keel (akin to a Collins keel) is fashioned of two fore-and-aft foils joined by a plate across the bottom; BOTY judge Ralph Naranjo credited it for giving the boat a lot of lift while drawing only four feet three inches. The steering system is similar to the vertical tillers tillers found on some launch boats; Delrin rack-and-pinion gears join the tiller to the rudder stock.

"The helm felt balanced," said BOTY judge Carol Hasse. "It was a boat that really made me smile when I was sailing it."