Este 31 Information, Review, Specs

The Este 31 commenced its production run in 1999, emerging from Cantieri Navali D'Este's Fiumicino shipyard. The shipyard, founded by master shipwright Gino D’Este in 1955, has a long-standing reputation for traditional Italian craftsmanship and an adaptable approach to naval architecture. The Este 31, as part of the successful "Este" series, embodies the shipyard's commitment to producing performance cruisers that offer both speed and comfort. Germán Frers' design for the Este 31 aimed to create a yacht that was appreciated by those seeking a cruiser-racer armed with a 9/10 fractional sloop rig. Cantieri Navali D'Este is known for its meticulous construction and finish, a legacy likely stemming from its founder's deep roots in boat building prior to establishing the company. While specific variations like MkI or MkII are not widely detailed in available information, the model has maintained its core design principles since its introduction.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Este 31 is designed for engaging sailing, with its specifications hinting at a balanced performance profile. With a reported sail area of 445 square feet and a displacement of 6,614 pounds, it achieves a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 20.17. This relatively high ratio suggests that the Este 31 should exhibit good performance in lighter air conditions, being capable of easily moving through the water even with minimal wind.

The ballast-to-displacement ratio (Ballast: 2,645 lbs, Displacement: 6,614 lbs) stands at approximately 0.40. This healthy ratio indicates a stable and stiff boat, capable of standing up to a good breeze without excessive heeling, thereby contributing to a comfortable motion offshore. The Este 31 features a lead bulb keel and a spade rudder, a combination typically found on performance-oriented designs, promising good directional control and responsiveness.

With a Length Overall (LOA) of 31.27 feet and a waterline length (LWL) of 27.39 feet, the Este 31 has a theoretical hull speed of approximately 7.01 knots. Its Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of approximately 321.85, calculated using the standard formula, places it in the heavier displacement category for its waterline length. While this suggests a more substantial, traditional cruiser feel, the boat's design as a cruiser-racers by Germán Frers and its SA/D ratio collectively imply that it is still intended to be lively and competitive on the water, balancing its solid build with good sailing characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Este 31 is configured to provide practical and comfortable living spaces for a yacht of its size. It is typically equipped with six berths, maximizing sleeping capacity for a crew or family. The boat also boasts a substantial fresh water capacity of 63 gallons (238 liters), a noteworthy feature for a vessel of this length, allowing for extended periods away from shore without needing to refill. While specific details on the exact cabin layout are not extensively publicized, the general expectation for a cruiser-racer of this era and from this builder would be a functional arrangement, likely including a V-berth forward, a compact head, a salon with settees that convert to berths, and a galley area. The construction with a solid fiberglass hull and deck suggests a robust and durable interior foundation.