Esse 750 Information, Review, Specs

The Esse 750 officially entered production in 2012, following the significant success of its larger sibling, the Esse 850. The design brief, entrusted to Umberto Felci, aimed to build upon the established Esseboats concept, creating a yacht that delivered maximum enjoyment with an innovative and easy-to-handle design. Schuchter Sportboot AG's manufacturing philosophy during this era emphasized modern composite construction. The Esse 750’s hull and deck are crafted from a carbon sandwich using an infusion process, a testament to the builder's commitment to durability and performance. Further contributing to its lightweight and robust nature, the mast, boom, and rudder are also constructed from carbon. The design incorporates a modern sail plan, featuring a self-tacking jib with a furler and a square-top mainsail, simplifying sail handling and enhancing performance. While the Esse 750 Class Rules mention potential variations, specific distinct marks (e.g., MkI, MkII) or significant rig changes are not widely documented.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Esse 750's specifications translate directly into its spirited sailing characteristics. With a reported sail area of 376.7 square feet and a displacement of 2160 pounds, it boasts an exceptionally high Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 36.29. This figure indicates outstanding performance in light air and confirms its identity as a pure racer. The yacht's Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio stands at a very high 0.57, suggesting exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to more wind and carry its canvas effectively. Furthermore, its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 222.9 positions it as a moderately light to light performance boat, striking a balance between speed and a comfortable motion.

Anecdotal evidence and design goals consistently highlight the Esse 750's optimal handling characteristics, promising a great sailing experience. It is described as a "sport keel monotype" designed for exhilarating performance. The combination of its lightweight carbon construction, efficient sail plan, and well-balanced hull allows it to be remarkably easy to sail, even for small crews or solo sailors, without compromising its competitive edge.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its primary purpose as a two-man racer and sport keelboat, the Esse 750 features a minimalist approach to accommodations. The focus of the design is unequivocally on sailing performance and on-deck functionality rather than extensive interior comforts. While detailed interior layouts are not extensively publicized, the absence of a stated maximum headroom and the boat's overall dimensions (24.61 ft LOA, 6.73 ft beam) suggest that any interior space would be primarily for basic shelter and storage, rather than prolonged cruising or overnight stays with significant comfort. The emphasis is on "pure sailing" and the joy of being on the water, with the interior serving a functional, albeit limited, role.