Esse 850 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Esse 850 is defined by its exceptional power-to-weight ratio and its "easy sailing" philosophy. With a displacement of approximately 1,260 kg (2,778 lbs) and a ballast of 700 kg (1,543 lbs) located in a lead bulb at the end of a 2-meter fin, the boat maintains a staggering ballast ratio of over 50%. This configuration allows the 850 to carry a generous sail plan—nearly 50 square meters upwind—without requiring a large crew for hiking. Schuchter Sportboat AG highlights that the boat was specifically designed to be sailed effectively by a crew of three or even solo, thanks to a high-modulus carbon fiber mast that lacks backstays, simplifying maneuvers and reducing rig complexity.

Under sail, the boat is known for its "dinghy-like" responsiveness but with the stability of a much larger keelboat. In light airs, the Felci-designed hull minimizes wetted surface area, while the broad, flat stern sections provide a powerful planing surface when the gennaker is deployed on the retractable carbon bowsprit. According to technical documentation from the International Esse 850 Class Association, the boat remains remarkably balanced on the helm even when pressed, a characteristic attributed to the deep, high-aspect rudder that maintains traction at high heel angles.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Esse 850 is widely recognized in the sailing world for winning the "European Yacht of the Year" in the Special Yacht category upon its debut. It has been featured extensively in editorial reviews by publications like Yachting World and Die Yacht, often cited as the benchmark for the "performance daysailer" niche. The boat’s cultural footprint is most visible in the competitive one-design circuits of Switzerland, Italy, and Germany, where it is a frequent protagonist in major regattas like the Bol d’Or Mirabaud. Its design success also paved the way for a broader range of siblings, including the smaller, more aggressive Esse 750, the larger Esse 990, and the more comfort-oriented Esse 330, all of which share the same Felci-designed DNA of speed and elegance.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Esse 850 is a high-quality build, prospective owners should focus on several technical areas during inspection:

• Keel Lifting Mechanism: The 850 features a lifting keel to facilitate trailering. Owners on technical forums have noted that the manual or hydraulic lifting systems require regular lubrication and inspection of the stainless steel cables or rams to prevent seizing or corrosion.
• Carbon Mast and Rigging: Since the boat lacks a backstay, the carbon mast and the swept-back spreaders endure significant compression loads. Buyers should inspect the mast step and the chainplates for any signs of stress cracking or movement in the laminate.
• Gelcoat and Finish: Some earlier hulls produced during the initial Italian production run have been reported to show minor cosmetic crazing around high-stress deck fittings. While usually non-structural, these require professional attention to maintain the boat's aesthetic value.
• Rudder Bearings: Given the high loads placed on the deep rudder, play in the rudder bearings can develop over time. Replacing these with high-tolerance self-aligning bearings is a common maintenance task for older hulls.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for owners is the International Esse 850 Class Association, which maintains the official one-design rules, organizes an annual racing calendar, and provides a network for technical support and spare parts. Additionally, the manufacturer, Schuchter Sportboat, remains a primary resource for technical inquiries and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacements.

The Verdict

The Esse 850 remains one of the most successful performance daysailers of the 21st century, offering a rare blend of aesthetic beauty and raw speed. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who prioritizes performance and ease of use over interior accommodations.

Pros:

• Exhilarating performance with effortless planing capabilities.
• Simple, backstay-less carbon rig allows for easy shorthanded sailing.
• High-quality epoxy construction ensures long-term structural integrity.
• Excellent trailering capability thanks to the lifting keel and 2.5m beam.

Cons:

• Complete lack of interior amenities limits its use to day-sailing and racing.
• Premium pricing compared to more utilitarian sportboats.
• Requires a specialized trailer for road transport.