Redshank is an ETAP 23i. ETAP's have a double hull which is foam filled and they have been certified independently as being unsinkable and just to demonstrate this Eric Vibart & Jean-Luc Gourmelen opened up all the valves and flooded an ETAP and then sailed it across the English Channel. Not something you would want to do, and it is certainly more comforting just to read about it here. Even in a flooded state she is supposed to be self righting as well. Our boat has a lifting keel which is ideal for the waters off the East Coast. She draws 4' 9" but with the keel up she draws just 2' 3" inches. Another aspect that appealed to me was that despite her length of just over 24 feet and a beam of just over eight feet she is very manoeuverable.

We have owned Redshank for Just over a year but have not ventured too far from her home moorings at West Mersea yet.

For more details of ETAP 23i's click here and more pictures of Redshank click here.