Etchells vs Shields
How do the Etchells and Shields compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Etchells 
Shields | Etchells | Shields | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 30.2 ft9.20 m | 30.2 ft9.21 m |
| Waterline length | 22.0 ft6.71 m | 20.0 ft6.10 m |
| Beam | 6.9 ft2.10 m | 6.4 ft1.96 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 4.8 ft1.45 m |
| Displacement | 3,325 lb1,508 kg | 4,600 lb2,087 kg |
| Ballast | 2,175 lb987 kg | 3,080 lb1,397 kg |
| Sail area | 297 ft²27.6 m² | 363 ft²33.7 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 21.33 | 21.00 |
| Displacement / Length | 139 | 257 |
| Comfort ratio | 16.1 | 25.9 |
| Capsize screening | 1.85 | 1.54 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.3 | 6.0 |
Etchells vs Shields: the short version
- The Etchells and Shields are close in length (30.2 ft9.20 m vs 30.2 ft9.21 m ).
- The Shields is heavier, displacing about 38% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Etchells carries the more powerful rig (21.3 vs 21.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Shields scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Shields rates better for offshore work (1.54 vs 1.85).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.