Philosophy.
We build boats that simply work. Boats that are balanced, controllable and easy to sail.Comfort on an Esse comes from balance, precision and simplicity. When the rudder, trim and weight are all in harmony, the boat sails smoothly and predictable – even in changing conditions. This conveys a sense of security and builds confidence.
An Esse is designed to be intuitive to operate and quick to get ready to sail. Clear workflows on deck, direct feedback at the helm and a coherent overall concept ensure that sailing is effortless – alone or with a small crew.
Performance is the basis of this concept. It enables control, reduces effort and increases joy on the water. A boat that sails precisely and efficiently is just as impressive on the regatta course as it is when sailing for pleasure.
Consistent construction for maximum performance.
All hulls are manufactured using vacuum infusion in a modern sandwich construction process. This construction method ensures a particularly stiff and lightweight hull and allows the weight to be kept as low as possible. The result is high structural efficiency, direct feedback at the helm and controllable performance across a wide wind range.
All components essential to performance are available exclusively in top-of-the-range versions. Where other manufacturers compromise, we remain consistent: if a boat is designed with a carbon rig, we only deliver it in this version.
Sheets are tapered to minimise friction, and we pay uncompromising attention to optimal function, minimal losses and maximum reliability when it comes to fittings.
The result is boats that sail directly, quickly and honestly – without compromise. Every detail is designed to deliver consistent and reproducible performance on the water – not just on paper, but in real conditions.
The crew.
The Schuchter family is behind esseboats: founded by Josef Schuchter, the second generation has already taken the helm with t Stefan and Florian Schuchter. While boat builder Stefan is in charge of the shipyard, Florian is responsible for sales, logistics and marketing.
They have been enthusiastic sailors from an early age.
In addition to selling esseboats, the company’s own shipyard in Stäfa – Schuchter Sportboot AG – also offers all services related to sailing boats.
Made for freedom.
She needs to be sporty. She needs to offer the best sailing performance in strong winds and a light breeze alike. And she needs to be fun – with a crew as well as solo. Zero compromises. This was the dream of company founder Josef Schuchter. When he couldn’t find this on the market, he created it himself.
Together with the Italian designer Umberto Felci and the Proteus shipyard on Lake Garda, Josef Schuchter developed his first dream sailboat, combining technical sophistication, stylish design and high quality: the esse 850.
On 3 March 2004, the first esse 850 was launched with construction number 1. And with great enthusiasm: it functioned flawlessly and the desired easy handling – combined with the fact that the boat’s rudder was extremely sensitive – won sailors over immediately.
One week later, Josef Schuchter took part in a regatta with his boat.
Despite considerable competition, he and his team won the first race with the esse 850 SUI-001 without even having done any speed comparisons beforehand.
Further regatta successes followed in the same year. The highlight was the European Championship for sports boats, in which three esse 850s competed and two of them achieved first and second place.
Even before the esse 850 completed her final trials in Barcelona, she was nominated for “European boat of the year” by the eleven leading European yachting magazines, an award which she won, too.
Since then, the esse 850 has been followed by other innovative boat types with distinctive designs. The high quality always remains the same – typically Swiss.