With all the new, classically inspired daysailers and weekend cruisers in the 30-foot and above category now available, sailors shopping for such a design have a number of choices to choose from, including the simple but elegant Alerion 33 reviewed in this month’s Boat Test (page 48). The e33, however, has several smart design features that make it well worth a closer look. With its overhangs, gentle sheer and unimposing square cabintrunk, the e33 may, at first glance, look like any other imitation classic, but this boat was built to perform, and perform without taxing the skipper or crew.

A large-roach main on a fractional rig will provide plenty of horsepower to this narrow and light, 5,900-pound displacement hull. Yet, a peek inside the expansive cockpit reveals a boat centered around ergonomics and ease of use. Lines are led to a centerline pod in the cockpit in reach of the helmsman. This pod also makes an ideal foot brace when heeled. Other clever design features include a dogleg-shaped tiller that allows the traveler to be positioned aft of the helm, directly over the rudderpost. Sails, meanwhile, are controlled by Etchells-inspired macro and micro tuning arrangements that eliminate the need for winches.

Living certainly will be easy in this cockpit. With 16-foot seats, there’s plenty of space to stretch out on, and there’s even a spacious aft deck for those wanting to escape the action. Should you not wish to return to port at the end of the day, belowdecks is a small forward V-berth, enclosed head and opposing settees.

The e33 is the combined effort of veteran racer and sailmaker Robbie Doyle and designer Jeremy Wurmfeld. Included in the base price is the Doyle mainsail and headsail, as well as a 14-horsepower inboard Yanmar with saildrive.