Elan Yachts is to restart production with the launch of a completely new line of high-tech, fast, carbon bluewater yachts.
The announcement from Elan Group comes just months after the shipyard said it was to temporarily shut down production and overhaul both the company structure and its sailing yacht portfolio.
The Slovenian based boatbuilder has belonged to Luxembourg-based KJK Sports since 2018 with the Group stating Elan Yachts had become bogged down in a difficult and challenging market.
At the time, it was expected the restructuring and reorganisation could take at least 12 months.
The new line therefore marks a new chapter for the shipyard and a milestone in the company’s 80-year history, with the SixtyFive the first of a series of performance sailing yachts designed for shorthanded or owner operation.
The SixtyFive is the result of advanced simulation tools and offshore single-handed racing experience.
Jernej Jakopin
Developed with J&J Design and naval architect Guillaume Verdier, the yacht brings IMOCA and America’s Cup know-how into bluewater cruising.
“The Elan SixtyFive marks the beginning of a new era, combining industrial precision, advanced materials and design integrity to set a new standard in owner-sailed bluewater performance,” explained Jeffrey Tirman, CEO Elan Group.
The hull is designed to sail faster than the wind in wind speeds of less than 11 knots and plane in wind speeds as low as 14 knots while digital load monitoring and an IMOCA-style autopilot increase safety and efficiency.
Mast, rigging and deck gear are organised for easier handling and passage making and an extra-strong keel fin is built from a single piece of HRO 774 steel.
Strong and light structure
The hull, deck and structural components are made from a mix of carbon and glass fibre with epoxy resin and a foam core for a strong yet light structure and composite sandwich interior panels allow for a lighter interior.
The complete boat, including the carbon fibre rig, interior fittings and all add-on parts, should weigh around 17 tonnes with the keel making up 6.5 tonnes of this.
“The SixtyFive is the result of advanced simulation tools and offshore single-handed racing experience, focused on precision, ease of handling and intelligent autopilot support,” stated Jernej Jakopin.
The platform will be expanded to 73 and 80ft models, creating a full line of high performance, long-range sailing yachts.
