{"id":161677,"date":"2026-01-20T06:00:36","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T06:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/?p=161677"},"modified":"2026-02-10T08:31:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T08:31:19","slug":"first-look-elan-sixtyfive-is-elans-new-dawn-the-ultimate-bluewater-cruiser","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/yachts-and-gear\/first-look-elan-sixtyfive-is-elans-new-dawn-the-ultimate-bluewater-cruiser-161677","title":{"rendered":"First look: Elan SixtyFive – is Elan\u2019s new dawn the ultimate bluewater cruiser?"},"content":"The newly launched Elan Impression 444 is born from the 434, a design that made an impression itself when it launched a successful line of big-volume cruisers in 2004.\r\n\r\nOver 350 have since been sold, making it the Slovenian yard\u2019s second most popular model to date.\r\n\r\nThe Elan Impression 444 is actually a rebranding rather than a successor. Using the same hull and deck, but cosmetically enhanced with more modern hull and coachroof windows, space for a dedicated solar panel and a swim platform on the transom.\r\n\r\nThe interior is largely the same, with a new veneer finish.\r\n\r\nConditions were not as idyllic for this test. We had the beautiful backdrop of Piran on Slovenia\u2019s short coastline, but a Force 3 was not enough to give us a true idea of the Elan<\/a> Impression 444\u2019s sea-manners.\r\n\r\nStill, she proved reasonably alert and responsive, making just over 6 knots close-hauled in only 8 knots true, and just under 6 in 6-7 knots.\r\n\r\nHer 135 per cent genoa was certainly required in such conditions (One Sails\u2019 basic Dacron), keeping her moving with the wind abaft the beam, making 4-5 knots.\r\n\r\nShe began to wallow a little at around 4 knots as the apparent wind dipped, but performance was creditable and she was reasonably nimble for her bulk.\r\n\r\nThe new twin wheels are a similar design to the carbon ones used on Elan\u2019s sportier models, but made from glassfibre.\r\n\r\nThey squealed for some oil, but otherwise were very tactile, with the Lewmar chain sprocket to wire system providing adequate translation to the quadrant.\r\n\r\nThe balance also helped \u2013 we were able to set the sails, leave the wheel and let her sail herself.\r\n\r\nWhile the helmsman can reach the genoa sheets on the Elan Impression 444, if the winches were half a foot further back it would make tacking short-handed easier.\r\n\r\nThe cockpit is reasonably comfortable, with nicely angled coamings and pushpit seats. It\u2019s well protected, and there\u2019s a handy step between cockpit and side decks, which breaks up an otherwise awkward height.\r\n

Elan Impression 444 sail-handling<\/h2>\r\nA stack-pack main and genoa furler make for an efficient sail-handling system, including running rigging and genoa track controls led aft, plus a small traveller on the coachroof.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, the genoa halyard was locked off at the mast, with no block at the mast base to lead it aft to a winch, hence there was no means of tensioning a saggy genoa luff.\r\n\r\nThe upgraded 75hp Volvo saildrive (a D2 55hp is standard) produced 6.3 knots at 1,500rpm, 8 at cruising revs and 9 knots \ufb02at out (2,800 rpm).\r\n\r\nShe was rather stubborn to turn going astern, requiring nearly two lengths, but the optional three-bladed Flexifold we had stopped her obediently, while she span in her own length going forward.\r\n

Browned off<\/h2>\r\nThe test boat had the standard four-cabin interior in oak with walnut trim, but it is available with three cabins, with a larger owner\u2019s cabin forward or aft.\r\n\r\nMuch was made of the new veneer and light colours in conjunction with the extra hull windows, but we found the medley of brown furnishings failed to create an inviting ambience.\r\n\r\nAnd in terms of space and comfort (inside and out), the Elan Impression 444 can\u2019t compare to the Bavaria Cruiser 45.\r\n\r\nOn the plus side, headroom and natural light are significant and she\u2019s a safe boat to move around in.\r\n\r\nThe hull windows with their blinds in the saloon look smart. After that, compliments start to dry up.\r\n\r\nEach cabin is on a different level, the fixtures and fittings left me cold, and the latches and switches don\u2019t inspire confidence in their durability.\r\n\r\nBut with the saloon table converting to a double, the Elan Impression 444 can accommodate a small village (up to ten).\r\n\r\nThe test boat had a Pullman cabin (optional) to port, with a small heads opposite. In this guise the forward vee-cabin disappoints as a master, so the starboard aft would probably play this role for its en-suite virtues.\r\n

On deck of the Elan Impression 444<\/h2>\r\nThe deep cockpit with comfortable, angled benches is protected yet easy to walk through, and there\u2019s a bridgedeck into the companionway.\r\n\r\nThe fixed table with a plotter neatly built into the after end makes for a stable supporting structure when heeled.\r\n\r\nThe swim platform lowers and lifts simply and manually on struts. It works, but looks fairly ordinary compared with the Bavaria\u2019s.\r\n\r\nA deep central sole locker and bench lockers provide good stowage.\r\n\r\nThe foredeck is a clean area, thanks to a sunken windlass, and has a double anchor roller (but no tack eye) and a pulpit seat.\r\n\r\nGoing forward, there are handrails at a sensible height on the coachroof and on the high sprayhood, plus good non-slip decking all over the boat.\r\n\r\nLarge cleats, but the midships ones can be prone to catching a flogging genoa sheet.\r\n

Below deck on the Elan Impression 444<\/h2>\r\n

Saloon<\/h3>\r\nA good comfortable area that can seat eight.\r\n\r\nThe table folds over and doubles in size, with fiddles and corner handholds, and also has telescopic legs so can lower to form a sizeable double berth.\r\n\r\nThe starboard sofa isn\u2019t long enough to sleep on, but has a central fold-down drinks holder section.\r\n\r\nPractical stowage is limited to the raised lockers and a deep locker between saloon and chart table\r\n

Galley<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_131917\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]\"\" Headroom is generous and there are two opening ports for ventilation.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nWell-apportioned L-shape with double sink and two lift-top fridges. Useful stowage below and a sturdy handrail.\r\n\r\nProtection is good around the stove with a slide-over worktop cover, although stowage here is awkward.\r\n\r\nHeadroom is generous and there are two opening ports for ventilation.\r\n\r\nStowage in the galley is quite good, including a tin locker in the sole and four deep hullside lockers.\r\n

Forward cabin<\/h3>\r\nNatural light is excellent thanks to a large overhead hatch and there\u2019s generous (6ft 4in) headroom.\r\n\r\nA changing seat doubles as a useful step for getting onto the high berth, but with batteries and bowthruster beneath the aft part, stowage forward is inconvenient.\r\n

Aft heads<\/h3>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_131914\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" Left: The aft heads have 7ft of headroom; Right: The pullman cabin.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nA tightish space, but with 7ft headroom this area does its utmost to compensate for the cramped forward heads, the shower being its trump card.\r\n\r\nThis has a comfortable seat, a hingeing Perspex door, a slide-out rail for excellent wet hanging and dedicated washboard stowage.\r\n\r\nA shower head attachment point would help it achieve top marks.\r\n

Aft cabins<\/h3>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_131918\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"Elan-Impression-444-review-aft-cabin-credit-R-Langdon-OceanImages\" The portside cabin (pictured) avoids some of these issues by providing a larger standing area.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe starboard side requires quite a limbo act to get through the tight (5ft 6in) doorway, slide in and around the cockpit moulding, and if you want then to get into the heads, tuck under this area and close one door in order to open the other!\r\n\r\nAny such movement requires constant head-banging awareness.\r\n\r\nThe portside cabin (pictured) avoids some of these issues by providing a larger standing area, wardrobe and changing seat.\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s good engine and steering gear access from both cabins.\r\n

Navstation<\/h3>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_131916\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\"]\"\" The navstation has a small table with comfortable seat.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nSmall table and comfortable seat, yet with no easy mounting space for a plotter screen.\r\n\r\nThe wiring is tidy, but unlabelled, and the conduits are run crudely through glassfibre.\r\n\r\nHowever, there\u2019s good stowage around and below the table.\r\n

Forward heads<\/h3>\r\nNot a place you\u2019d want to spend time.\r\n\r\nMuch smaller than any heads on the Cruiser 45, in fact it\u2019s too tight even to sit down properly (and would require a Houdini act to retrieve some toilet roll from below the sink).\r\n\r\nThe positives are a good handrail, useful cupboard and a deep sink.\r\n

Pullman cabin<\/h3>\r\nIf anywhere calls out for a hull window, it\u2019s here, as bunk cabins tend to be claustrophobic.\r\n\r\nThe headroom certainly helps, but it remains \u2018friendly\u2019 for two and stowage for a week would be tight. Plus the top bunk doesn\u2019t fold and there are no leecloths.\r\n\r\nFirst published in the October 2010 issue of YW.<\/em>\r\n\r\n
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","excerpt":{"rendered":"

Slovenian boatbuilder Elan has stunned many by announcing the development of \u2018the ultimate bluewater cruiser\u2019, designed by J&J and Guillaume Verdier. Starting with this new high-performance carbon epoxy 65-footer, the range includes a 73 and 80, and shows Elan now focusing on the premium sector. The novel carbon fibre invitation we received was a clue, yet few were expecting such a markedly bold tack, and one that comes after a turbulent year for Elan. It\u2019s a step change for a brand known for its family cruisers, made during a year when it ceased yacht production altogether. \u201cEarlier this year, we made the very tough call to pull the emergency brake on Elan Marine,\u201d CEO Jeffrey Tirman explained at a special press presentation during European Yacht of the Year trials in October. \u201cWe\u2019re not planning on building family cruisers any more \u2013 we can\u2019t compete on price, labour is too expensive.\u201d It\u2019s hard news for the many who\u2019ve been long-term Elan supporters. The Elan SixtyFive has Composite Prowess Tirman described how they used the following months to analyse and focus on what Elan does well, pointing to how they have built boats for 80 years, 65 of which have involved composite construction. While renowned for its alpine skis, Elan is an expert in composites today, with repeatable industrial processes in place for partners such as Siemens offshore wind. The company now aims to create the ultimate bluewater cruiser. The commissioning of Verdier for the naval architecture, who is arguably the world\u2019s leading performance designer, gives the SixtyFive serious gravitas, while J&J are behind the concept and styling. Known for his IMOCA work, Verdier\u2019s hand can be seen in the powerful rig, with a raked mast stepped well aft, and very rounded forward sections. So, will this be a racing-inspired machine for professional sailors? \u201cThe goal is to make something really easy to handle,\u201d Verdier told us. The fixed spray dodger is another design trait taken from IMOCAs, to help enable those standing a watch on the SixtyFive to do so from a protected position. To make the yacht manageable and safe for cruising, it will use digital load monitoring and, crucially, a custom IMOCA-style autopilot. The design team predicts the 65-footer should sail faster than the wind up to 11 knots true and be able to plane in 14-knots. The Elan SixtyFive also reunites the yard with fellow Slovenians J&J, over 40 years after they designed the Elan 31. Co-founder Japec Jakopin spoke at length about the new design\u2019s development, its DNA and place in the market. He explained how they\u2019re using the essential knowledge gained from building 55 Shipmans. Jakopin referenced how the 20-year-old Shipman 63 weighed only 18 tonnes and could cruise in the mid-teens, yet today the average bluewater cruiser this size weighs 32 tonnes. By using vacuum-infused carbon-epoxy construction, a light displacement of nearly half that figure is predicted for the new Elan. Beam is also kept to a modest 5m to ensure it planes. Easy living …Continue reading »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":447,"featured_media":161681,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20,159],"tags":[552,1633],"review_manufacturer":[],"acf":[],"introduction":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161677"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/447"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=161677"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161677\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":161683,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161677\/revisions\/161683"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/161681"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=161677"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=161677"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=161677"},{"taxonomy":"review_manufacturer","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_manufacturer?post=161677"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}