Elan’s Impression 434 Taking out the Awards

by Gael Moldán on 22 Dec 2005 When Navsail Australia found out that Elan’s Impression 434 was in the line-up to be declared 2006 winner at the inaugural IPC Media Marina Awards in London on 6th January, we were delighted.

The Elan has proved its all-round qualities here in Australia with a great growth in sales, richly deserved as Elan owners have reported to us. I test sailed one a little while ago, and she’s that great combination that will please not only keen sailors but their guests as well. Rod Parry of Navsail, the Australian importer of Elan Yachts, is understandably pleased with the growth here, and with this award.

'We have received ecstatic feedback from our new Elan owners; they are absolutely enjoying the sheer pleasure of cruising with performance on a yacht that responds and behaves in light winds and heavy weather with great stability' says Parry. 'And for those guys who are more Performance geared, they have big smiles on their faces as they pass by their club competitors' he adds.

It looks as though the Impression 434 will continue this success when she arrives in Australia, as this is not the first award for her. As the premiere model in the Impression range, the 43ft bluewater cruiser has recently been bestowed with many awards. Hailed as 'Boat of the Boat show' at the 2004 Stockholm Boat Show and named Boat of the Year by several marine magazines throughout Europe as well as ‘Sail’ in the USA, the Impression 434 has triumphed since her launch in April 2004.


Great Design Team – Rob Humphreys and Elan

The distinct and elegant lines of the yacht are the innovative design of the notable yacht designer, Rob Humphreys who is well known for the design of many an illustrious bluewater cruiser and round the world racing yachts. While the Slovenian boat manufacturers, Elan, have a 60 years long history of boat building in their country with just 47kms of coastline, the two have worked in close collaboration for the past 10 years, with Humphreys responsible for the design of Elan’s very successful range of Performance Cruisers and most their totally new Impression Cruising Range.

For the Cruising Sailor who likes to go fast…..

This yacht is ideal for the cruising sailor. Supreme comfort and spaciousness flow throughout her bright and airy semi deck saloon with panoramic windows and light woodwork. Generous storage and enormous tank capacity for both water and fuel also allow for pleasurable extended holiday cruising.

'Not surprisingly, with Humphreys’ designs they are fast bluewater cruisers with exceptional seaworthiness that are easy to handle by a couple or single handed. Elan’s commitment to quality and attention to detail is reflected throughout and they are built to the exacting standards set down by Germanischer Lloyd' says Rod Parry of Navsail, the Australian Importers of Elan yachts.

The second model in the range, the Impression 384 was unveiled to a great reception at the Düsseldorf Boat Show back in January, followed by the release of smallest in the cruising range, the Impression 344 at Southampton’s Show in September.

Orders and sales have been taken for all the Impression models here in Australia; the new Impression 344 is due to reach Sydney early 06, while another Impression 434 with owner’s state room, has just arrived in Melbourne. By the end of January the entire Elan range of bluewater Cruisers and Performance cruisers will be in Australia.

'It has been a great growth year for Elan in Australia right across the range; but it’s the remarkable performance of the Elan 37 that has made this model the all time favourite here over the past year, though sales and interest have evolved also very much around the new Impression cruising range too' reports Parry

The beautiful Elan 40 ‘Royale’ has triumphantly cruised the islands of the Pacific for a year and will continue her adventurous travels again next year; and there’s an Impression 434 still away from home leisurely cruising the Med for most of this year that is doing remarkably well in the regattas off Turkey. Also a very smartly geared Elan 37 that just recently commenced competing on Sydney Harbour is thrilling her crew and turning many heads with her performance.

Navsail’s principals have just returned from the recent Elan Dealers Conference and factory visit and report that there are some very exciting plans for new Elan Models for 2006 to tantalize the Performance and Cruising enthusiasts. There are three completely new 51, 46 & 34 footers to come.

Contact Navsail for further details on the Impression cruising range and Elan range of Performance Cruisers or for further updates on the new models..

Navsail, Gibson Marina, 1710 Pittwater Road Bayview 2104 Tel: 1800 35 35 21, email: elan@navsail.com.au, web: www.navsail.com.au.