Elan’s new 450 with Twin Rudders WOWS Genoa Show

by Gael Moldan on 30 Oct 2007 The new Rob Humphreys' Elan 450 Cruiser/Racer with twin rudders attracted buyers from all over Europe at the recent Genoa Boat Show. Positioned right at the front, in more ways than one, Elan premiered their latest exciting model /prototype with an excellent all round view and phenomenal positive feedback from the public.

Four 450’s were sold on the spot. More encouraging offers followed. Such is the confidence in the Elan / Humphreys’ successful collaboration over the years. It is not uncommon for Elan performance cruiser and crusiing yacht models to be sold off the plan straight from the Humphreys’ drawing board.

The editor of one of Italy’s foremost boating magazine commented that Elan had certainly caught competitors by surprise with this revolutionary release.

Genoa proved a highly successful show all round for Elan with the sale of many models across the range; chiefly their 2 previous brilliant 2007 Cruiser/Racer releases; the 340, and 410 as well as cruising models Impression 344, 434 and their magnificent 514 flagship.

In Europe they do know how to do it! They come with confidence, purpose and those Euros burning in their pockets

Building on the success of Elan’s redesigned Cruiser/Racer range which so far has seen the release of the Elan 340 (this year’s European Boat of the Year -10M), followed then by the brilliant Elan 410, the new dual-purpose designed Elan 450 perfectly blends the attributes of racing and cruising and certainly packs both an elegant and powerful WOW factor for sailor, crew and family.

Humphreys has an extensive race boat portfolio and his experience in the Open 60 and other competitive designs is obvious when you see the 450's twin rudders and open transom. On the other hand, his production boat design includes Oyster, Southerly as well as Elan.

High in visual appeal, the 450 has a pure bow line with a hull length of 13.60m and waterline length of 12.52m. Draft is 2.05m or 2.60m. She carries an impressive sail plan with tall fractional rig, swept aft double spreaders, increased mainsail area, a non-overlapping headsail and optional large gennaker handled by retractable bow sprit to maximize her sailing performance and take full advantage of the precise combination of deep lead keel and twin rudder steering system.

Features like the sizable cockpit, cockpit table, flush hatches and hydraulic gangway and platform were certainly of high interest to the flowing numbers at the show.

There’s also great appeal for the one-up sailor with the 450’s short handed concept with non-overlapping jib and German sheeting system, this sets new standards in design and short handed sailing in its class.

Those with more the cruising side in mind at the show were especially delighted with the light and bright interior space solutions, particularly the front owners’ cabin and the galley as well as the high attention to comfort and detail throughout.

Elan's superior signature 3D Vacuum Assisted Infusion Lamination and computer-controlled reinforced matting-cutting machines deliver a boat that's light and unique in the crossovers in the market. All this is underpinned with the highest world class certification of Germanischer Lloyd Plus that is carried across the entire range of Elan boats

The Elan 450 Cruiser/Racer is a super slick performer to be fully appreciated by the serious sailor and at the same time a sophisticated cruising yacht with high level facilities and comfort to be enjoyed by his family too. Certainly a much valued plus across the market.

Production will commence in November 07 and is a highly impressive beginning with the number of orders in hand.

To be up there, out there and way out on top, contact Navsail at Bayview for further details; 02 99996730; elan@navsail.com.au; www.navsail.com.au;
www.elan-yachts.com