New Elan 350 twin rudder/Twin wheel design

by Gael Moldan on 23 Apr 2010 She's sporty and sleek with a proud plum bow and exceptionally long waterline for a boat this size, but what also catches your eye apart from the twin rudders, powerful aft quarters and distinctive chined hull, is the twin steering in this mid size model. There's also a German mainsheet system, retractable gennaker pole and T-keel.

Elan Marine is set to release their 350 Cruiser Racer model in May following on the heels of the runaway success of their bold 310. The new 350 is another magic Rob Humphreys' twin rudder design which displays hints of the famous Volvo 60s race boat format but geared for the more cruising minded as well.

'You could say the 350 is somewhat of a race format designed for cruisers who still look for drive and response in their performance but most definitely for the sailor and his family looking for something special with real class, reports Rod Parry of Navsail, the Australian Elan Importer'

'This is an exciting development following the 310 twin rudder design by Humphreys which is proving very popular with over 45 orders in place at this time. And not surprisingly, pre- launch 350 orders are also adding up; discerning sailors are quick to identify something new and much too good to pass up', he adds 'The 350 looks very tempting, I'm really looking forward to sailing the boat.'

Sailors can expect more speed and less effort short-handed sailing combined with unrivalled cruising style and comforts and the hallmark of a true Cruiser Racer in this new model. These are the very attributes the Elan marque are renowned for; they express clear values that represent a careful balance between performance and cruising that make sense in the sailing family's lifestyle choices.

Humphreys' twin rudder design makes the boat track beautifully and a dream to helm. The wide aft quarters not only give the boat power and pace, it presents a huge working cockpit for crew and entertaining- without the large central wheel, while belowdecks it also maximizes the aft cabin area and offers a huge aft stowage locker that many larger cruising yachts would envy.

Cruising comforts will welcome you as you step below to a bright, generously spacious saloon with smart modern design features enclosed in warm Anigre timber in a traditional layout with sea-going L-shaped galley and dedicated forward facing navstation.

The 350 is set to be more than manageable for a small crew, designed with real sea-going capability and the promise of outstanding performance and downwind speeds considered exceptional in a boat of this category. Sailors will welcome the Humphreys sailplan and rigging design which relieves the necessity and cost of a large wardrobe of sails.

Navsail principals, Rod Parry & Gael Moldan will attend the Premiere launch and sea trials in early May on the coast of Slovenia with the international Elan Dealer network from over 30 countries.

'This always provides a great opportunity for exchange between us all - from tips to tuning rigs‘n things to great race stories – and there's always the very humorous - especially the mad weather single-handed ones way up in the northern wilds,' muses Rod.

To find out more about this new model and the Elan range, contact Navsail on 02 9999 6730, 0421 353535 elan@navsail.com.au

Alternatively you can visit our website: www.navsail.com.au