{"id":595,"date":"2026-01-20T14:54:17","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T14:54:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yachtersworld.com\/?p=595"},"modified":"2026-01-20T14:54:17","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T14:54:17","slug":"first-look-elan-sixtyfive-is-elans-new-dawn-the-ultimate-bluewater-cruiser","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yachtersworld.com\/?p=595","title":{"rendered":"First look: Elan SixtyFive \u2013 is Elan\u2019s new dawn the ultimate bluewater cruiser?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Slovenian boatbuilder Elan has stunned many by announcing the new Elan SixtyFive as \u2018the ultimate bluewater cruiser\u2019, designed by J&J and Verdier<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The
Photo: Elan Yachts<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"The\n

The SixtyFive marks Elan\u2019s move away from smaller family cruisers into the domain of prestige, lightweight and high performance cruising yachts. Photo: Elan Yachts<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\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.<\/p>\n

The Elan SixtyFive has Composite Prowess<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"The\n

Photo: Elan Yachts<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

So, will this be a racing-inspired machine for professional sailors?<\/p>\n

\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<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Twin\n

Twin wheels \u2013 but an IMOCA-style autopilot will be able to do a lot of the driving. Photo: Elan Yachts<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/a>. Beam is also kept to a modest 5m to ensure it planes.<\/p>\n

Easy living<\/h2>\n

The designers are promoting a yacht that\u2019ll be easy to sail and live aboard, with just 1m in height difference when moving from cockpit to saloon. The forward owner\u2019s suite has an opulent amount of space and includes a walk-in wardrobe, while the three or four guest cabins are all en suite. The 65 can also accommodate three crew.<\/p>\n

\"The\n

Photo: Elan Yachts<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Elan will start building when it receives two firm orders, says Tirman, who envisages being able to produce three to six yachts a year.<\/p>\n

Article continues below\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

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Elan E6 review: Fun to sail with a nice, sporty feel<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
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I\u2019ve always looked forward to testing new models in Elan\u2019s performance range. Historically they\u2019ve offered an enticing blend of performance\u2026<\/p>\n

\u00a3<\/span>608,342.00<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n