Design
Killer cool
Combine Humphreys Yacht Design for outstanding sailing performance and Studio F A Porsche for some quite outrageous good looks and the result... let’s just say it all works rather well
We’ve seen before what happens when mainstream design and automotive styling find their way into production yachts, from Bertone to BMW via Philippe Starck – let’s be honest, the results have been mixed. When Elan announced a partnership with Studio F.A. Porsche for its new GT6 many were excited by the prospect, but some had their reservations. That said, it’s got a Humphreys hull and sailplan, which is always good.
Seeing the GT6 in the flesh, she looks very good indeed. The chines in the hull’s aft quarters are cleverly disguised in a stretched trapezium- shaped groove that contains the tinted hull windows. The foredeck is clear and flush. Aft of the mast the low coachroof rises with black windows and a narrow line of white GRP underneath to lighten them visually. The coachroof sweeps past the companionway with high cockpit coamings to protect and shelter the cockpit. The contrast between the white hull and black bowsprit, mast and windows boosts her rather assertive marina presence. The design is excellent. The visible control lines that create visual clutter – like adding a roof rack to a car – are gone. The lines from the mast are all led under the deck, not the coachroof, to emerge just forward of each helm station. There are small panels to access the fairleads beneath the deck. The only visible
82 SEAHORSE
lines are the main and jib sheets and a handful of vertical lines at the base of the mast. It’s an achievement in design and practicality.
Does her performance live up to her styling? In a word, yes. In conditions where most cruisers would be itching for the engine controls and racers would be stepping lightly across the deck, the GT6 was not only able to sail but enjoyable too. The test boat was fitted with a Onesail IFS (Integrated Furling Structure) A-sail. Stored in the forward sail locker abaft the anchor locker, it’s an easy and quick job to attach it to the carbon bowsprit and get it hoisted and drawing. With around eight knots of true wind speed (TWS) we were getting an apparent wind speed (AWS) of 6.3 - 6.5kts at an apparent wind angle (AWA) of 100-110° and boatspeed of just over four knots. Hardening up, we carried the asymmetric sail to 65° AWA getting boatspeed of five knots in eight knots apparent – more than you’d expect in a comfortable cruising yacht. The stylish wheel pedestals rise out of the cockpit sides with ample space on top for instruments. Forward of each wheel there are two winches: a Harken 50ST (electric on the port-hand side) close to hand for the German mainsheet system, and a 60ST for the jib further forward. These make light work of taming the sails. There is no mainsheet traveller,
Above: with a flush foredeck and unusually sharp styling, Elan’s new flagship GT6 is likely to turn heads in almost any marina. But underneath the elegant skin, it’s a Humphreys design that performs just as well under sail as you might expect with twin rudders delivering ample grip at any angle of heel
so twist is controlled via the vang and backstay. The clutches for the ducted deck lines are within reach of the helm but can also be easily operated by the crew. There are rope bins to manage stray lines. Forward in the cockpit, there’s a table on each side and the high coachroof is a good windbreak. The outboard leaf of each table can be raised horizontally, then slid down to make two large sunpads. Between the two tables is a locker deep enough for a liferaft. Under the aft helm seat to port is a bbq, while to starboard is a fridge.
Coming onto the wind, the boom is safe and high over the cockpit. Standing on the seats, you’d have to be over 1.8m (6ft) and jump at the wrong time to hit your head. When the apparent wind reached over nine knots (eight knots TWS) she came alive, began to heel and her speed picked up. At 40° AWA in 5.3kts TWS she was making 4.7kts. When the TWS increased to 6.3kts she accelerated to 5.4kts. We managed to squeeze her up to 30 degrees AWA and she made 4.7 knots in 5.6kts TWS. Given a bit more breeze, say 12-15kts TWS, her performance would shine.
Twin rudders and Jefa steering keep the helm light and she was responsive to small adjustments on the wheel. With her sporty looks and good light wind performance, it’s easy to forget the comfortable interior she carries with her.
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