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production boatbuilders to fit twin rudders to its cruising yachts, which enabled other race-derived features to work effectively. ‘One of the key aspects is the control you get when the boat is pressed, so reefing is not super critical,’ Rob Humphreys says. ‘And the twin rudders allowed other things to happen – it’s an integrated package that is optimised together. The hull form can become more powerful so as the boat heels you have a bigger transverse shift of the centre of buoyancy which creates a bigger righting lever to supplement the stability you get from the keel.’ Full, powerful aft sections give a lot more interior volume for cruising accommodation and stowage but twin rudders are essential to avoid the problem of a single rudder ventilating as the yacht heels, causing it to round up into the wind with a complete loss of control. The next step in Elan’s hull form evolution was the use of hard-chined aft quarters. ‘It’s a way to restrict the overall beam of the boat from a practical point of view but it’s a function of the form stability and the section shapes that we put into the hull,’ Tom Humphreys says. ‘That’s how we’ve been able to move the performance of the Elan models on from the earlier generations. We’re carrying that much more form stability and along with gains in structural weight we’ve been able to take a bit of ballast weight out of the keel so the displacement weight has come down and there’s real planing potential downwind, which is pretty rare in a production yacht.’


Below decks


Descending the companionway steps you’ll find an unusual but practical layout with the galley at the forward end of the saloon, right on top of the keel where the yacht’s motion is most stable and U-shaped for safe use at sea. Bringing the saloon seating further aft maximises the useful space on board. The owner’s suite is the forecabin with a king-size island double bed facing aft and a good view out through the large through-hull windows on both sides. There’s ample stowage in smart, unobtrusive eye-level lockers throughout the saloon, galley and forecabin. Raised hardwood fiddles that flow around the edges of the furniture tops serve as useful handholds as well as stopping loose items from sliding onto the cabin sole.


‘The whole interior bears Studio F. A. Porsche’s unique, recognisable design DNA, which combines a minimalistic design approach with the idea of enhanced functionality,’ continues Schwamkrug. ‘The main


Above: the GT6 is the latest phase in a 25-year partnership between Elan Yachts and Humphreys Yacht Design. Key features include


powerful aft quarters with hard chines to boost form stability; a fixed carbon bowsprit to carry ground tackle snugly and fly


crossover and down- wind sails; a completely flush deck forward of the mast; and a subtle deck saloon that gives a 180° view from


inside without spoiling the yachtʼs sleek silhouette


features of the interior design are the flowing lines and the architectural element of a “belt”, which connects the entire interior. This forms a connection between the living area and galley as well as the balance between functionality and cosiness that is achieved by carefully developed colour and trim details. ‘Additionally, the ability to convert the saloon dining table into a smaller coffee table allows for a perfect use of space and more comfortable lounging. The colour and trim concept represents the sophisticated approach of the Studio F. A. Porsche design philosophy by using high-quality materials and subtle colours blending perfectly into the overall concept.’


Build quality


Beneath the beautiful skin of the GT6 is a strong, stiff and lightweight composite structure. Elan was an early adopter of vacuum infusion technology and continues to refine its own patented process to stay ahead of the curve. ‘Monitoring the weight schedule is very important,’ Rob Humphreys says. ‘Elan’s 3D VAIL system gives better quality lamination control and more reliable weights – and we can design for that.’ Higher-quality resin brings


benefits too: ’The adoption of a vinylester resin system has enabled significant weight reductions in laminate structures,’ Tom Humphreys adds.


But there’s more to Elan’s build quality than modern composite technology. Equally important from an owner’s point of view is the fine craftsmanship of the interior. As befits an upscale evolution from previous models, the deck hardware and sail control systems are high- quality kit and to maximise the impact of Studio F. A. Porsche’s design the interior fit-out of the GT6 includes more solid hardwood and thicker veneers, exclusive fabrics and sophisticated systems to make life on board more luxurious.


‘Our powerful new flagship model is a game-changing gran turismo yacht that offers discerning sailors all the benefits of Elan build quality, technology and craftsmanship with the design flair of Studio F. A. Porsche and the performance and handling of a Humphreys hull that’s optimised for fast short-handed cruising,’ says Marko Škrbin, director of marine division at Elan. ‘With the GT6 you have the perfect package to start your grand tour.’ www.elan-yachts.com


q SEAHORSE 73


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