Boat Review: The Elan 45 Impression

Boat Review: The Elan 45 Impression
2016-06-12

For those of you familiar with the Elan brand in sailing boats, it will come as no surprise that the latest entry in the Elan Impression cruising line, the Elan 45 Sailing boat, combines modern technogical expertise with respect for tradition and elegance.

Designed by world renowned boat designer, Ralph Humphrey, and built by Elan, a global name in boat building, it lives up to its name. Founded in 1945, Elan started out by building kayaks, canoes and small boats with waterproof wood. These days it is the pride of Slovenia and is a leading global supplier of quality yachts. What stands behind the success is the quality of the materials used and style. Two time winner of the European Yacht of the Year Award; its progressive design, comfort and easy handling make it an ideal choice for blue water sailing and family groups.

Performance and Design

The Elan 45 is a mid-sized keelboat with a rounded hull shape; rigid, well proportioned with good volume and classic overhangs. The 11 ton hull has a conventional single deep-spade rudder.  Its excellent design leads to great performance, 9 knot speed potential and a good stability ration (approx. 30 %). Under sail in trade wind conditions she will be capable of more and she has a healthy base speed for making fast passage.  The technical structure is able to deal with the natural forces encountered while sailing and offers safety, reliability and speed in any kind of weather.

Quick bow thrusters allow for great maneuverability and make docking a simple affair. 

Sailing Yacht Elan 45 Impression

Decked Out

The deck, and deck features, clearly reflects the sailing experience and innovation of the design team. It is clean, balsa covered and ergonomic. The wide sidedecks and generous foredeck make it spacious and the well thought out bathing platform is a pleasure to use.

The deep cockpit has twin pedestals with wide coamings that offer substantial protection for the helmsman should the weather take a bad turn. Constructed with Carbonautica fibre glass, they are light and lends to a steering sensitivity that allows the helmsman to place her where he wants her.

 All modern conveniences are available and easily accessible on the pedestals including Garmin instrumentation with an auto-pilot and compass. In front of the pedestals sit the Harken H46 sheet winches; two H40 Halyard winches with jammers are under the sprayboard. There is an in-mast furling main which makes for easy and, if necessary, unassisted sailing

The teak benches in front of the pedestals offer a spacious area to sit with a retractable bimini and good bracing for feet. The lockers underneath are roomy and convenient.

Below deck

The continuity in design is evident below in the comfortable and stylish saloon which has good natural light and 2m plus headroom. The layout is traditional, with an attractive blonde, oak veneer finish. There is a choice of four layouts; from two cabins, with two bathrooms to a four cabin layout. There is a U-shaped dinette forward portside, that converts into an extra bed and provides plenty of sitting room for the crew. There is a large lounge with the chart table behind it. Additionally, there are convenient grab rails all around the saloon.

 The galley is L shaped, well-equipped with a double sink and adequate workspace. Great stowage options and generally a very comfortable living space. Engine access is under the companionway steps.

Sailing Yacht Elan 45 Impression - Interior

Sailing Yacht Elan 45 Impression - Interior

Overall Impression

One of the best choices in terms of practicality, comfort and competency and one of Sailing World magazine’s Best Boat Nominees for 2015, this yacht is one to consider for your next boat charter.

Sailing Yacht Elan 45 Impression from the air


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