Slovenian builder Elan Yacht recently introduced an all-new, high-tech J & J Elan 65 which is the first design in their new luxury line of performance cruising sloop. The move took the sailing industry by surprise since Elan, known for it family-style mid-range cruisers, has ceased build early last year.
“Earlier this year, we made the very tough call to pull the emergency brake on Elan Marine,” CEO Jeffrey Tirman explained at a special press presentation during European Yacht of the Year trials in October. “We’re not planning on building family cruisers any more – we can’t compete on price, labor is too expensive.”
So, they spent months looking into the market for larger luxury, performance sloop and decided that they would create designs at 65, 73 and 80. Elan turned to their long-time design firm, J & J, which has been creating designs for the company for 40 years and they made the decision to partner also with Guillaume Verdier, who has wide experience designing IOMA-style racing boats.
The 65 is the first of the new line to be launched and appears from drawing sot be a special blend of modern design and luxurious living. The 65 will have a prce of around $3.5 million so Elan is focusing on a rarified and well-heeled customer base.
