ELAN IMPRESSION 4 5.1

World premiere sea trial

She’s called Elan Impression 45.1 and is the latest creation by Elan Yachts, the well-known Slovenian shipyard which, since 1949, has been manufacturing sailboats with unmistakable lines.

The Elan Impression 45.1 is scheduled to be unveiled in September during the Cannes Yachting Festival but at The International Yachting Media, we already had the opportunity to test her in world premiere in Portorose just a few days ago.

How the Elan Impression 45.1 is made

It is sufficient to get close to the Elan Impression 45.1 to see that the similarities with her predecessor are just confined to the name. In fact, it’s a completely new sailboat, significantly more modern and more seductive than previous models.

Despite being largely devoted to cruising, the lines are slender and the volumes are not excessively abundant. The boat looks good and, at the very first glance, suggests how

the shipyard has considerably enhanced the already high level of finishes throughout the boat.

This is confirmed by many small details that, present everywhere, return the certainty of a top-quality product, which is unusual for this type of boats.

The cockpit materializes a good compromise between space and safety at sea.

The stern platform, which is a small masterpiece of engineering and design, integrates everything you need to spend a day at sea or facilitate the access to floating docks.

Hidden under the two seats, just behind the wheels, there are a barbecue and an additional refrigerator with unexpected dimensions. Two other seats, obtained from the corns of the pulpit, complete a stern that would be an euphemism to define as functional.

The cockpit can accommodate six other people, three per seat, around a huge table which, when closed, creates a safe forward passage with handrails.

Side-decks are wide and, protected by the handrails of the semi-raised saloon, lead to the bow section in total safety.

Not that we need it because the boat chosen for our test is already equipped with both mainsail and jib furling system.

Descending below deck, that quality perception previously experienced is further amplified. The trial version is intended for chartering and is almost a shame given the overall level of parts and finishes.

Fine wood essences are combined with highlevel electronic devices that allow to manage the whole boat easily with the push of a button on the control panel which, confirming the foregoing, has just won the Design Dame Award.

The galley is linear and runs along a dinette with opposing sofas that can accommodate up to 10 people. The stowage capacity is, as it should be, simply huge.

The four cabins in this configuration are spacious and well-finished but a three-cabin version, too, could be perfect. I can’t wait to see it.

In conclusion, the Elan Impression 45.1 is a high-level sailing cruiser, nothing comparable to some “plastic monsters” that, unfortunately, can be often found in the Mediterranean.

Elan Impression 45.1 Sea Trial

Once out of the port of Portorose, we’re welcomed by a light 7/8-knot breeze.

To unroll the genoa and the mainsail is a piece of cake and, in little less than 3 minutes, everything is ready and we can turn off the engine.

With this breeze, I don’t expect much from a pure cruiser but, as the wind fills the sails, the Elan Impression 45.1 leans on one side and runs fast.

With an apparent wind angle of 30 degrees, we’re already sailing at a speed of 6 knots that, bearing away a little more, rise to 7.

Not bad for a cruiser that combines a furling mainsail and a standard three-bladed propeller.

Steering is exciting, the boat goes smoothly and is very responsive. The variations impressed to the wheel instantly translate into millimeter course variations.

Even when turning, the boat never stops and keeps its speed unchanged. I try to bear away and, finally, the Impression 45.1 starts to slow down a little.

With an apparent wind angle of 130 degrees, we are still sailing at 5.2 knots. It’s a really good result for this hull.

Then, I notice a dark sport in the sea and I luff to reach it. The signs on the water are unequivocal and, in fact, as we reach that zone, the Elan Impression 45.1 heels over and the speed increases quickly.

The wind is blowing at 12 knots and we are reaching a speed of almost 8 knots in a 40-degree apparent wind. The boat is heeled but stable and the central rudder blade remains efficient enough.

Finally, the wind stops suddenly and the sails start to slap, it’s time to get back.

I take this opportunity to check the engine speed and, as further proof of this special hull, we’re sailing at 8 knots and 2,000 rpm; at 2,400 rpm ( the maximum cruising speed) the speed raises to 9 knots.

The wind is blowing at 12 knots and we are reaching a speed of almost 8 knots in a 40-degree apparent wind.

In conclusion, the Elan Impression 45.1 is a well-conceived cruiser, designed to cover many miles in short time and in total comfort.

With a base price of € 205,000 and a large number of options included in the standard version, the Elan Impression 45.1 has a definitively interesting value for money.