FULL STEAM AHEAD
Luxury vessel maker Elandra began 12 months ago with a vision for style and performance – and so far, so very good
ANEW Gold Coast firm’s punt on the high-end boating market appears to be paying off with three sales so far and an optimistic outlook. It has been 12 months since managing director Luke Durman launched luxury vessel company Elandra with Tom Barry-Cotter as his head designer and Grant Senior as operations general manager.
Tom is the son of industry stalwart Bill Barry-Cotter who started Coomera-based Riviera, but now runs another of the Coast’s biggest boat producers Maritimo.
Luke and Tom split off from Maritimo to chase their own vision in the form of Elandra and unveiled their first offering – a $1.8 million long-range luxury sport yacht dubbed the Elandra 53 – last August.
Since then, the trio have sold three Elandra craft with the third under construction.
“We are delighted by the market acceptance of Elandra,” Luke says. “It’s a great endorsement.” The Elandra boys are part of a strong Gold Coast contingent who will have a presence at next weekend’s Sydney International Boat Show.
“There is a real optimism in the market. We took boat number one to The Spit in Sydney last year and it sold within a month,” Luke says.
“We designed and built the Elandra 53 to superyacht quality; the result is superior performance, reliability and extended durability.”
They say the Elandra features spacious free-flowing design, superyacht-standard finishes, superior engineering and performance and intelligent electrical systems.
Back when the first model was launched last year, they described it to Coast Weekend as “the Bentley of the sea”.
The 53 is configured with a threecabin, two-bathroom accommodation plan including a full beam master suite amidships. The latter suite boasts a lavish ensuite with a private bathroom and shower.
“This is a big volume boat,” Durman says. “You get a sense of space more comparable to a 60footer. And the finishes are to superyacht standards.”
Grant adds that the convex shape and width at the transom – an Elandra feature – help with stability and mean it can carry the weight of engine options, jet tenders, watermakers and extra equipment around the stern area without affecting performance.
“Elandra Yachts will be particularly stable and secure in heavy sea conditions,” Grant says.
A pair of MAN R6-800 sixcylinder turbo diesel engines with common rail fuel injection power the boat. Its engines deliver up to 800hp and 2700Nm of torque.
“This package sets the boat up for exceptional performance from 18 to 30 knots. Our performance results are up to 9 per cent more fuel efficient than rival boats,” he says.
The boys aren’t resting on their laurels either; Luke says they plan to launch new model the Elandra 49 in Sydney next year.
“We believe the 49 will fill a niche in the sedan-style cruising market.”
Do you have some boating news? Email ryan.keen@news.com.au