Elan SixtyFive: the New Chapter for Elan Yachts
Elan Yachts unveils a new ultimate bluewater yacht range, starting with the Elan SixtyFive, designed for fast sailing and built with the latest carbon technology.
This launch marks a new chapter for Elan, combining 80 years of heritage in boatbuilding with advanced composite engineering. The new carbon-epoxy range begins with the SixtyFive and will expand to include seventy-three and eighty-foot models. The Elan SixtyFive is designed for shorthanded or owner-sailed operation, uniting race-bred naval architecture, digital engineering precision, and hand-finished craftsmanship in one cohesive concept.
“Elan has the capability, the people, and the technology to operate at the highest level of composite engineering. The Elan SixtyFive marks the beginning of this new era, combining industrial precision, advanced materials, and design integrity to set a new standard in owner-sailed bluewater performance” said Jeffrey Tirman, CEO of Elan Group.
Designed in collaboration with J&J Design and Guillaume Verdier, the yacht incorporates IMOCA and America’s Cup technology into bluewater cruising. Verdier’s carbon-epoxy hull form and appendages enable planing speeds from 14 knots, while digital load monitoring and a custom IMOCA-style autopilot deliver control, safety, and efficiency.
Guillaume Verdier, Naval Architect: “Elan is giving us a fantastic opportunity to build an epoxy-carbon-glass mix. It is one of the best compromises we could find: incredibly strong and long-lasting. This cruising yacht will be sailing through time, I believe, and perform really well.”
The SixtyFive combines speed, comfort, and design through functional ergonomics and refined details. Gently sloped companionway stairs, with a height of only 100 cm, ensure easy movement between the cockpit and saloon below deck. Lightweight sandwich-panel furniture reduces displacement without compromising the quality of the finish.
J&J Design: “The Elan SixtyFive is a performance sailing yacht, born from passion for innovation and visionary design thinking, combined with refined hydrodynamic excellence. Developed with cutting-edge simulation tools and winning offshore single-handed racing experience, the Elan SixtyFive embodies precision, ease of handling, and perfect control using tailored software supporting its intelligent autopilot,” said Jernej Jakopin. “After 37 years, we are proud to work with Elan. The Elan SixtyFive distils our vision of the ultimate bluewater cruiser – new, pure, purposeful, and designed with passion.”
Key facts
- Focus: performance bluewater monohull using serial carbon-epoxy construction (vacuum infusion with post-cure).
- First model: Elan SixtyFive, to be followed by seventy-three- and eighty-foot models.
- Designers: J&J Design and Guillaume Verdier.
- Development and production: Elan, Slovenia.
Elan SixtyFive highlights:
- Optimised naval architecture and structure (faster, lighter, and stronger yacht). Planing enabled from 14 knots.
- Light carbon-epoxy build (dry weight 17,000 kg, full load 21,000 kg).
- IMOCA-derived custom autopilot for shorthanded sailing.
- Dual steering with protected helm and full sail control.
- High-tensile forged steel keel fin.
- Lightweight electrical system with digital switching, solar integration, Li-ion storage, hydrogeneration, and hybrid readiness.
- Handcrafted interior with improved ergonomics, owner’s suite with walk-in wardrobe, and separate showers and heads for all cabins.
The Elan SixtyFive opens a new chapter for sailors. It unites the speed and confidence of race-bred technology with the comfort and independence expected from a true bluewater cruiser. For many owners, it will redefine what performance cruising means.
By Elan Group
