ON TEST // ELAN E6
CAN A PERFORMANCE CRUISER OFFER SPACE AND COMFORT WITHOUT THE COMPROMISES OF A BOAT GEARED SOLELY FOR SPEED?
RUPERT HOLMES
Where: Port Ginesta, Spain, mid October Conditions: 5-15 knots wind Model: main options include taller aluminium performance rig, upgraded OneSails sail package, full Flexiteek deck, air conditioning
I’ve always looked forward to testing new models in Elan’s performance range. Historically they’ve offered an enticing blend of performance and comfort, with every example I’ve sailed in the last decade providing a reassuringly solid ride even at planing speeds. Like earlier models, the 47ft E6 is a product of Humphreys Yacht Design’s 60/60 racing/cruising concept, with the idea being they offer more than half of each world. Hull sections aft have a marked flare above a relatively narrow waterline, with a high chine aft of midships that digs in at 7-8° of heel, when it gives a large boost to form stability. At the same time, wetted surface area is minimised when the boat is fairly upright, promoting good light airs performance, as we found later.
On my first sail a short Mediterranean chop, with waves reflected off the shore, created an awkward sea state that slowed progress upwind. Nevertheless we made 6.7 to 6.8 knots close-hauled in 12-13 knots of true breeze at true wind angles generally between 45-50°.
Helm positions are excellent, with good visibility, big secure folding foot chocks and a comfortable seat either on the side deck or optional aft benches. The steering felt precise throughout the range of conditions we experienced, even though there was some friction due to the pilot setup on the test boat.
Bearing away onto a true beam reach, with the apparent therefore still well forward, we accelerated to 7.8-8.0 knots, sailing effortlessly under main and jib only. Sadly we didn’t get enough breeze to experience the boat’s planing performance at more downwind angles. Design calculations show a standard spec boat should lift onto the plane in roughly 17-22 knots of true wind. However, our test boat was heavier than standard thanks to a wide range of options including full Flexiteek decks, air conditioning, the helm seat boxes which house an outdoor fridge and barbecue, extra tankage and so on.
PERFORMANCE RIG
It was equipped with a taller performance aluminium rig and upgraded sail inventory from OneSails, plus a 2.8m draught torpedo keel. Other configurations offered include a tall carbon spar, which also has lighter furniture and a deeper, lighter keel with 2.85m draught. This reduces overall displacement, without compromising righting moment, and is therefore an appealing configuration for those keen to get planing at the earliest opportunity. A shallower 2.4m draught keel is also offered.
