Dusseldorf Salon Previews/8: Luxury Bavaria and Elan you don’t expect

Two other new products seen at the German boat show in Dusseldorf, come from two shipyards that have had different philosophies: Bavaria has always stood out for its ultra-comfortable cruising boats, while Elan has always focused heavily on the performance excellence of its boats. Now, just in Dusseldorf the different philosophies have come closer together, let’s see how.

BAVARIA 51 STYLE: THE LUXURY YOU DON’T EXPECT

Who would have thought that Bavaria, known for its cruising boats at the top for habitability above and below deck and ease of handling, would also stand out for quality of materials and innovative layout solutions, served.
In Dusseldorf, the German shipyard presented the new “Style” line applied to the 46 and 51 models which is distinguished, precisely, by a marked increase in quality, not so much constructive that is known, but by the use of “noble” materials, a different attention to design and with new solutions, especially in interior arrangements.

The new “style” series can be called the luxury version of the Cruiser models in production. Somewhat like they have been doing in the automotive field for decades.
On the Bavaria 51 Style, which we visited carefully (but on the 46 the solutions are the same), the quality of the woods and finishes is striking, with the use of SIPO wood, a fine quality of the mahogany family, nicely finished and designer.

We liked, although we think that when the boat skids you will have to tie up somewhere to keep from slipping, the new U-shaped galley configuration with a refrigerator/freezer worthy of a hotel kitchen. The two aft cabins, thanks in part to the clever interplay of light and dark on the bulwarks, give a remarkable feeling of space. In the bow, the work of Bavaria’s designers has resulted in a master suite worthy of the name, with a real dressing room and a maxi bathroom with separate shower. This is largely due to the generous forward volumes of the Bruce Farr-designed hull.
Above deck, of course, all winches are available electrically operated, and there is a more accurate finish than in the cruiser version. Otherwise quality material and easy sailing solutions, with everything within the helmsman’s reach.
Lung. ft 15.59 m; length. at galleg. 13,86 m; larg. 4.67 m; displacement 14,100 kg; ballast 4,600 kg; draught: 2.25/1.85 m; sail sup.131 sq.m; cabins and bathrooms: 3. www.bavaria-yachtbau.com

ELAN GT SERIES 5: A NEW 12 METERS AKA THE BOAT THAT’S NOT THERE
At the German show we only saw some renderings and had a chat with the Slovenian shipyard managers. But there is no doubt that the new course of Elan, which was recently acquired by the Russian-capitalized Cypriot holding company Wiltan Enterprises and with a minority stake by Merril Linch, starts with this new series called the GT Series, premiered in Dusseldorf.
The challenge facing the Slovenians is a tough one: being able to reconcile the needs of those who want a comfortable, well-finished boat with those who also want superior sailing performance, even in light winds. From what we were able to see aesthetically and functionally, the distinctive mark of this ambitious new Elan range can be recognized by the “deck saloon,“ which is a prominent glazed deckhouse that gives a privileged outward view to the interior environment. Beautiful to look at and well into the profile, streamlined, of the boat and you can already tell that it will be something new, not copying the deck saloons of prestigious yards that adopt it.
The first model with which the new Elan range ventures is the GT5, a 12-meter. From the first renderings, which, following the example of cars when they circulate the first introductions of new models, are “blacked out,” you can see and not see.
Looking at the hull lines unveiled in a frontal drawing, however, it is clear that the work of Rob Humphrey, the Englishman who has been designing Elan hulls for years, will lead to, as the yard’s managers told us, excellent performance. Highlights full lines at the bow above the waterline for more interior volume that tapers where the boat touches the water. Even the drift plane with a thin blade ending in a torpedo that will hold all the ballast weight is derived from that of high-performance boats.
Now we are curious to see how the sail plan will develop, which should be powerful, with lots of sail area, but should be easily maneuverable and reducible to meet the standards of easy sailing. We also took a look at sketches of the interior accommodations, characterized by the novelty of the galley placed toward the bow, next to the mast. Final measurements are not yet known, again Elan wants to maintain confidentiality. for now. www.elan-yachts.com

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