Elan Sixtyfive (21.35 m) is the Slovenian shipyard’s bet on carbon

After a thorough six-month industrial restructuring, the Slovenian shipyard Elan Yachts is returning to the yachting market with a determined ambition: to conquer the premium segment of fast ocean cruising. It is not adapting old models, not retouching historical lines. No. Erase everything and start from scratch!

Inaugurating the new era is Elan SixtyFive, a 65-foot full carbon yacht featuring technologies borrowed from IMOCA racing systems and the America’s Cup, signed by a collaboration between J&J Design and French naval architect Guillaume Verdier, a leading designer for IMOCA classes.

Elan Sixtyfive: a radical break with the past

It’s easy to say, but Elan has really burned its bridges behind it. Elan is completely abandoning the historic models that had made it famous. Goodbye to the Impression line that appealed to families, goodbye to the E-line cruiser-racer with the famous E4 and E5, goodbye to the GT range designed for long distances. All gone. The molds, tooling and styling research of decades will be kept in the archives, but never used again, to position themselves in a completely different bracket.

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David Rajapaksa, Elan’s marketing manager, puts it bluntly: “We have been building in carbon for a long time, and we believe this is the segment where demand for new boats will head. It was the only logical choice “. At the same time, a more than 10-year collaboration with Humphreys Yacht Design, the historic design firm that had designed almost all Elan models from the postwar period to the present, also came to an end. A total change of course, in short.

Founded in 1945 in Begunje, Slovenia, Elan has been one of Europe’s pioneers in the use of composite technologies, applying them not only to boating but also to skiing, aerospace and wind power. Throughout its history it has won more than 300 international design and innovation awards, as well as several European Yacht of the Year titles. This construction legacy is now being channeled entirely into the new SixtyFive, SeventyThree and Eighty line, promising an unprecedented qualitative leap forward in the offshore cruising segment.

Carbon, glass and epoxy: the performance of an ocean-cruiser

SixtyFive is constructed with a sophisticated combination of carbon and fiberglass epoxy resin, applied with vacuum infusion technology. The laminates undergo thermal post-cure between 60 and 90 degrees. The result? An incredibly strong and durable boat. As Guillaume Verdier explains, ” Elan gives us a fantastic opportunity to work on an optimal combination of materials-epoxy, carbon and glass-that represents one of the best possible compromises: incredibly strong and durable. This cruising boat will continue to sail over time and really perform well “.

The dry weight? Just 17,000 kg . Fully loaded 21,000 kg. The 6,500 kg of ballast is concentrated in a high-strength steel T-keel machined from a single solid block, positioned at a depth of 3.5 meters. Plenty of weight where it’s needed, lightness where it counts.

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For a cruising yacht of this tonnage, the performance is extraordinary: SixtyFive is capable of planing from 14 knots of true wind. This is thanks to the optimization of the hull and Verdier’s signature appendages, combined with the extraordinarily large full carbon sail plan: square-headed mainsail, 106% overlapping jib, 0-tails and asymmetric spinnaker. Total: 254 m² of canvas, a figure that seems more IMOCA than cruiser. The carbon mainsail is set particularly far back, well behind the geometric center of the hull, to maximize propulsive efficiency.

For those who sail alone (or almost alone)

Here’s the key point: SixtyFive is designed for small-crew or solo sailing. This is not a marginal aspect; it is the heart of the design. J&J Design and Verdier brought directly from their IMOCA experiences the logic of short-handed sailing.

The boat has a cockpit with a wheelhouse far forward toward the bow, a feature borrowed from ocean racing boats. From there you can control a custom autopilot derived from IMOCA technology, adjust sails with push-button controls, and have total visibility of the boat, sheltered from the elements.

The interior: luxury without excess

Inside, SixtyFive does not compromise on comfort while maintaining rigorous construction and lightness. Access between the cockpit and the saloon is provided by shallow steps (only 100 cm high), furnished with lightweight sandwich panels that reduce the displacement of the center of gravity without compromising on the quality of the finish.

The boat offers 3 cabins plus the owner’s suite with walk-in wardrobe, separate toilets and dedicated showers for all cabins. The interior is carefully handcrafted, maintaining a high standard of finish without excess weight.

The electrical systems are digital: smart switching, solar integration, Li-ion batteries, hydrogeneration, and provision for hybrid motors. There is also a digital load monitoring system to maximize efficiency, control and safety. The engine is a 110-hp Yammer (150-hp option), with tanks for 500 liters of fresh water and 1,000 liters of diesel fuel.

Three boats, a 10-year plan

SixtyFive is not the end point; it is the beginning of a new path. Elan has already announced 73- and 80-foot versions, maintaining the same construction and design philosophy. According to the official timeline, the first hull of the SixtyFive is expected to be launched in early 2027, with larger models scheduled for 2028 and 2030.

Jeffrey Tirman, Elan Group’s new CEO, summarizes the strategic scope of the project: “Elan has the skills, people, and technology to operate at the highest level of composite engineering. The Elan SixtyFive marks the beginning of this new era, combining industrial precision, state-of-the-art materials, and design integrity to set a new standard in owner-operated offshore sailing “.

Currently, there are no firm orders, but the yard is conducting serious business conversations with several interested parties. The target audience is experienced ocean-going owners who seek speed and comfort, with a strong focus on autonomous boat handling. The official presentation is scheduled to take place at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026.

Elan Sixtyfive – Data Sheet

Overall length 21,35 m
Maximum beam 4.99 m
Draft 3.50 mLight displacement 17 tSail area 256 sqm
Motorization 110 HP
Fuel tank 1000 l
Water tank 500 l
Designer Verdier/J&J
Shipyard Elan Yachts

• Learn more about Elan Sixtyfive

James Barbaro