Elan GT6 Explorer
The Elan GT6, where GT stands for Gran Turismo, is a workhorse of the Slovenian shipyard, and it brings with it a bit of automotive design: it’s that of Porsche (Studio F.A. Porsche), which together with designer Rob Humphreys created this unique boat. A few years after its launch Elan decided to launch the GT6 Explorer, a bluewater evolution of the original design.
Elan GT6 Explorer – How it becomes a bluewater
So what changes from the original design to turn this comfortable cruiser into a long sailing boat? Elan for the Explorer version has planned some decisive improvements.
First, a second, rearmost forestay is installed that will house a foresail equipped with a rail to use it as an auto tacker. The main jib, on the other hand, will have another pair of rails for adjusting the sail sheet point.
The mainsail sheet in the original model worked with points on the deckhouse, which are now moved to the new rollbar. As is easy to imagine, however, the main point of a bluewater is energy autonomy.
The GT6 Explorer has a substantial 500-liter fuel tank capacity and can accommodate up to six service batteries, which can be charged by an optional battery of solar panels producing up to 1187 Wp. Elevating its energy autonomy, the GT6 Explorer can be equipped with a watermaker capable of producing 100 liters per hour and a generator that delivers a maximum power output of 6400 W.
In summary, the GT6 Explorer’s bluewater operation aims to update the original design by making it more versatile in sailing, thanks to the double forestay and self-tacking foresail, while at the same time significantly increasing its power capabilities by ensuring an autonomous boat on long voyages.
Otherwise, the strengths of the original design are confirmed, with the double-bladed hull, standard T-keel (short draft also available), the rigging layout gathered at the stern, and the distinctive deckhouse design. Complementing this are the interior volumes, which are generous thanks to the boat’s pronounced width that does not narrow too much toward the bow.
Elan GT6 Explorer – Price
The price of the new Elan GT6 Explorer in its standard version with two cabins and two bathrooms is €549,900 + VAT (ex-works). Several options are available and also a different interior configuration that includes three cabins (two aft and the owner’s forward) and two bathrooms.
Data sheet
Length: 15.14 m
Width: 4.49 m
Draft std/opt: 2.45/1.99 m
Light displacement: 13,340 kg
Fresh water tanks: 300 l
Fuel tanks: 500 l
Mainsail: 62.60 square meters
Flake: 51.14 sq. m.
Asymmetric spi: 153 square meters
Engine std: 57 hp
