It has been a while since the shipyard in the mountains of Slovenia last presented a new development for the Impression touring range. In the meantime, the line has been kept more or less up to date with revisions and upgrades of existing models. Most recently with the Impression 45.1 (YACHT 19/2019 test), a new edition of the then 15-year-old 434. But now comes what has long been expected: a completely new development and at the same time the start of an intensive line reform. The new Impression 43 is the first of the new type of ship to be built and sailing. And: It will be on show as a world premiere at the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf in January.
The design again comes from the Humphreys Yacht Design studio. The ship has a voluminous shape, a high freeboard and a wide stern with two rudder blades. The visual appearance of the yacht was created by the shipyard in collaboration with the Pininfarina design studio in Italy. This relationship has also resulted in the Elan E6 (YACHT 8/2022 test), which has won several design awards.
Exciting look below deck too
The spacious cockpit offers ample seating for up to ten people. The modular cockpit table can be converted into two sun loungers for unrestricted lounging and sunbathing. The bathing platform is available in two sizes. The small standard hatch extends to the level of the cockpit floor, while a larger platform completely closes off the cockpit aft. The Impression 43 will be equipped with a self-tacking jib from the shipyard, but the overlapping genoa with hoisting points on deck remains an option.
Below deck, the Impression 43 has a very straightforward and harmoniously structured interior. The new styling with oak veneers from a single cut is particularly eye-catching. The look of the irregularly grained wooden surfaces with many knots is unusual and polarising. It takes some getting used to on the first visit on board. The Impression 43 is offered as a three-cabin yacht with two heads as standard. An additional Pullman cabin with two bunk berths is available as an option in the foredeck. The galley is attached in the saloon on the port side as a long row, which makes it possible to attach the sofa in a U-shape on the starboard side very generously. The interior design is generally pleasing with its open and loft-like layout.
The detailed test report is planned for YACHT issue 3/2023. The magazine will be published on 18 January to coincide with the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf.
Technical data Elan Impression 43
- Designer: Humphreys Yacht Design & Elan Design Team
- Hull length: 12.82 m
- Overall length (with bowsprit): 13,60 m
- Waterline length: 12.20 m
- Width: 4.25 m
- Draught/alternative: 1.95/1.70 m
- Mast height above waterline: 19.90 m
- Weight: 11.1 tonnes
- Ballast/proportion: 3.54 t/32 %
- Mainsail: 46.7 m²/42.1 m² (furling mainsail)
- Self-tacking jib: 34.1 m²
- Genoa (optional 106 %): 41,30 m²
- Gennaker: 118.0 m²
- Engine: Yanmar 45 hp (standard) / 57, 80 hp optional
- Machine alternative: Oceanvolt electric drive
- Fuel capacity: 287 litres
- Fresh water capacity: 270 l/470 l (optional)
- Base price ex shipyard (incl. 19 % VAT): 333,080 euros
