So far, the yacht builders in Slovenia have held back with detailed information on the new GT6 and have only published an initial rough sketch. YACHT online had already presented the concept in December. Now, shortly before the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf, Elan has exclusively provided the editorial team with the first concrete renderings, technical data and initial layouts.
The new ship comes as a follow-up to the almost two metre shorter GT5 (test in YACHT 8/2017), with which the shipyard surprisingly announced the development of a further, third product line three years ago. GT stands for Gran Turismo and means: sporty sailing characteristics combined with comfortable luxury on and below deck, based on an upscale design and exclusive equipment. The design comes from the office of Elan's in-house architect Rob Humphreys; the F. A. Porsche design studio in Austria is responsible for the exterior and interior design.
While Elan has used the hull moulds of the E5 (formerly Elan 400) for the GT5, the GT6 is a completely new development with modern hull lines, a wide stern and double rudder blades. The yacht is also fitted with a powerful T-keel with a draught of 2.45 metres. As has been standard practice at Elan for many years and for all models, the hull and deck are manufactured as a sandwich construction using the vacuum infusion process. The relatively high rig is designed for a short genoa with an overlap of 106 per cent. A self-tacking jib will be available as an option. A carbon bowsprit will be permanently attached to the GT6 for this purpose. It will also be possible to attach a code zero or a gennaker.
The sheets, halyards and trim lines run partly below deck back into the relatively open cockpit, where they are operated via a total of four large winches. The mainsheet is attached to the coachroof in front of the companionway and is guided via a capstan. Compared to its smaller sister GT5, the new GT6 can offer significantly more and larger storage spaces on deck. There is a deep, accessible sail locker in the bow and a large garage in the stern, which could also be used to store a small inflatable dinghy.
The standard ex-shipyard GT6 has two double cabins, two heads compartments and a spacious forecastle that can be accessed both from the cockpit and through a door from the saloon. As with the GT5, the galley of the new and large boat is built as a split unit at the front of the main bulkhead. Alternatively, the GT6 can be ordered with two double cabins aft. There is a wide technical duct between the aft compartments for additional installations.
Elan Yachts has also told YACHT online about the costs. The base price for the new GT6 is said to be between 360,000 and 380,000 euros net, including the sails and a full-length synthetic teak deck covering.
At the trade fair in Düsseldorf, the shipyard will provide detailed information about the new GT6 construction project, announce further details and also show more views.The Elan stand is located in Hall 16 (D41).
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Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
