Equipment chosen for hull #19

Here's the current list of options chosen for hull #19, delivered with a tiller (ofcourse):

• Racing pack & cruising pack
• Shelves, removable
• Raymarine ST60+ Wind, Graphics (x 2)
• Raymarine SPX-10 autopilot
• Cabin heater, webasto 2000
• Seawater pump
• Extra manual bilge pump (required for certain offshore races)
• Lazy jacks
• Upgraded fabric on cushions
• Sprayhood
• Radio/CD with speakers inside & cockpit
• Folding prop (flex-o-fold)
• The other standard delivery stuff...

VHF and chart plotter I am going to wait as late as possible before having to choose in order to see what happens with innovation, new releases etc.

Currently we are considering the name of the boat, typeface, decals etc.....cool!

Hull #19

Indeed, hull 19 it is. Cool. Prime number.

Comments not working on new template

I got some messages indicating that comments were not working with the new template. Switched to a popup version until I can find the culprit - at least now it works.

The 310 forecabin

This being a 31-footer means the forecabin isn't really more than a spacious bed. However, the bed is full size, which is more than what can be said for even larger boats. A neat contraption is found under the bunk, where there is a large storage compartment, used for the spinnakers when racing (as shown in the picture). Also, what you cannot see on this picture, is that the "lids" on this compartment are hinged so you can string them up when racing, and drop them down afterwards. Pretty neat.

...and now we're on

Just placed my order. April 9th is just soooo far away!

New Elan 310 promo video

Nordic Yachts (the Swedish distributor) have created a new promo video, quite professional. See it here:

Elan 310 - the cockpit

Okay, here's another little drop of info on the 310, this time let's take a closer look at the cockpit, which in my opinion is one of the major selling points on this pocket rocket...

More from the test

First of all I would like to say that these are my own, personal, subjective views more than a scientifical and objective review. I am, after all, a bit biased.

The sample we were sailing was an early build, one of the first ones, and as such there were some minor issues. The shelves were not removed on this boat, and the locks did not all fit snugly, but this is something the later production boats have corrected. Anyways, the locks are adjustable so this is nothing to worry about.

Elan 310 - the trip

Okay, here is a brief description of the trip I recently did to testsail the Elan 310...actual review to come later.

It all started when Tor and I were talking about testsailing the 310 in Slovenia, and Rob told Tor that this time of year we should really test the boat in Poole instead, because of the poor wind conditions in Slovenia this time of year. That turned out to be a good decision, as we will see later. Click the title to read on...

Visit to Humphreys Design

As mentioned previously, we got to visit Rob Humphreys at his design offices in Lymington this week. What a great guy, humble and insightful. The sailing magazine listened to him talk about what they are doing and will probably have a piece in an upcoming issue about that.

It was cool to see him ask Tor Hove (Norwegian Elan distributor and leading shorthanded sailor) about various new (and secret) production designs. Obviously Tor's views are highly respected by these guys. How cool is this: being able to sit in and listen to these guys talk about what the market wants, what works, and what doesn't?

After being shown around, looking at designs, talking about the Elan 310, the future direction of production design and drinking coffee we all went to a pub and had some traditional steak and kidney while discussing shorthanded sailing, sailor stories and whatnot. Here's a pic of us in front of Middlebarn, which houses the design studio.

...heads

I was really pleasantly surprised at how the heads layout was done. The space is utilized to the max, and the wet locker is great. The shelves with mirrors are removable for racing.

....detail from the test

I'll put up more information this weekend, but watch this page for some small drips. Here's a pic showing the inf*cker, identical setup on both sides, with a bungy cord to the side holding it out. The jib track wasn't as short as other tests said.

Back from Poole

I just got back from testing the Elan 310 with Fjord Sail and Seilmagasinet in Poole. Great trip, where we met up with Jim, who is a pilot in Poole as well as a long-time Elan sailor. We got to test the 310 in varying conditions, starting at about 15 knots and increasing somewhat throughout the day.

More 310 pictures

This time from the guys at  skota.se.

Seems there was an offer where you would get some Elan skis if your purchase was registered before december. Hm...

That wheel still looks weird IMHO.

310 cruising

Here are a few nice pictures courtesy of Kröslin Yachting.

YMs panoramic views

For those of you who didn't catch them the first time around, here they are:

Aft Cabin
Companionway
Saloon
Forecabin
Heads

Yet another testsail video

In two parts....

More 310 testsailing

Courtesy of Vela e Motore this time...

Tangosailing testsail video

The Tangosailing guys created a video of their testsail of the 310. Cool. The wheel construction is not something I like, though. Maybe its a matter of taste, but that option is not for me. :)

Swedish test drive

The guys at Tangosailing have a short review of their testsail on the 310, with some images there too. Check it out.

First Norwegian 310 already ordered

The first order for a 310 to Norway has been made already, which is pretty cool! Always a good sign that orders start coming in early. :)

I'll be testsailing the 310 on a trip with the Norwegian distributor Fjord Sail in the UK in a couple of weeks, so be prepared for lots of pictures following the trip...

Elan 310 details

Here are some more detailed shots of the Elan 310, courtesy of http://blog.yachtandsail.it.

The footbrace is shown folded up here, next to the throttle and a small gas locker. Methinks the round hatch is for rudder access/safety rudder.

Elan 310 images from Flickr

Elan 310 from Yachting Monthly

Nice picture of the Elan 310 from Yachting Monthlys recent test...looking good.

The caption under the image reads:

She tracks like a train upwind, riding her chines and making nearly 7 knots with hardly any weather helm. She handled the chop easily.

Now, doing 10 knots without a gennaker might not appeal to all you sportboaters out there, but I for one think that is awesome for a boat like this. Can't wait to see how she performs when running under gennaker in a breeze...

Elan 310 sailing movie

German test reveals Elan 310 IRC rating...

From the looks of it (and my somewhat poor german) the german Yacht testing of the Elan 310 versus the Archambault 31 revealed an (early) identical IRC rating of 0.987. Now, I have no doubt about the A31's performance in light winds (probably far superior to the 310, due to the extreme difference in transom width), but this does indicate that the 310 will be a fun, sporty boat!

New official pictures

Here are some of the new, official 310 pictures from the elan site:

Elan 310 sailboat of the year in Genoa

This just in....the Elan 310 was chosen by the two italian boat magazines as Sailboat of the year 2009. Not much info to find online yet (or at the boat show website)....

Elan 310 specs from Premier

By checking out some webpages I found what looks to be the UK spec for the 310, something that will probably resemble other distributors' offers. Here's what the webpages seem to suggest:

Complete boat on the water in the UK with Tacktick instruments, including VAT: 98,410 GBP.

Included spec:
Cruiser pack:

• Teak on cockpit seats 
• Electric Fridge in galley 
• Hot Water System (inc hot water shower in cockpit)
• Upgraded cooker with gas oven
• Additional reading lights in each cabin and saloon
• Electric pump out in heads shower tray
• 220v shore power connection with shore power cable
• Battery charger 12V/25A 
• Cooker and Sink cover in galley

Racing pack:

• Selden Performance Keel stepped mast 
• Dyform standing and Dyneema running rigging 
• 1.9m performance 'T' bulb keel
• Harken performance deck equipment
• Carbon gennaker pole
• Harken halyard winches upgraded to new B35 Radial winches
• Flex O Fold 2 blade folding propeller
• Head Sail Barber Hauling kit 
• Selden Furlex 100s

 I'm not sure what to make of this:
Addtional Equipment - to include -

• Lazy Jacks (Black) 
• Spinlock engine handle control 
• Removable lockers in aft cabin, galley, heads and saloon.

 ...Extras? Options? Included? I'm guessing that they are included.


...and finally:
Sails by North Sails

• Fully Battened Soft Norlam Mainsail (Grey) by North Sails 
• Soft Norlam Furling Jib (Grey) by North Sails
• G2 Gennaker by North Sails
• Tack Tick - Cruising - Wind, speed, depth & 2 displays 
• Spray hood 

Nice. 

Elan 310 at Genoa Boat Show

If you are visiting be sure to check out the 310 at the Genoa Boat Show 2009. Adriaship and Elan have the boat displayed and are marketing it at 64.900 Euros + VAT.

New panoramaview of the 310

...from Yachting Monthly this time. Check it out! Looking good...click the image to change the view.

Even better pictures...

This time from the swedish distributor Nordic Yachts, where they are expecting their first 310 as we speak. Register there for testing the boat on the water in november...

And finally some pics with the assy up! Nice! It is always interesting to see how the water flows around the bow and how slippery the hull is. If we look at the ones where she is under assy it does seem that the bow is somewhat lifted reducing the wetted area. And on the beat she looks sexy. You gotta love those lines.

So if we could just get our hands on some images where she is on the beat heeling max we could also see how much "on the nose" she needs to be. After all - with such a wide stern it suddenly becomes dramatic when heeling and looking down a couple of meters to the sea level. :)

..even more

From best-boats24 this time...

...and some more

This time courtesy of Maritimo Yachts.

...and some more

This time courtesy of Maritimo Yachts.

More Elan 310 pictures

...from the Diplomatic Regatta in Izola.

Uroš Gabrijelčič, Val Navtika

 

Andrej Dernulc, Val Navtika

 

 

 

 

Elan 310 racing

The Elan 310 recently attended its first ever regatta, in Izola. She finished at a great second place, which astonished quite a few.

Picture courtesy of Elan. Miss Sixty did well in the diminishing winds, though the Open class was perhaps not the most competitive.

Elan 310 at PSP Southampton Boat Show

Premier had a stand presenting the new 310 at the PSP boat show this week, with Rob describing the new boat to the press.

Picture here courtesy of Elan. Boy, that transom is wide. :)

Elan 310 polar diagram

Elan 310 polar diagram courtesy of adriaship.it.

Elan 310 comparisons

I was wondering which boats the Elan 310 is strategically positioning itself against, and from different press releases it seems that the competitors are:

• First 31,7 (probably being replaced soon with a scaled-down version of the new First 35)
• Archambault 31
• Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
• J/95
• J/97

These are formidable opponents, and especially the First 31,7 has a large following, so it will be very interesting to see the real production performance of the boat.

Since the Elan 310 targets a different group than the J/95 (high performance daysailers) lets look more at the numbers of the remaining four competitors to compare for fun.

Elan 310 versus First 31,7 (numbers from yard)

• LWL 8,71/8,80 (31,7 is 9cm longer)
• Beam 3,22/3,23 (almost identical)
• Sail area upwind 53,6 (107%)/62,5(140%) (advantage 31,7 - though with a Genoa 1)
• Sail area downwind 105,2/94 (advantage Elan 310)
• Deplacement 3750/3750 (identical)
• Ballast percentage 30/27 (the 310 is likely a bit stiffer)

Elan 310 versus Archambault 31 (numbers from yard)

• LWL 8,71/? (I have found no LWL measurements for A31....can anyone help?)
• Beam 3,22/3,23 (identical)
• Sail area upwind 53,6/50 (slight edge to Elan 310)
• Sail area downwind 105,2/102 (slight edge to Elan 310)
• Deplacement 3750/3050 (A31 is much lighter)
• Ballast percentage 30/43 (A31 is a lot stiffer)

Elan 310 versus Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 (numbers from yard)

• LWL 8,71/8,55 (slight edge to Elan 310)
• Beam 3,22/3,48 (slight edge to Sun Fast 3200)
• Sail area upwind 53,6/66 (edge to Sun Fast 3200)
• Sail area downwind 105,2/120 (edge to Sun Fast 3200)
• Deplacement 3750/3500 (slight edge to Sun Fast)
• Ballast percentage 30/37 (Sun Fast is stiffer - it needs this with the larger sail plan)

Elan 310 versus J/97 (numbers from yard)

• LWL 8,71/8,11 (Elan 310 is quite a bit longer)
• Beam 3,22/3,35 (slight edge to J - a bit more hull stable)
• Sail area upwind 53,6/46,3 (edge to Elan 310)
• Sail area downwind 105,2/ ? (SPI is about 80m2, but haven't found mainsail area for J/97...anyone?)
• Deplacement 3750/3920 (slight edge to Elan 310)
• Ballast percentage 30/33 (J is slightly stiffer)

Elan 310 pictures

Images by Elan Yachts et al, these are a collection of images gathered from the press releases around the world. If you find any more images please give me a hint and I'll post them here.