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