Elan 310 testwinner in norwegian Seilmagasinet

The Norwegian sailing magazine Seilmagasinet has re-run its test of four modern boats in the 30-32 foot range, titled "Wide transoms are most sexy". The boats tested were the First 30, Elan 310, Dehler 32 and the Sun Fast 3200, and the test was to see if these boats can double as cruisers as well as have good racing performance.

The result was:

• Elan 310: The winner, also "allrounder"
• "The sailing performance of the Elan 310 brought smiles, especially in a breeze. The boat is well thought through and works well"
• First 30: Most sexy
• "First 30 makes the heart beat. We like the boat, but fewer points in total nevertheless puts this boat in the shadow of the Elan 310"
• Sun Fast 3200: The fastest
• "Sun Fast is a sportsboat with a capital S and it is a typical "boys boat" with little regard to comfort and design, but with a lot of sailing joys for your money"
• Dehler 32: Best below decks, also "conservative"
• "Dehler 32 gives a lot of cruising boat for your money, and the boat is a good choice if you are not looking for dinghy-like sailing in a lot of wind"

 Although this has been in print before, it is good to see this kind of exposure for a boat that is now in its fourth season. :)

Norwegian importer ends 15 year relationship

The excellent Norwegian importer of Elan boats, Fjordsail, has just announced that they will end the relationship with Elan effective immediately. All warranty issues will still be honoured by Fjordsail for new and existing Elan customers.

Press release here:
http://fjordsail.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/fjord-sail-slutter-som-elan-forhandler/

This is sad news for all existing Elan owners in Norway, as Fjordsail has been both a key driver for sailing in Norway, both cruising and racing (especially shorthanded), and provided Elan owners access to his great knowledge of sailing and tuning.

Fjordsail continues in the business, though, primarily with the Seascape brand.

Hopefully a new importer will be announced soon to take the Norwegian Elan market and make plans for the future. After all, I'm not afraid to say so: I'm quite proud of Silverminken, as it's a great little boat.

Perhaps the Swedish importer will reach out and become a nordic distributor? "Nordic Yachts" does sound like that, doesn't it? Who knows...