Why the Elan GT6 X Could Be Your Perfect Ocean Cruiser

In the once conservative world of ocean passage making yachts, a new breed of ‘Grand Tourers’ exemplified by the new Elan GT6 X could represent a whole new design philosophy. 

Merging the best of responsiveness, comfort, long distance autonomy and safety in ways that were previously unimaginable, this new breed of yacht has made long-distance sailing not just possible but exhilarating, providing an experience that could redefine the discipline. The 49 foot LOA GT6 X and yachts like it embody a new offering in performance while meeting the stringent safety and luxury demands of serious cruising enthusiasts. 

Meeting the demands of ocean passage-making 
In the case of the GT6 X, X denotes ‘Explorer’ and the GT6 X is a testament to what a modern performance cruiser, or ‘Explorer Yacht’ should be: solidly built, intelligently designed, and equipped for endurance. Using Elan’s patented 3D Vail (Vacuum Assisted Infusion Lamination), this yacht has over two decades of vacuum infusion technology behind it. (Elan began using vacuum infusion technology way back in 2003, making it the first European mainstream serial yacht manufacturer to do so.) The GT6 X is the ultimate expression of this technology. Instead of using a separate hull reinforcement grid, bonded into the inside of the hull, 3D VAIL makes all reinforcements and the hull a single structure, delivering an incredibly stiff, ocean capable yacht, highly resistant to twisting, skewing, shearing, bending and flexing. The hull structure is a foam laminate, with the foam providing benefits not just in terms of strength and light weight. This layer of foam between the outside of the hull and the interior skin provides additional insulation too, making for a boat that is cooler in hot weather and warmer in cold weather as well as resistant to interior damp problems. Learn more about the advantages of 3D VAIL. 

Robust construction not only helps with the overall safety of a yacht, it also helps with its residual value, evidenced by Elan Yachts’ low rates of depreciation. Distance cruising  has never been a cheap hobby, but smart owners always consider the value of their boat once oceans have been crossed and dreams lived out.  

As well as the structural integrity of the yacht, ocean cruisers also rely on design elements to deliver safety benefits and peace of mind. The GT6 X has multiple standard and optional design and equipment choices above and beyond its Mediterranean-focused GT6 sibling. These include watertight collision bulkheads fore and aft, an extensively internally reinforced inner forestay for a more balanced heavy weather sailplan, and a twin rudder system which allows a single bolt to be removed from the system to provide redundancy of either rudder in the event of damage to the steering system. 

In terms of overall design, it’s important to consider who has designed an ocean capable yacht and what their background is in this type of boat. Like all modern Elan Yachts, the GT6 X was drawn by Humphreys Yacht Design. Rob and Tom Humphreys, based out of Lymington, UK have over 50 years of experience. This team’s ability in balancing the sometimes competing influences of ocean- capable sail/ displacement areas, ballast ratios and stability curves, with attractive designs that are enjoyable to sail and easy to live with in port is well proven.  

The Humphreys team has delivered designs with over 100 circumnavigations and countless oceanic crossings under their keels. Humphreys Yacht Design has infused the GT6 X with features that make it ideal for serious offshore sailing. The dual rudder system is a significant contributor to the yacht’s outstanding balance and responsiveness. In heavy seas, the twin rudders provide better grip and control, resisting broaching and maintaining a steady course. This is especially important when sailing under challenging conditions, where steering precision can make all the difference. The yacht’s bulb keel not only adds to its stability but also helps maintain a competitive edge when racing or when sailing close to the wind.  

The flexible sail plan further enhances the yacht’s suitability for long passages. With options for downwind sails, storm jibs, and easily reefed mainsails, the GT6 X adapts to a range of sailing conditions. This versatility allows owners to optimise their sail setup for performance and safety, whether cruising in light winds or battling squalls. 

Autonomy and flexibility 
Modern cruisers often pursue journeys that take them far from marinas and shore facilities, so one of the most critical aspects of any yacht intended for long-distance sailing is its autonomy capability. On the most fundamental level, this can boil down to tankage capacities. With 500 litres of fuel and up to six 140Ah service lead-acid or LiPo batteries, that can be charged via an optional solar installation of up to 1187Wp, the GT6 X can be equipped with a generator with a maximum output of 6400W. This can be complemented by a 100 L/h water-making system within a dedicated locker that turns seawater into fresh water, an invaluable asset for extended cruising. 

As any experienced cruising sailor will say, autonomy also depends upon how dependent the skipper is on other resources to fix any problems that may come their way. Medium volume semi production boat builders like Elan, are still known for excellent customer service, with human beings who most likely know the answers at the end of the phone, not the AI generated customer support vortices of frustration that some higher volume manufacturers are beginning to adopt. The way the boat is originally manufactured is also a key consideration here. Have things like internal wiring been arranged and labelled with care towards future maintenance? Is all equipment that could need to be replaced or serviced easy to access, not hidden behind bonded in panels and linings? 

The semi-custom fit-out of the GT6 X Explorer allows owners to tailor the yacht to their specific needs, ensuring that every detail contributes to a safe and enjoyable passage. The deck layout and rigging are designed for ease of handling, allowing a small crew or even a solo sailor to manage the yacht effectively. This adaptability is crucial for modern cruisers who want the freedom to embark on extended adventures without needing a large crew. 

Performance with the right compromises 
What sets yachts like the GT6 X apart from traditional passage-making yachts is its performance sailing characteristics. While older ocean cruisers prioritized durability and safety at the expense of speed and luxury, modern yachts like the GT6 X are able to deliver exhilarating performance alongside steadfast reliability. The GT6 X’s advanced hull design and lightweight construction allow it to achieve impressive speeds, making ocean crossings faster and more enjoyable. For today’s cruising sailors, who may also wish to participate in events like the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), this blend of performance and comfort is essential. 

Luxury meets practicality 
Today’s cruising sailors demand more than just performance; they expect their yachts to offer the same level of comfort and lifestyle features as more harbour-focused yachts. The GT6 X meets this expectation with a thoughtful design that balances luxury with practicality. For instance, the hefty teak fold-down cabin table serves a dual purpose: it can be used as a sunbed or an entertaining table in port, yet provides essential handholds and leaning support when ocean sailing. This multifunctional approach ensures that space is maximized without sacrificing safety or convenience. 

Handholds are provided throughout the yacht, but they are unobtrusive so largely go un noticed until needed at sea. Likewise, pad eyes for lee cloths are provided in the berths of the GT6 X, so the large and comfortable port berths that most modern yacht buyers demand can be changed for compact, safe sea berths when on passage. 

The solid stainless-steel dinghy arch is another standout feature. It offers practical advantages for long-term cruisers, such as space for an expanded solar array. But the arch also facilitates safe and easy tender launching, an asset in busy anchorages or when quick shore access is needed.  

Design isn’t all about practicality, however, and for a long distance cruiser, their yacht is their home, and must engender pride in ownership too. The attractive flush deck design of the Elan GT6 X was penned in collaboration with Studio F. A. Porsche, just like its GT6 sistership.