ELAN STORY

http://www.elan-yachts.com/history.2.html

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Innovations in boatbuilding since 1949

Elan's boatbuilding tradition began in 1949 with kayaks, canoes and small boat production made of waterproof wooden slabs. Early commercial success came in the 1950s when a large number of small crafts were exported to the United States. The Sixties heralded the dawn of reinforced polyester, a revolutionary material that Elan used for racing kayaks and boats. The following decade the yard launched the first sailboats and most successful small vessel selling 10,000 units in the following years. The 1980s were synonymous with a significant shift towards the production of larger cruiser-racer sailing yachts, designed by the now J&J Design studio, including the legendary Elan 31, which won the Quarter Ton World Championship with Dušan Puh. In 1995 Elan commenced cooperation with renowned nautical designer, Rob Humphreys resulting in many successful, award-winning projects. The next decade Elan won European Yacht of the Year title twice, for the Impression 344 and 340 models. Not resting on its laurels, Elan launched the revolutionary Volvo Ocean Race inspired Elan 350 with characteristic chines and twin rudders, winning another European Yacht of the Year title in 2011 and a nomination for Elan 210 the following year. Building on rich tradition, combined with an innovative present, Elan is laying strong foundations for the future.