Elan 210 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Elan 210 can be traced to 2011 when it debuted as a "new concept boat" at the Düsseldorf boat show, reflecting Elan's ongoing innovation. Designed by Rob Humphreys, a long-standing collaborator with Elan Yachts, in conjunction with the Elan Design Team, the 210 arrived as a fresh interpretation of a compact cruiser-racer. Elan, with its rich history dating back to 1949 and a pivotal shift to fiberglass construction in 1962, has consistently focused on yachts that balance high performance with cruising comfort. The 210 exemplifies this philosophy, aiming to provide fast sailing that is also easy to handle. Its design incorporates modern features such as a chined hull, a broad stern, and twin rudders, all working in concert to enhance performance, stability, and control, particularly at speed. The chined hull, a hallmark of many contemporary performance designs, is specifically noted for boosting the boat's tracking ability and cleaning off the wake, further contributing to its lively character. The lifting keel, a practical feature for trailerability and accessing shallow waters, further underscores the design's versatility.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Elan 210 is celebrated for its quick and well-mannered sailing characteristics, designed to remove the hassle from the sailing experience. Owners and reviewers frequently describe it as a lively boat that handles nicely in moderate winds and proves fast even in lighter conditions. The emphasis on performance is evident in its fractional sloop rig and its capacity for an asymmetric spinnaker on a sprit, suggesting a boat eager to plane and perform downwind.

The Elan 210's innovative hull design, featuring a broad stern and distinctive chines, alongside its twin rudders, plays a crucial role in its sailing dynamics. These elements contribute to sparkling performance, improved stability, and enhanced maneuverability, ensuring that the boat stands up well to wind and provides excellent control. However, some observations suggest that the boat can feel "over rigged" in harder winds, necessitating early reefing. Early models were also noted by some to have a rig that was too stiff, which could limit significant mainsail adjustment in certain conditions. Despite these minor points, the overall simplicity of the boat and its responsive handling remain significant attractions for sailors seeking an engaging experience.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Elan 210, while compact, is lauded for its simple yet highly functional layout, maximizing the use of available space. The beamy hull form of the 210 provides an exceptionally large cockpit and interior volume for a boat of its size, a feature highly appreciated by owners. Below decks, the design team has ensured adequate overnight accommodation, typically featuring two berths, which makes it suitable for weekend trips or short cruises.

While specific details on interior finishes and materials are not extensively publicized, Elan Yachts generally prides itself on high-tech composite construction, often complemented by iroko wood veneer and solid iroko wood accents in its larger models. Given the 210's focus on practicality and performance, its interior would likely reflect a clean, functional aesthetic designed for durability and ease of maintenance. The boat is equipped with a modest 15-gallon water capacity and a 5-gallon fuel capacity, catering to its role as a nimble cruiser.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Elan 210 consistently praise its enjoyable sailing characteristics, often highlighting its quickness and responsive handling as key strengths. The boat's ability to be easily trailered and its overall simplicity are also frequently cited as significant advantages, simplifying the logistics of ownership and encouraging more time on the water. The generous cockpit and surprisingly spacious interior for a boat of this length are further appreciated, offering comfort beyond what might be expected from a 21-footer.

However, some owners have noted specific points for consideration. The boat's lively performance, while generally a strength, can sometimes translate to feeling "over rigged" in strong winds, suggesting the need for timely reefing. Additionally, some early models experienced a rig that was considered too stiff, potentially limiting the effectiveness of mainsail trim in certain conditions, particularly in UK waters. Despite these minor criticisms, the Elan 210 generally garners positive feedback for its solid construction and its successful execution of a dual-purpose role as a performance-oriented day sailor and a capable, albeit compact, cruiser.