Elliott 6 M Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Elliott 6 M began production around 2000, stemming from the design prowess of Greg Elliott, a naval architect known for his commitment to building high-performance sailing craft. Elliott's design philosophy prioritizes "vital speed ingredients" and maximum stability, aiming for boats that are modern in concept and technology.

The builder, McConaghy Boats, founded in 1967, brought a rich history of innovative composite construction to the project. From its early days, McConaghy embraced cutting-edge techniques, transitioning from plywood to vacuum-formed foam sandwich and fiberglass, and notably incorporating prepreg carbon into boat construction as early as the mid-1970s. This expertise in lightweight, strong composite materials made them an ideal partner for producing a high-performance Olympic-class boat.

A significant modification of the original Elliott 6 M design was undertaken for its selection as the Olympic class boat. These changes primarily focused on the sails, rig, and keel to specifically meet the demands of Olympic Women's Match Racing. There was also an Elliott 6 SuperSport developed, which is a version of the Elliott 6M offering greater sail area and designed for three or four crew members.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Elliott 6 M is designed for controlled maneuverability and dynamic performance, making it ideal for both match racing and fleet racing. With a fractional rig, the boat features smaller headsails, which can simplify tacking and contribute to its agile handling. The boat is noted for its high sailing stability and responsive nature, reacting quickly to adjustments. Sailors often describe it as a physical boat to sail, demanding active crew input.

The design includes a spade rudder and a bulb keel, which contribute to its stability and performance characteristics. The boat's handling can involve some sideways sliding until flow attaches to the foils, a characteristic that skilled sailors learn to manage. Crew positioning and efficient sail handling systems are key to optimizing performance. It is often praised for being a "fast boat" that responds quickly.

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated high-performance racing keelboat, the Elliott 6 M features an open cockpit design with a minimalist interior, prioritizing sailing functionality over cruising amenities. The focus is on providing an efficient platform for racing, with a layout designed to facilitate crew movement and sail handling. The boat is typically sailed by a crew of three in match racing. Interior headroom is not a primary design consideration, given its specific racing purpose and compact length overall of just over 20 feet. While detailed interior layouts are not widely published for this racing-focused model, its design ethos is clearly geared towards on-deck performance and competitive functionality rather than extensive below-deck accommodations.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and sailors consistently praise the Elliott 6 M for its solid construction and excellent build quality, particularly those produced by McConaghy Boats. Its suitability as a training yacht for keelboat sailing is also frequently highlighted. Many consider any design by Greg Elliott to be "awesome," with the Elliott 6 M being no exception. The boat is regarded as a modern, dynamic, and high-stability international one-design keelboat, cementing its legacy as a key vessel in competitive sailing.