Design and Construction
The E5's hull is built by vacuum-assisted infusion lamination, a method Elan adopted early among serial builders to guard against osmosis and to keep stiffness and weight uniform. Taken further, the builder's 3D VAIL process integrates the inner structure, stringers, and their supports into the hull itself, producing a one-piece laminated load-bearing shell. Composite bulkheads use vacuum-cured resin-impregnated biaxial fabric for stiffness, with an unbroken surface that spreads mechanical loads evenly across the cross-section. The deck carries a foam core with vinylester skin, while the hull has a foam core within GRP laminate. A T-shaped keel lowers the centre of gravity for sail-carrying power and stability, and the hard chine runs forward on each side before smoothing out about a third of the way down the hull. At 8,190 kg light displacement with 2,700 kg of ballast in a 3.87 m beam, the yacht sits firmly enough for bluewater while remaining light on her lines. (Source figures for displacement differ: one publication lists 7,300 kg.)
Rig and Handling
Twin rudders give the E5 exceptional directional control and notably reduce any tendency to broach, while the reduced pitching moment means she does not stall easily. The twin-helm layout, with Jefa steering, lets the helmsperson work from either side without blocking cockpit movement, and the twin rudders add a welcome redundancy on ocean passages. A carefully tuned fractional sail plan sits on a keel-stepped mast, with an adjustable split backstay and a retractable carbon bowsprit that extends roughly 1.1 m to fly a 135 m² asymmetric. The mainsail measures 52 m² and the jib 39 m²; the traveller runs across the cockpit sole ahead of the wheels so it stays out of foot traffic. Test sailors logged about 5.5 knots to windward in 10 knots true, while owners report 8 to 8.5 knots cracked off in similar air and repeated 14–17 knots downwind sailing two up. The builder claims the hull shape is designed to be fast and the rig efficient, and the boat is expressly optimised for shorthanded cruising.
Accommodations
Below, the E5 balances a V-shaped cockpit with a bright, considered interior. Pale oak veneers and white linings keep the saloon light, and the furniture is laid out for space and comfort with a fully equipped galley to starboard — two-burner stove, top-opening fridge, double sinks. A head and shower sit to port, and a concealed nav station hides under a lifting squab to preserve lounging room. The standard three-cabin, one-head layout places double quarter-berths aft, each with hanging storage and a bookshelf tucked under the cockpit, while a large v-berth fills the forward third cabin; a two-head option exists. A DAME-awarded control panel, hot water, electric drain pumps, and ambient lighting with dimming round out the livable details. Artificial teak covers the cockpit and optional bathing platform, with a real teak deck available as an upgrade.
Equipment and Ownership Notes
Standard equipment leans performance-first: genoa furling, Harken deck gear, and B&G instrumentation on the reviewed boat. A 38–40 hp Volvo with saildrive sits under the companionway, well insulated and quiet. A 10 kW or 15 kW Oceanvolt electric powertrain is offered as an alternative to diesel. Cockpit boxes add storage and seating, and a centre table folds on layered teak wings. The CE category A rating confirms the design's offshore intent, and a low-displacement configuration is available to realise planning potential.
The Verdict
The Elan E5 is a genuinely dual-purpose 39-footer: quick enough to win club series yet roomy and refined for two-up cruising. Her infusion-built single-piece structure and twin-rudder control are the substantive strengths; the racing-derived cockpit and premium options mean she is best judged against other performance cruisers rather than barefoot family trawlers.
Pros
- Infusion-built one-piece hull and bulkheads for uniform stiffness and osmosis resistance
- Twin rudders and helms deliver control and redundancy offshore
- Genuine shorthanded speed with comfortable three-cabin interior
- CE category A, T-keel, and configurable low-displacement planning setup
Cons
- V-shaped cockpit and deck gear suit performance crews over sedate motoring
- Real teak deck and electric drivetrain are upgrades, not standard
