Launched with great fanfare on the occasion of the Nautic de Paris 2016 , l' GT5 Moose inaugurates a new line of cruising sailboats at Élan. This 40 footer is built on the basis of the E5 and S5. It has a chine hull equipped with bisafans. Above, Rob Humphreys, the house architect, has designed a deckhouse high enough with beautiful glass surfaces to offer height under the helm and habitability inside.
The cockpit is quite large, closed behind by a lift-up bathing platform. It is possible to have a short bathing platform as an option, leaving the cockpit open at the stern.
Ahead of the 2 helm stations, to which the 2 pianos return with all the manoeuvres, there is a beautifully appointed cockpit. If the central passage remains free, two tables create 2 dining areas facing each other. In sunbathing mode, these tables can be lowered to provide a nice surface area. The 2 helm seats hide under their cushions an outside galley (plancha and sink).
The interior of the light wood cabin is very bright. The galley, which is positioned against the forward bulkhead, a little below (in the style of Dufour's), is huge. In front of the bulkhead is the owner's cabin (without shower room in the version presented in the saloon!). The aft part of the boat is occupied by a cabin and a toilet. Only 2 cabins and a toilet on a 40' sailboat is not much. But 4 versions are available including one with 3 cabins and 2 toilets.
Here, but where's the card table? It's just tucked away under the starboard saloon bench seat. It's really well thought out and clever. Just like the stools in the saloon table, which get stuck on both table legs when you're sailing. The simplest solutions are often the best.
Very well finished, very bright and undoubtedly efficient, the Élan GT5 has a bright future ahead of it in this competitive market of 40-foot cruising yachts.
