Elandra 49 takes shape

Elandra Yachts has moved closer to bringing its latest model to life, the all-new Elandra 49, which is taking shape at the luxury motor-yacht company’s Gold Coast yard.

The boatbuilder says the sleek, sporty shape of the Elandra 49 has emerged after completion of the prototype’s hull by its experienced team of boat builders and designers.

Development of the highly anticipated Elandra 49 follows the  release of the Elandra 53 in September 2014 and, more recently, that impressive boat's showing at the 2015 Sydney International Boat Show.

Destined to find favour with those looking to enjoy the thrill of sedan-style cruising, while capitalising on style and comfort, the Elandra 49 sportsyacht has been developed with the same aesthetic as the breathtaking Elandra 53.

The new 49 incorporates the brand’s signature broad beam while combining quality craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology with free-flowing design and impeccable finishes, the yard says.

Elandra Yachts founder and managing director Luke Durman said the team was excited to see the prototype of the new model taking form, with the deck to be placed this week.

"Our design team —Tom Barry-Cotter, Grant Senior and draughtsman Simon Paul — has worked closely through the development process to ensure a hull design that will deliver unrivalled shaftdrive performance and efficiency as an offshore cruising boat," Mr Durman said.

"A lot of consideration has gone into working through layouts to create a sports yacht that is really optimised for its size. The boat has been designed with a spacious open-plan saloon, giving the sense of really bringing the outdoors in, and with three cabins it is ideal for young families and people looking for more from a 50-footer in terms of internal volume and space."

The luxurious, yet practical, Elandra 49 more than adequately accommodates modern family cruising, with two beautifully appointed queen staterooms, including the full-beam master suite and en suite featuring private shower and separate toilet. The second stateroom shares a generous bathroom with a single or optional double bunk bed cabin on the portside.

Described as an entertainer’s dream, the expansive saloon includes the aft-cockpit lounge, which converts with incredible ease from a u-shaped dinette to a coffee setting, as well as a second chaise lounge that adjoins the cockpit.

Concertina bi-fold doors open out to the cockpit, creating a sweeping deck space that replicates the applauded design of the larger 53 model.

Mr Durman said the Elandra 49 would be powered by twin 670hp Volvo D11 or 650hp Caterpillar C8.7 engines to cater for extended cruising, weekend trips and entertaining, with the option of an extended hydraulic swim platform.

From a functional sense, owners will appreciate the storage garage, accessed from the swim platform to provide plenty of space for all those items that go along with fun on the water, including inflatables and fishing gear.

With each vessel carefully crafted to meet buyers’ specifications from a virtually limitless range of available customisations, Elandra Yachts delivers a product that meets superyacht standards in its finish, and is guaranteed to stand out at whichever port it graces, the yard enthuses.

The Elandra 49 is scheduled for release in August 2016. Meantime, Elandra Yachts says it has fielded strong interest from prospective buyers since its September 2014 launch. It recently announced the appointment of Michael Usina as President of Elandra Yacht Sales in the Americas, fast tracking the company’s international growth.

Australia’s newest brand in high-end motor yachts is currently in a period of rapid growth, with $3.5 million committed to research and development over the next two and a half years. Design is also underway on a new 60-foot plus model.

For more information, visit Elandra Yachts.