Sailing Yachts

Elan 45 Impression Review – What Makes Her So Unique?

The Elan 45 Impression has the distinction of being a boat that embodies a classic style with all the trimmings of the modern conveniences of the newest vessels on the water.

This Elan 45 Impression review will highlight the aspects of the Impression that make this vessel unique while keeping its traditional feel.

The Impression left a lasting impression on me, and I wouldn’t hesitate to board this boat yet again.

Accommodation

The Impression has 4 cabins and 8+2 berths that are designed to take advantage of the simplicity of the vessel while emphasizing the elegance of the below deck of the boat.

I have had friends comment that the boat reminds them of a vessel James Bond may frequent, just on a smaller scale. I’ve always found this comparison close to the mark, if not a bit fanciful.

The cabins can accommodate a tall person, which is a plus, but there is also plenty of space for whatever sized occupant inhabits the cabin. The showers and toilets are situated together in a head in the main cabin and one in the corridor.

The 4 cabin layout is perfect for families, a small group of friends, or just a couple on a getaway. If you are planning to travel in a small group or as a couple, the 4 cabin design is perfect if you have chosen to hire a skipper, as he/she will need a cabin as well.

Always keep in mind that if you plan to hire a skipper, he has to sleep somewhere, so if you are looking at yachts without limited accommodations, you will run into a problem.

Interior

The saloon and galley are divided into separate spaces by the clever use of a sink/counter. The dining area doubles as the chart table, and the dinette can be stored if more space is needed for the saloon.

The entire interior is encased in light wood and cream-colored fabric that make the saloon look modern yet breezy and relaxing.

Room-to-room access is fluid, and you won’t find yourself needing to maneuver around the furniture to enter or exit the galley, saloon, or corridor leading to the cabins.

There is ample storage space, including a hanging locker in the cabins to stow items conveniently.

I found the hanging locker a godsend when unpacking and was not sure where to put certain items that I wouldn’t need on a daily basis but still needed with me.

Exterior

The cockpit on the Impression is one of my favorite cockpit designs. The cockpit is deep, offering better sea spray protection than your average design.

The steering wheels are light and react quickly to commands without you having to fight for control of the vessel.

Further shade and protection are afforded via the retractable bimini. The deck also has plenty of room to spread out if you want to escape the cockpit and enjoy the sunshine.

Under Sail

I sailed in Croatia with a hired skipper, and the experience was excellent. I could sit back and enjoy the boat without having to worry about operating and controlling the boat, but I found myself drawn to the cockpit and learning all that I could about the Impression.

As the wind hits the sails, the strength of the wind and the sails’ ability to harness the wind and propel the entire vessel through the water depends, at least in part, on the positioning of the sails.

As the wind catches the sails, the boat will pick up speed, which is measured in knots. To put it roughly, 10 knots is about equal to 11.5 miles per hour.

However, no amount of explanation can accurately describe what it feels like to sail the Impression, so if you really would like to know, charter this vessel!

Why Sail the Elan 45 Impression

  • Sailing is easy, and the boat performs well out on the water
  • The cockpit is very well protected from water and the sun
  • The design and layout of the boat are simple and straightforward while appearing modern and sleekly elegant
  • A good amount of space to move both above and below the deck
  • Space for a skipper if so desired

 

In Conclusion

The Elan 45 Impression was a dream to sail aboard around Croatia. Our skipper was friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share information and tall tales with us.

My experience was largely colored by my rapport with our skipper, but I don’t think it would have been the same aboard a different vessel.

The Impression made all the difference and created the perfect sailing environment for us. You can sail in Croatia without an Impression, but why would you?

Specifications

  • LOA: 45’0”
  • LWL: 39’4”
  • Beam:13’1”
  • Draft: 6’0”/4’6”
  • Air draft: 64’0”
  • Water: 136/208 gals.
  • Fuel: 70 gals.
  • Engine: 55/75 hp.
  • Sail Area: 1m016 sq. ft

Have you sailed the 45 Impression? If so, feel free to share your experience in the comment below.

Beneteau Oceanis 41 Review – A Real Breeze!

The Beneteau Oceanis 41 was designed for sailing comfort and ease. Several friends of mine sail this boat and rave about the size and stability of this 41 ft. luxury vessel.

I have had the pleasure of being a passenger aboard the 41 my friend sailed, and I was mesmerized by the grandness of every aspect of the boat.

Most impressive of all is that a boat this size can easily be handled by just two people or even one.

Accommodation

The 41 has 3 separate layout designs to choose the layout that will suit your guest configuration best. 2 to 3 cabins and 6 to 6+2 berths are available to make your trip as comfortable as possible.

No matter which layout you choose, there is ample room for storage with several wide berths that can hold swim, diving, or scuba gear. Two of the layout designs feature a single head accessible from one of the cabins or the saloon.

The 2-head option is only available with the 3-cabin layout, with a head in the same location and the other housed in the third cabin.

Despite the enormous cabins, my favorite sections were the galley and saloon areas. I found the L-shaped kitchen cozy and easy to move around in to prepare meals or snacks.

It is fully equipped with a two-burner stove, refrigerator, and a double sink. The saloon, by far, is one of the most comfortable spaces I have ever encountered aboard a yacht.

The saloon is huge, which invites lounging and conversation among the guests, but is still intimate enough for a couple to have a quiet evening together.

Interior

The interior is attractively decked out in mahogany wood and light-colored fabrics, creating a relaxed look that is still elegant.

The windows allow lots of natural light to filter in, and I was surprised by how much sunlight could stream into the galley.

The below deck is so wide and has so much headroom it’s easy to forget where you are and begin to believe that you are in a ritzy hotel room.

Exterior

The cockpit is often where most boats will cut corners to create more space in other areas, but the cockpit and deck of the 41 were not sacrificed in the least.

You can sit on the bench (which doubles storage) with a drink in your hand and watch the sunset, or you could invite other boaters to hop aboard for a beer and some conversation.

Under Sail

The 41 is a breeze (pun intended) to sail under almost any wind conditions. In my opinion, this is an excellent vessel to learn to sail with, but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t imagine a trip on the 41 with a hired skipper.

If you are looking for a romantic escape without the worry of handling a yacht, a skipper is a definite must-have.

Skipper or no skipper, you are looking at smooth sailing with the 41. Its windward performance is stable and strong, and when out in open water, the vessel remains steady.

Comparison Between 41 & 45

A comparison between the 41 and the 45 comes down to small details, as the 2 boats are almost identical. The 45 has more design options than the 41, but the initial layout is the same.

As for comfort, both vessels have plenty of space, but the 41 is cozier and rough waters are less noticeable below the deck of the 41 than in the 45.

The 45 also lags a bit windward when under sail, while the 41 can generally power through without incident.

Why Sail the Oceanis 41

  • Controls and sails are easy to handle and control
  • Lots of space and room for privacy
  • Massive saloon space below the deck
  • The above deck is perfect for entertaining
  • Large cockpit
  • Lots of storage space
  • Performs very well under sail

In Conclusion

The Beneteau Oceanis 41 has always held a special place in my heart. My friends that frequently charter this vessel swear they will never sail another type of yacht.

Even if you want to experience many different yachts, you should include the 41 on your list. It’s so impressive. I would suggest moving it to the top of your list and trying it out as soon as you get the chance!

I never turn down an opportunity to board a 41, even if it’s just an invitation for my husband and me to have a drink with friends.

Specifications

  • LOA: 40ft 7in // LWL 37 ft 1in //
  • BEAM: 13ft 9in
  • DRAFT: 6ft 9in (std); 5ft 1in (shoal)
  • BALLAST: 5,071lb
  • SAIL AREA: 902 ft 2
  • FUEL/WATER/WASTE: (GAL) 53/151/21
  • ENGINE Yanmar: 40h
  • Cabins: 3 to 4
  • Berths: 6 to 10

Have you sailed the Oceanis 41? If so, feel free to share your experience in the comment below.

Bavaria Cruiser 56 Review – Her Finer Points

Yacht charter contact

I went on a sailing holiday in Italy with my family, and we chartered the Bavaria Cruiser 56.

I was pleasantly surprised by how family-friendly the boat was and how quickly we got used to the vessel.

My Bavaria Cruiser 56 review will detail the boat’s finer points and give you a better understanding of the layout and performance of the vessel.

Accommodation

We didn’t fill the boat to capacity, but we could have had up to 11 passengers aboard. The Cruiser 56 has the option of cabin variation, allowing you to choose between 3, 4, or 5 cabins to accommodate your family and friends.

Speaking of which, the large capacity of the boat means you can’t really turn down that friend that wants to tag along because there isn’t any room.

Even if you have that type of friend, don’t let that keep you from the Cruiser 56. Just sneak away in the dead of night to begin your vacation and hope he doesn’t wake up!

Tag-along friends or not, the boat layout makes it comfortable for everyone. The cabins have beds that rival what you surely left at home, and the size of the main cabin is luxurious by sailing standards.

The great thing is that if you have 2 or 3 children, they can sleep in one bed. I have found this is often the best option for kids under 10 because they enjoy having someone next to them all night.

Other than occasionally jumping on the bed, I didn’t run into any problems with this arrangement.

Interior!

Without a doubt, the galley and saloon were my family’s favorite spots below deck. The galley is a common issue aboard sailing vessels. They are often cramped, uninviting, or useless.

Bavaria has designed a dream galley for the Cruiser 56, and I enjoyed preparing meals in it. I do not make that claim lightly or often, having been tossed once or twice around a galley in my time.

The saloon was another surprise for my family and me. The kids could sit comfortably without breaking out into a shoving match for space at the table, and I could easily keep one eye on them as I cooked.

The only drawback was, sometimes, the kids didn’t want to leave below deck because they were so at home down there. However, I can’t really count that as a bad thing!

On Deck

On the deck of the Cruiser, 56 is equally as inviting as the below deck. The cockpit is big, and easy to get comfortable or lounge around inside.

There is a huge swimming platform, which is much more convenient and safer if you have children.

There is also a storage space to house a dinghy for expeditions away from the boat.

There is plenty of room to lounge or entertain guests either for lunch out in the sunshine or cocktails in the evening as you watch the moonlight reflected on the water.

Under Sail

The Bavaria Cruiser 56 is a powerful vessel under sail that has a long waterline,  plumb bow, and dual rudders, which give her good speed and great handling.

This sailing boat can be manned by a small crew due to its innovative control systems.

We spent much less time worrying about the mechanics of sailing and more time enjoying the thrill of the sail.

Casting off and tacking were simple procedures, and I expended little effort in controlling the boat, even in a stiff wind.

Why Sail the Bavaria Cruiser 56

  • Big, easy to use Galley
  • Large cabins, saloons, and lounge areas
  • Can accommodate up to 11 passengers
  • Performs under sail seemingly effortlessly
  • Conveniently stored dinghy
  • Lots of sunshine streams in below deck

In Conclusion

I’ll admit that I was skeptical at first due to the size of the Cruiser 56, but this boat won me over quickly. I can safely say that my guests had a great time on this yacht.

In fact, I know of an acquaintance that is planning to throw an anniversary party for his parents on board a Cruiser 56. He chose this boat, so there would be enough room for his siblings, their spouses, and their children.

If you were planning a party trip, I would recommend the Cruiser 56 before any other boat would enter my mind.

This is the perfect boat to enjoy the wind in your hair while spending quality time with those you love the most or just relax on the deck with a drink in your hand as you get away from the stresses of the real world.

Onboard the Cruiser 56; you can forget you’re all of your cares and live in the moment!

Specifications

  • LOA: 16.73m
  • Hull length: 16.16m
  • Waterline length: 15.50m
  • Beam: 5.25m
  • Fuel tank: (approx.): 500 liters
  • Water tank: (approx.): 650 liters
  • Cabins: 3 to 5

Have you sailed the Cruiser 56? If so, feel free to share your experience in the comment below!

Beneteau Oceanis 58 Yacht Charter – Sail in Style!

I was impressed with Beneteau long before I experienced the Beneteau Oceanis 58 yacht charter, but I can honestly say that the 58 gave me a new appreciation for the boat builders.

Beneteau’s previous yachts leaned toward bold in style and construction, while the Oceanis 58 has chosen a different path.

The 58 has a more sophisticated design that is also understated, but the boat is fast, sleek, and unique in its own way.

Accommodation

A group of 10 adults (crew included) wouldn’t feel crowded aboard the 58. It seems that everything about the boat was designed to cater to a large crowd.

The galley has a layout that invites cooking for pleasure rather than a necessity. The saloon is huge and I found those evening hours could fly by enjoying the company of the other passengers over meals or planning sessions at the massive chart table.

Cabins come with private heads and plenty of storage cabinets and lockers. If you plan to sail with a good-sized group of friends or family, the 58 would be my suggestion.

You will have an abundance of space for entertaining, socializing, and relaxing, or you can find a nice private spot if you need it.

Under Sailing

I sailed the 58 with a skipper, so I cannot speak for the handling of the controls, but I can state that the boat ran faster than I expected.

Our sail was smooth and felt effortless, even when the wind was not particularly powerful.

I was pleased with how stable the vessel remained in choppy water, which is an especially helpful feature if you are sailing with a novice sailor or children who have yet to discover their sea legs.

Interior

The interior of the 58 has the advantage of being spacious without seeming to waste a lot of the precious space many luxury yachts are prone to do.

The wood and accents below the deck are of dark wood with a sheen. This is a change from the light-colored, softened decorating scheme below deck in many yachts, but this just adds to the distinctiveness of the 58.

There is also an incredible amount of sunlight, brightening the galley and saloon. I always enjoyed my coffee in the early hours of the morning, watching the horizon from the dinette area.

Exterior

The cockpit and lounge are separated on the 58, so you don’t have to feel as though you will be in the way as the skipper and crew maneuver the boat.

The lounge area is a terrific spot to soak up the sunshine or an out-of-the-way place to banish the teenagers.

The decks are easy to navigate and grip your feet properly to keep you stable. I was particularly impressed by the swim platform, which was more than a mere step for entering and exiting the water.

The platform allowed preparations to dive, snorkel, or launch a dinghy.

Why Sail the Beneteau Oceanis 58

  • Lots of space in common areas, cabins, and on the deck
  • Comfortable furnishings
  • The boat is quick and stable under sail
  • Big galley!
  • The design takes advantage of the boat’s layout and doesn’t waste space
  • Plenty of storage space.

In Conclusion

As a whole, the 58 is the ideal yacht for a charter with a crew. I spent a long, relaxing trip aboard this vessel and learned that you could easily feel as at home out on the water as you would in your home on dry land. Experience a vacation aboard a boat that will put any 5-star hotel to shame!

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Beneteau
  • Length Over All: 18.24 m
  • Hull Length: 17.75 m
  • Hull Beam: 4.99 m
  • Max Engine Power: (Hp): 140 HP
  • Fuel tank capacity: 480

Have you already sailed the Oceanis 58? If so, feel free to share your experience in the comment below.

Load More Articles