Elan Impression 40: The Ideal Charter Boat for Sailing the Adriatic (& Comparison to Elan Impression 40.1)

The Adriatic Sea, with its crystal-clear waters and thousands of islands, is a sailor’s paradise. And when it comes to choosing the perfect vessel for exploring this stunning coastline, the Elan Impression 40 holds an edge over most other manufacturers and models.

Why?

Well, not only is the size of this model an ideal fit for Croatian marinas, its shallow draft lets you get up close and personal with some of the Adriatics most secluded—and most beautiful— anchorages and pit stops.

Personally, I’ve sailed on everything from big, spacious Hanse yachts to wide and luxury Dufours, and I can tell you from firsthand experience that Elan Impression 40 is the right choice here, especially under the following conditions:

1. You’re choosing a bareboat charter (more room if you’re not hiring a skipper)
2. Your crew consists of 7 people + you (you will have 3 cabins available + salon)
3. One sailing region (e.g. chartering Elan Impression in Pula & sailing Kvarner Bay)

Under those conditions, Elan Impression 40 is the best bang for your buck.

But what exactly makes this sailboat so special? Let’s dive in and discover why the Elan 40 Impression is the best kept secret of Croatian boat charters.

A Winning Combination of Performance and Comfort

The Elan 40 Impression is categorized as a “performance cruiser," and it truly lives up to its name. It effortlessly blends sailing performance with above par comfort. This means you’re not sacrificing amenities for speed and sailing exhilaration, or vice versa.

Want to beat your personal best on a voyage from Split to Vis? You can make it happen with Elan Impression 40. I certainly did, and the voyage was both swift (under 10 hours) and comfy.

Looking to take your time while island-hopping between Hvar, Brač, and Korčula? Stopping at small and shallow bays along the way? Again, this vessel will make it easy.

Here’s what sets it apart:

• Sleek & powerful design: The Elan 40’s modern hull design, crafted using vacuum infusion technology, ensures both strength and lightness. This translates to a responsive and stable sailing experience, even in challenging conditions. (But don’t go  deliberately seeking out gales – I don’t recommend that!)
  
  
• Spacious & luxurious interior: Step below deck, and you’ll be greeted by a surprisingly spacious and airy interior. The salon is bathed in natural light, offering ample headroom and comfortable seating for your entire crew. Three well-appointed cabins provide a restful retreat after a day of sailing, while the cleverly designed galley makes preparing meals a breeze.
  
  Just check out this roomy salon of the Tariq – a 2018 Elan Impression 40 currently docked at Marina Veruda, Pula:

• Stay-enhancing features: From the innovative transom that transforms into a swim platform and the fold-down cockpit table, it’s easy to create extra room onboard. The abundance of handrails ensure safe movement on deck, too, and the Elan 40 is packed with additional features that enhance your sailing experience.

Why the Elan 40 Impression is Perfect for Croatia

The Elan 40 Impression is not just a great sailboat; it’s specifically well-suited for exploring the Croatian coast. Here’s why:

• Ideal size for Croatian marinas: With a length of just under 40 feet, the Elan 40 is perfectly sized for navigating Croatia’s marinas and harbors. Port and marina sailors will often be able to ‘squeeze’ you in, even when berths are at capacity for larger vessels.
  
  
• Shallow draft: The Elan 40’s relatively shallow draft allows you to explore hidden coves and anchor closer to shore. For example, when visiting smaller coastal towns (e.g. Martinšćica on Cres or Baška on Krk), you’ll be able to get right up there and dock on the waterfront in the middle of the town!
  
  
• Easy handling: Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice, you’ll appreciate the Elan 40’s ease of handling. Its responsive steering and well-placed winches make sailing a joy, even with a smaller crew.

A Closer Look at the Details

Exterior Design and Deck Layout:

• Twin rudders: These provide excellent control and maneuverability, especially when sailing upwind.
  
• Spacious cockpit: Plenty of room for your crew to relax and enjoy the views.
  
• Easy access to the sea: The innovative transom design lowers to create a large swim platform, perfect for taking a dip in the crystal-clear Adriatic.

Interior Comfort and Layout:

• Bright and airy salon: Large windows and skylights fill the salon with natural light, creating a welcoming and comfortable space.
  
• Well-equipped galley: Two refrigerators, a stove, and a spacious sink make it easy to prepare delicious meals onboard.
  
• Comfortable cabins: Three cabins, including a spacious owner’s cabin with a private head, offer comfortable accommodations for up to eight guests.

Performance and Handling:

• Responsive Sailing: The Elan 40 is a joy to sail, offering a balanced combination of speed and stability.
• Efficient Engine: The Volvo Penta engine provides reliable power and excellent fuel efficiency, allowing you to explore further afield.
• Easy to Maneuver: Even with a small crew, the Elan 40 is easy to handle in tight spaces and varying wind conditions.

Elan 40 vs. Elan 40.1: What’s the Difference?

While the Elan 40 Impression is a fantastic choice, its successor, the Elan 40.1, offers some minor but notable updates. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Elan Impression 40	Elan Impression 40.1
Fuel Tank	170 liters	146 liters
Water Tank	240 liters	520 liters
Storage	Standard	Additional storage boxes for grill, fridge, etc.

Choosing between the two models depends on your priorities. If you plan on longer voyages, the Elan Impression 40’s larger fuel tank might be preferable. If you have a larger crew or prioritize outdoor cooking and entertaining, the Impression 40.1’s extra water capacity and storage options might be more appealing.

Ready to Find the Elan Impression 40 for Your Croatian Adventure?

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time charterer, the Elan 40 Impression offers a fantastic platform for exploring the Croatian Adriatic.

Wherever your starting on your Elan Impression adventure – Central Dalmatia, Istria, or South of Dalmatia – this boat’s combination of performance, comfort, and thoughtful design makes it an ideal choice if you’re sailing with a mid-sized crew looking for a good time.

[Note: This review is based on my experiences with the Elan 40 Impression. Specific features and amenities may— and often do—vary between individual yachts because charter companies may request specific layout and features. Please review our list of available Elan Impression boats for charter in Croatia for more detailed information.]