Hi to all you lovers of cruising under sail.

[sailwithrob]

UK skipper here. Whilst I have been a northern waters sailor for most of my life I have been pursuaded, finally, by swmbo, to sail the warmer waters of Europe.

Last year we acquired Cariad, an Elan 434, and she is moored in the heart of the Dalmatian Coast 20nm NW of Split.

I would be pleased to hear from others with boats in the area.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Rob,
There are warmer waters in Europe?
Welcome aboard! Hope you enjoy the forum. Lots of great information and wonderful members.
Kind Regards,
JohnL

[GordMay]

Welcome aboard.
We do have another member, Morski Krastava, from Croatia here.
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...avac-1124.html

[Lightfin]

Welcome!!

Looks like there are LOTS of islands and coast to explore at your boats location in the Adriatic. I look forward to hearing about your adventures there.

Bob

[CDeJarnatt]

Hey Rob -

I am new to sailing and am researching different boats to buy (in the next couple of years). I found the Elan website and they have shot to the top of my list from what I read. I wanted your opinion of boat and manufacturer since you have one and vastly more sailing experience.

Chad

[sailwithrob]

Hi Chad,
Many thanks for your message.

We are, so far, happy with Cariad. The Elan Impression 434 is an award winning boat.

Elans are production boats and you do get a lot of boat for the money but like all production boats - and Elan is amongst the better ones - there were teething problems.

I would not let that put you off because unless you can afford a Najad or Swan you will not get a bespoke finish.

The Elan has the advantage of extreme space and well designed comfort below with a turn of speed like a cruiser-racer. We went for the fully battened rig which gives a better sail shape and more canvas. She will not point as high as an all out racer but as a cruising boat she offers the best we could find for the money.

Do stay in touch and let me know what you decided.

Rob

[swagman]

G'day Rob,
Welcome to the forum and hope you find it as valuable as we do. Spent a month last summer in Croatia - lovely.
Sails safe.
JOHN