Double rudders and modern hull designs

Sailing with Double Rudders: Innovation for Modern Hull Designs

In the world of modern yacht building, twin rudders have become an essential feature on performance cruisers. Almost every contemporary design with wide stern, including Elan Yachts' innovative models, uses this configuration. But it was the groundbreaking Elan 350 that took this technology to a new level in 2010 for series production-built yachts. This vessel laid the foundation for Elan's current direction and inspired an entire generation of modern sailing yachts. What makes double rudders and Rob Humphreys' vision so successful?

‍Elan350: a pioneer of modern yacht design

When the Elan 350 was introduced in 2010, it revolutionized yacht building. It was the first series-built yacht to combine wide hull shapes, double "chines" ánd double rudders. This innovative approach made the vessel not only a visual standout, but also a technical masterpiece that was awarded European Yacht of the Year in 2011.

The design of the Elan 350 offered an unparalleled balance between performance and comfort, characteristics that are still at the core of current Elan models. With the use of twin rudders and a wide hull, the vessel offered excellent control even at extreme angles of heel - a feature that has since become a trademark of Elan Yachts.

Why double rudders?

The choice of twin rudders on the Elan 350 was no accident. Modern hulls have become wider and flatter, especially at the stern, providing stability as well as additional living space. However, on traditional boats with a single rudder blade, control can be significantly reduced at high heel and in poor weather conditions, as part of the rudder is overhead. Double rudders solve this problem in a very efficient way and offer distinct advantages:

1. Better control under heel
   Thanks to the dual rudders, at least one rudder blade always remains deep in the water and at an ideal angle, even when the vessel is sailing under a large heel. This provides unparalleled control, ideal for the performance-oriented sailor.
2. Lighter steering
   Because forces are distributed to two rudder blades, steering feels smoother and more efficient. This gives the helmsman more control at higher speeds and during adverse weather conditions.
3. Stability and speed
   Double rudders work perfectly together with wide hull shapes and double "chines," as applied to the Elan 350. This combination ensures that the boat remains stable under an angle of heel, but does not simply run out of rudder even at higher wind speeds.
4. Safety and spare
   ‍Althoughit does not happen often, a dual rudder system provides a degree of redundancy. Should one rudder become damaged, a second rudder blade is still available, increasing safety. The damaged rudder can simply be disconnected from the control system.

The legacy of the Elan 350

The Elan 350 was not only an innovative design in its own right; it was the blueprint for the models that followed. The principles introduced in the 350 - such as double rudders, wide hulls and the distinctive double chine - have been refined and developed further in Elan Yachts' current fleet. Models such as the Elan E6, designed by Rob Humphreys, build on this foundation, combining performance-oriented designs with state-of-the-art technology such as 3D-VAIL laminate technology, among others.

The Elan 350 brought a clear philosophy to the fore: sailing should be an enjoyable blend of speed, control (safety) and comfort. The success of this approach is evident in the continued relevance of twin rudders, a design choice that is virtually standard today on every modern performance cruiser.

Are there any disadvantages to double rudders?

While the advantages of double rudders fiercely outweigh the disadvantages, we should also highlight the downside just as objectively.

• Maneuvering under engine: At low speeds, such as in a harbor, a vessel with twin rudders requires more precision. The rudder blades are further apart and have less effect at low speed, because of the lack of propeller water action. However, modern solutions such as bow thrusters minimize these conditions.
• Maintenance: Two rudder blades mean more maintenance and inspection, although in a well-designed vessel such as an Elan this hardly requires any extra effort.

The role of Rob Humphreys Yacht Design.

Rob Humphreys, the renowned designer behind all of our current Elan models, plays a key role in the success of this innovative approach. His designs excel in a careful balance between performance and comfort. The Elan 350 was one of his first vessels to combine modern technology and a radical hull philosophy, and this line has continued to evolve over the years.

Why choose Elan Yachts?

Elan Yachts is a pioneer in performance cruisers. Combining Humphreys' designs with a focus on innovation, Elan offers a unique sailing experience. The legacy of the Elan 350, with its twin rudders and revolutionary hull design, is reflected in each new generation of yachts. Models such as the Elan E Series, Impression Series and GT Line give sailors the confidence to push boundaries, whether they are racing, enjoying a leisurely coastal cruise or sailing across an ocean.

Conclusion

Twin rudders have made their place in modern yacht building, thanks in part to the groundbreaking design of the Elan 350. By bringing together a wide stern, twin chines and twin rudders, the 350 set the standard for what a modern sailing yacht can be. The technology and philosophy behind this vessel are evident today throughout the entire Elan model line.

With twin rudders, Elan Yachts offers sailors not only more control and safety, but also the opportunity to enjoy more of the pure pleasure of sailing - exactly as intended by the visionaries behind this brand.

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