It is difficult for a new shipyard line to assert itself alongside the large and established series manufacturers. Many try their hand at this difficult challenge, and some fail. Some, on the other hand, manage to break through and gain a foothold in a highly competitive market with fresh ideas, unusual concepts, above-average quality or a particularly successful design language. In many cases, being different and the possibility of individualisation are the key to success.
Eleva Yachts in Italy has what it takes. The shipyard in Fano on the Adriatic coast near Pesaro made a highly acclaimed debut with its first work under the name The Fifty. The exclusive 50-footer was unveiled at the Cannes boat show in 2017 and has since been built. For a rather hefty price, however.
With their Eleva Fortytwo model, the Italians want to offer the same concept in a slightly less exclusive, slightly smaller, but relatively more affordable version. With a base price of just over 535,500 euros, the Fortytwo is significantly cheaper than its larger sister, which is 2.50 metres longer.
As of 04/2025, how the prices shown are defined, read here!
The first boat of the new 42-foot model has been built and a second is currently under construction. And the shipyard's order books are well filled, according to its own information. The Eleva brand is an offshoot of the Carbon Line shipyard, which is primarily known for building very large and elegant luxury motor yachts. Since it was founded in 2013, the company has realised no fewer than 160 new construction projects at its site in Fano and employs 180 people. The company is also a specialist for very large glass and carbon fibre parts using the vacuum infusion process. The company therefore has considerable expertise.
The hull and deck of the Eleva Fortytwo are also produced as fibreglass constructions with vacuum resin infusion. The laminates are constructed with a PVC foam core and vinyl ester resin. In areas of the hull subject to heavy loads, such as the rudder shaft, keel or floor assembly, the shipyard does not skimp on additional carbon fibre layers for further structural reinforcement. The hull and the floor assembly are also laminated together in a single operation, using the so-called one-shot process. This construction method is considered both complex and particularly robust.
The composite bulkheads and furniture foundations, also produced using vacuum infusion, are laminated to the hull and deck. Until the marriage, i.e. until the hull and deck are assembled, the hull remains in its construction moulds to avoid stresses and deformations.
The construction is the work of Italian Giovanni Ceccarelli, a heavyweight in modern yacht design with a remarkable track record. He drew up the construction plans for both current models for Eleva Yachts and characterised the designs with a very special identity. Typical of the brand is the eye-catching forward bend in the deck, which means that the foredeck is raised to a visibly higher level than the aft cockpit. Functionally, this unusual design creates more volume, more space and, above all, more headroom (1.88 metres) in the foredeck.
The Eleva Fortytwo can be ordered in different versions. As the name suggests, the Mediterraneo version is designed to meet the requirements for use in the Mediterranean. As a performance cruiser, the boat comes with a deep T-keel (2.50 metres draught), a sporty sail plan and a traveller in the cockpit. The Oceano version is - just as self-explanatory - designed for longer trips on the high seas. In this cruising version, the boat has a slightly shorter rig and an L-keel with a draught of just 2.00 metres, but more ballast. In addition, the cruiser is equipped with a rather bulky-looking targa bar above the cockpit, a solid cockpit table and a self-tacking jib. And for the ultimate regatta use, the shipyard has defined a special Race version with an undeveloped foredeck to store the sails and an even higher carbon rig.
The test boat, construction number 1, corresponds to the Mediterraneo version with an upgrade to the sail wardrobe and a mainsail with an efficiently flared head section (square head). Accordingly, this boat is equipped with double-guided aft stays instead of the centralised mast-raiser at the stern. Unfortunately, there was not enough wind to use these efficiently during the YACHT test in Italy - the Eleva Fortytwo accelerated to 4.8 knots with the short overlapping genoa at an angle of 45 degrees to the wind. The values are difficult to categorise because strong currents from different directions made precise measurements almost impossible.
According to the theoretically calculated performance data from designer Ceccarelli, the Eleva Fortytwo, which is quite wide compared to the competition but also light, generally likes it when there is more wind. At 10 knots, the forecasts predict a speed of 6.8 knots for the optimum course at the cross (40 degrees true wind angle) and 7.6 knots at 16 knots of wind.
Nevertheless, the Italian is able to give a taste of her high performance potential during the test: With the flat-cut reacher gennaker (A3) as an additional sail, the boat can be taken up to 75 degrees to the wind, whereby the log quickly shows significantly more than the wind speed.
Despite having two rudder blades, the steering is a real revelation, even in the light breeze. The boat can be held on the wind edge sensitively and lively, almost like a real racer with a single rudder. And it reacts immediately to even the smallest steering movements. The quality and design of the steering system is also remarkable. The two steering cables with chains and cables lead to a roller-mounted carriage on a traveller, which is installed on the transverse bulkhead to the aft peak. From there, the rudder shafts are controlled with push rods. The Jefa system is very robust and extremely smooth-running. It provides the helmsman with pleasant rudder pressure and feedback that is easy to feel even in light winds - great!
Although the steering system is not mechanically redundant, the autopilot acts as a separate system directly on the rudder quadrants and thus ensures safety.
Due to the small height difference between the cockpit floor and deck, the helmsman sits very low on the side of the wheel and is only really comfortable and relaxed when the boat is heeling. In light winds, you have to stand permanently in order to have a reasonably good view forwards and into the sails. The arrangement of the two winches, which are mounted on the flat cockpit coaming in a line and not laterally offset one behind the other, is questionable. If the genoa or mainsail sheets are to be operated on the aft sealing keel, they have to be steered around the front winch and then block it for other functions.
Because all the lines - and there are quite a few of them - are led all the way aft to the coaming, the very compact arrangement of the fittings on the coaming is virtually predestined to quickly create a chaotic mess. A good overview and proper manoeuvre preparation are definitely required here; halyards would also be desirable. The usual routing of halyards and trim lines on performance boats via the cabin superstructure to winches on the side of the companionway could perhaps ease the situation, but is not offered by the shipyard in favour of a clear, unobstructed look.
The shipyard offers a choice of two or three double cabins for the interior of the Eleva Fortytwo. An additional toilet room can also be installed in the foredeck on request. If the buyer opts for an interior with only one aft cabin, the space aft on the port side is converted into a large forecastle, which is then directly accessible from the cockpit. The additional volume will be particularly welcome for use as a touring boat, as there is otherwise only limited usable storage space on deck.
The owners sleep in the foredeck with almost princely space, because the structurally supporting main bulkhead is as close as possible to the mast and therefore quite far aft. The double berth in the foredeck is also large enough for two as an island bed if you sleep with your feet forward. With a width of 1.40 metres at shoulder height, the aft berths are just large enough for double occupancy. If the boat is to be converted into a two-cabin yacht with a forecastle, the shipyard moves the longitudinal bulkhead between the aft compartments 20 centimetres to port. If this option is selected, the double berth on the starboard side is larger.
Many windows in the superstructure and hull, plus large hatches in all living areas, provide light below deck, beautiful views with harmonious lines of sight and good ventilation options. The extensive interior panelling with light-coloured fabric also creates a cosy living ambience below deck. The furniture is neatly finished, even if the shipyard has only butt-jointed the joints, for example on the edge strips, mouldings and door frames, and has not fitted any moulded parts. There are also hardly any handholds in the ship; there are no recessed grips or handrails at all. In the saloon and in the open U-shaped galley, you will search in vain for a handhold at sea.
Customers can choose the colours and materials for the upholstery and side panels themselves. Alternative types of wood are also available for the furniture. There is no need to complain about a lack of storage space below deck: there are large cupboards in the cabins, and there are also deep compartments under the sofas in the saloon for storing bulky items. A whole series of side-mounted compartments runs from the saloon to the foredeck on both sides. The rows of lockers with their white covers not only offer an enormous amount of storage space, but are also a successful stylistic element that characterises the look below deck.
With the new Fortytwo, Eleva Yachts now has an extremely exciting competitor in its programme which, with its versatile and changeable concept and distinctive appearance, can offer the individuality that many owners want - even if it costs a little more. Compared to the equally strong competition, the Italian range is not exactly a bargain. The high-quality construction, the good fittings, the impeccable on-board technology and the well-equipped rig are conclusive arguments to explain the extra price. The concept is well-rounded, the compromise a success. Ultimately, everything fits together quite well.
High-priced in comparison
Light and lively on the rudder
High performance potential
Plenty of storage space below deck
Open, airy interior design
Hardly any holding options inside
Perfect control mechanics
Gangway integrated into bathing platform
GRP sandwich construction with foam core and carbon fibre reinforcements. Built using vacuum infusion.
Eleva Yachts, Carbon Line Srl, 61032 Fano (Italy); www.elevayachts.com
The test was first published in 2021 and has been revised for this online version.
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