Fountaine Pajot Elba 45

The Elba 45 replaced the Helia 44 as Fountaine Pajot's mid-range keystone, and it shows what the La Rochelle yard means by balance. Berret-Racoupeau drew inverted bows, a fine forward waterline and a rig slightly taller than the class norm; the result gives away a knot to a true performance cat but sails past the volume champions in most breezes, with light, consistent helm feel. The nacelle is a half-step lower than a Lagoon 46's, trading interior headroom theatrics for a stiffer, less lofty feel at sea. The layout is classic — aft galley, lounging roof over the helm bimini, and up to four double cabins that make it a natural charter unit. Owners praise the honest turn of speed under power with the standard 50 hp Volvos. In the eternal Lagoon–Fountaine Pajot arbitration, the Elba 45 is the sailor's vote without giving up the family programme.