Elyd Yachts, a Madrid-based shipyard founded in 2024, was born with a bold ambition: to preserve the dignity of the ship and redefine the concept of modern classic yacht design in the compact segment.
The Spanish shipyard Elyd Yachts aims to respond to what its founder perceived as a drift in contemporary yacht design: the project sets out to restore a sense of aesthetic purpose to small pleasure craft and to reassert the value of luxury day cruisers defined by proportion, restraint and meaning.
“In a world of growing vulgarity,” explains Eduardo Lalanne, the initiator of the brand, “Elyd is born to praise timeless classical lines, which we respectfully borrow and adapt to create our view of a modern classic.”
Timeless marine design
We met Lalanne at the Palma International Boat Show, one of the first public appearances of Elyd’s debut model – the Elyd 8 – following a private unveiling in Madrid and its international debut at the Dubai International Boat Show. Measuring 8.24 m in length with a beam of 2.56 m, this refined 8 meter yacht asserts its presence through harmonious proportions and a clear design intent.
The Elyd 8 draws inspiration from timeless marine design and minimalist 20th-century military aesthetics, most notably the American PT-109 torpedo boats. From the first glance, the focus on form is unmistakable. Among its distinctive features is a military-style navigation light, mounted on a sculptural structure that echoes the lines of a windshield – though it is not made of glass – reinforcing the identity of a timeless marine design philosophy.
Attention to details
On the starboard side, a metal emblem handcrafted by a Madrid-based artist marks the boat’s serial number – a subtle yet refined touch that highlights the bespoke character often associated with luxury day cruisers built in limited numbers.
The same attention to detail extended to the stand itself. Sparse and carefully curated, it featured elements that discreetly referenced the boat’s Mediterranean roots. One object stood out: a bound volume narrating the story of Elyd’s foundation and vision, clearly demonstrating a coherent and intentional approach to brand storytelling.
The heart and the brain
“One always wonders what’s harder to seduce: the heart or the brain. With beauty and elegance, you seduce the heart; with functionality, performance and efficiency, you seduce the brain,” says Eduardo Lalanne.
That balance between emotion and rationality forms the foundation of his collaboration with French-Argentinian engineer Eduard Cornudet, established with the explicit aim of designing a boat capable of appealing to both instinct and logic.
Since an unexpected meeting in 2019 at the German Frers Studio, the pair have shared work, friendship and a deep passion for the sea. Together, they combined practical experience with intuitive design thinking to develop a project that embodies the essence of modern classic yacht design.
A study in proportions
The Elyd 8 is a true study in proportions. Its pronounced V-shaped hull ensures a smooth ride even in unsettled sea conditions, while the generous beam contributes to stability and interior volume. A gently curved sheer line softens the profile and reinforces its classical character, positioning the yacht among the most refined Spanish yacht builders emerging today.
It is a clear declaration of intent – a return to caring for the boat as an object of meaning. As Eduardo explains, “When you step onboard any boat you tend to forget your problems. A boat is some sort of magical island with unique alleviating powers.” From this belief stems the desire to restore dignity to boating and to the vessel itself.
“I think we’ve designed a yacht that anyone would love to own,” he continues. “It seduces both the heart and the mind in equal measure. It’s smart, it’s sexy, and we believe it will still be admired twenty years from now.”
Exterior and interior
The cockpit, recessed and protected by a surrounding coaming, offers both safety underway and comfort at anchor. Adjustable backrests on the helm and companion seats allow forward- or aft-facing arrangements, while a central folding table connects these with the aft bench, comfortably seating four.
Below deck, the Elyd 8 presents a minimalist yet functional cabin. The layout includes two berths and an electric toilet, meeting the essential requirements for overnight stays. Two hull-side portholes bring in natural light, preventing the space from feeling enclosed. Soft LED lighting is subtly integrated, highlighting the vessel’s forms without unnecessary embellishment. Lalanne also revealed that a collaboration is underway with a Madrid-based interior designer to offer an alternative décor interpretation.
Propulsion
The Elyd 8 is available with both traditional and electric propulsion yachts solutions.
Conventional options include a Volvo Penta 280 hp V6 petrol engine, delivering a comfortable cruising speed of 24 knots and a top speed of 38 knots, as well as a 350 hp V8 petrol engine and a 230 hp D3 diesel engine.
For owners seeking a more sustainable approach, the Elyd 8 can be equipped with different electric propulsion systems, including twin Molabo motors or solutions developed by Vita, Phenix One or other manufacturers, depending on individual preferences.
Enjoying the time onboard
Despite its compact dimensions, the Elyd 8 offers multiple areas dedicated to onboard enjoyment. The full-beam aft sunpad invites long hours of relaxation and provides seamless access to the sea via the integrated swim platform. The geometry of the aft section allows guests to sit not only on the cushions but also directly on the platform, demonstrating a design conceived at a truly human scale.
Forward, the deck layout remains intentionally minimalist. There is no bow sunpad – by choice. “It’s one of my favourite spots,” Eduardo explains. “I enjoy diving into the water from there and then drying off in the sun, sitting on the bare deck or on a towel. That direct contact with the boat is part of the experience.”
With this decision, the Elyd 8 once again underlines its philosophy: restoring dignity to the boat itself and to the simple, authentic pleasure of boating, reaffirming the value of luxury day cruisers conceived with restraint, culture and longevity in mind.
