Hanse 400e

 

The sails on this boat were still hot from the sail maker and we hoisted the main and unfurled the jib for the first time ever. Initially, the battens tended to invert, and we took up the jib halyard a fraction, but with a little breeze the sails settled into their task and the boat came to life. When we got the gust of the day, perhaps even 8 knots, she kicked up her heels and galloped, with good acceleration. After that the sea breeze gave up and faded.

The steering is light but positive (no lost action) and lowish-geared. Under power that big rudder swung to starboard a little under the wash from the 40hp Yanmar and the folding prop.

In only a few years Hanse has developed from a near unknown in Australia to an established brand. I really liked the 411 (still available to order), which was great value at $311k. The 400e, which succeeds it here, is well priced and, if the hull numbers are any guide, she should have an edge in performance. The increased sail means that gap between jib and genoa is even smaller. There's a little bit more of the racer, but this exacts no sacrifice, as there is a little bit more of the cruiser, too.

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ACCORDING TO HANSE
While a Hanse may not be a true "work of art" owners know that Hanse yachts are masters in the composition of fine sailing yachts. Masterminds and hard-working hands combine to assemble a Hanse from single elements, just like a composer blending his notes into a single theme. From the first beat until the final chord Hanse conduct the whole composition.

This composition begins with the making of forms. The core competence of yacht building is to design, to draw, and to laminate the hull and deck in the forms. Laminating demands experience. Chemical engineers at Hanse work with the GRP and Epoxy, not unskilled staff. The core of your Hanse is composed of resins and mats where this kind of craft is a tradition.

A composition is awkward when different materials are used together. In the case of the keel or the chain plates, Hanse optionally use a zinc-plated bottom construction. Hanse has done its research with the Fraunhofer-Institute about the properties of GRP and metal and this allows it to properly and professionally blend these two materials. The following rule applies for sandwich works, foam below the waterline, balsa above waterline.

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