13 Mar
Leading importer Windcraft Yachts will showcase an impressive contingent of highly regarded brands at this year’s Auckland Boat Show.
At this year’s show, two very different but award-winning sailing designs, the Moody DS41 and the Hanse 460 will be on display, while the RYCK 280 outboard-powered sports day boat will make its New Zealand boat show premiere.
Headlining Windcraft’s presence at the Show which runs 14-17 March will be the Moody DS41, also making its NZ debut, and a stand-out for sailors eager to find out more about Moody’s ‘monomaran’ concept. The winner of Cruising World’s 2023 Boat of the Year: Best Full-Size Cruiser, the DS41 features a large saloon with wrap-around views that connects to the roomy aft cockpit via sliding glass doors creating a single-level free-flowing space, similar to a catamaran. Reviewing the DS41 from long-time Moody designer, Dixon Yacht Design, Boating New Zealand came to this conclusion:
“simply put, no other monohull of this size connects the interior and exterior spaces so well.”
The remainder of the interior of this premium cruiser is just as accommodating. The master cabin a few steps down from the saloon has a generous semi-island berth, copious stowage and hanging space, an abundance of natural light, good headroom and a spacious en-suite heads and separate shower.
There’s the option of a having a second head to port for the guest cabin that can be configured with a choice of twin berths, a double, or twins that convert to a double. A “cellar” or utility space is accessed from the saloon and on the DS41 on display in Auckland this area has been additionally customised with extra refrigeration and hanging lockers in-keeping with the Owners’ intention to stop-over in some of New Zealand’s world-class cruising grounds. Experienced sailors they have also decided on the optional autopilot and engine controls for inside steering and operation when the weather invariably deteriorates.
Representing the Hanse marque will be a brand new four-cabin version of the acclaimed Hanse 460. With well over one hundred hulls now produced the Hanse 460 has proved a hugely popular addition to the Hanse range and represents a step-change in technology, innovation and space in this family cruiser category of yacht.
Awarded European Yacht of the Year 2022, the 460 combines powerful lines from renown French naval architecture firm Berrett-Racoupeau and precision German engineering inherent across the entire Hanse sailing range.
At 14.6 metres (nearly 48 feet) and with a beam of 4.79m or 15 feet 9 inches the Hanse 460 will be one of the biggest sailing monohulls at the show, but overlayed on this exciting new platform are Hanse’s well-established core values of safe cruising and easy sailing for two people. Add cockpit space usually associated with a 50-foot yacht with highly enviable cabin dimensions and you have a template for an unrivalled sailing experience in a boat of this class.
Press reviews have praised the 460’s sleek and purposeful lines – “this boat exudes style”, as well as the host of interior layouts on offer, from three to five cabins, up to four bathrooms and from six to 10 berths.
The 460 on display at the Show features four double cabins: the spacious master in the bow, two large guest cabins either side in the stern, plus a twin bunk room on the starboard side (instead of the utility room), allowing eight people to sleep on-board in absolute comfort. A long list of extras such as twin forestays, solar panels integrated into the bimini, and an upgraded battery monitoring system ensure this Hanse 460 is well-equipped for planned voyages into the South Pacific.
The day-boat category has expanded exponentially in recent years and the new RYCK 280 from the Hanse Group has won accolades from the international boating press for its style, sea-handling abilities, as well as its flexible deck layout and generous accommodations.
Packed with German engineering and innovation, the RYCK 280 which took out a 2022 Best of Boats Award in Berlin, can be easily tailored to a variety of uses: family entertainer, fast tender, adventure sports day boat or premium fishing platform.
Cameron Burch, Windcraft’s New Zealand Sales Manager believes the RYCK powered by a Mercury Verado 350hp and cruises at 25 knots with a top speed of 43 knots, offers a lot of scope to its Owners.
“The Ryck 280 is a genuine weekender with all-round versatility; whether you are into fishing, diving or just bay-hopping or cruising the boat is very competent and you get a proper double berth with a separate head compartment”
Cameron and Windcraft’s Managing Director Anthony Bishop will also be at the Show, and both will be on-hand to answer any queries about how any of the boats on display plus others from the Windcraft stable including Dehler, Solaris, Contest, Privilège, Fjord and Sealine can fulfill your desire to cast off the trappings of the land and explore the next bay or beyond the horizon.
To book an inspection of any of the models on display at Windcraft’s stand M06 at the Auckland Boat Show, or for more information contact +6421390052 or email sales@windcraftyachts.com
