07 Mar
Since its launch in 2021, the award-winning Hanse 460 has cemented its credentials as a step-change in design thinking and a whole new perspective of what’s possible to achieve in a boat of this size, along with a new level of cruising comfort
Marcus and Danielle Kearns and their family and friends spent last summer sampling the beautiful islands that dot New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf after their Hanse 460, Happy Juice, was commissioned in October 2024.
Windshift caught up with Marcus just prior to the Auckland Boat Show.
Windshift: Marcus thanks for talking with Windshift. What prompted your decision to buy a yacht?
Marcus: I bought a yacht because of the joy I experienced sailing in my early life. And after working so much I needed to focus on taking more time off for myself. I thought this yacht would be able to keep me from going into the office.
WS: Well it sounds as though that’s worked to some extent. Happy Juice’s home port is Auckland, where have you cruised so far?
M: So far we have stuck to the waters we know while getting used to her. Happy Juice’s maiden voyage was out to the Great Barrier Island (approximately 56 nautical miles), and back. We have sailed around the Hauraki Gulf quite a few times stopping at Kawau, Waiheki, and Mokohinau Islands, as well as the Great Barrier and Little Barrier.
WS: What’s been your most memorable trip so far and why?
M: Definitely her maiden voyage to the Great Barrier that I made with my son. Perfect wind. Beers and fishing.
WS: The stand-out features of the Hanse 460 are its enormous external and internal volume, how does that enhance your time on board? It must be great to have so much lounging room in the cockpit.
M: Absolutely. There’s plenty of space. We had seven people onboard for four days and still managed to stay out of each other’s way on big sailing days. There’s heaps of room for a group to play games of cards, or have sit-down meals both inside and outside.
WS: Happy Juice also has a T-top and windscreen. How useful have they been out in the ah changeable conditions often experienced on the Hauraki Gulf?
M: Very useful. The T-top and windscreen really add to the comfort of the seating area as it blocks wind and spray. It got very hot during the summer which is why having the screen removable made a difference. Having both options meant we were pretty comfortable with whatever was happening with the weather.
WS: The 460 is also designed to be a fun and engaging boat to sail. What’s the most enjoyable sail you’ve had so far?
M: All our trips have been amazing. We really enjoy just being out there. Happy Juice is fast, she moves through the water very well. She is able to keep up and pass other boats on the same tack. Off the breeze is especially fun, with a big genoa and reaching with a good following sea we easily sit on 9 knots.
WS: Reviews of the 460 praise the versatility of its sail plan – furling main, self-tacking jib, and the big reacher. How have you found it works in practice? How easy is it to change modes?
M: Sailhanding is easy thanks to the four powered winches at the back. If you want effortless sailing it can be.
WS: What is your favourite part, what do enjoy most about the cruising lifestyle?
M: Being out at sea, the peacefulness, and spending time with family and friends.
WS: What else is on your cruising bucket list? Has the 460 given you the confidence to point the bow on longer trips?
M: Yes. Over the next year, I plan to sail all around NZ.
WS: It should be an awesome trip. We look forward to hearing about your adventures. Thanks for talking with Windshift.
*Happy Juice will be at the Auckland Boat Show at the Windcraft Stand, Marina M40.
