10 May
The Hanse 460 represents a step-change in design thinking and a whole new perspective of what’s possible to achieve in a boat of this size, and a new level of cruising comfort.
The first 460 to be delivered into Australia/NZ OHANA has made a number of passages to some of Australia’s most beautiful cruising spots, mostly just with Owners Ash and Narelle on board.
Windshift caught-up with Ash as they were preparing for another cruise on the Queensland coast.
Windshift: OHANA’s home port is at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Brisbane where have you cruised so far?
Ash: We’ve headed north to Mackay to explore the Cumberlands and as far south as the Clarence River. In previous years we have enjoyed the stunning variety of islands, bays and beaches in the Whitsundays.
WS: Many southerners and tourists aren’t really aware of how good a cruising ground Moreton Bay is. Where are some of your favourite spots?
A: Moreton Bay is awesome for cruising. Most people don’t realise how big it is [over 3,400 square kilometres with more than 360 islands], and that means you can find a bolt hole in just about any wind direction yet be able to get back to RQYS in 4-5 hours. Favourite spots are always wind dependent, but ours include Tangalooma, Peel Island, Canaipa and Bribie Island.
WS: One of the stand-out features of the Hanse 460 is its enormous internal volume, how does that enhance your time on board?
A: Coming from the Hanse 505, we never really spent much time below deck. Now we are constantly finding ourselves both in the cockpit and down in the galley. The Hanse 460 is both spacious and comfortably quiet, yet the visibility and natural light means you maintain a sense of surroundings.
WS: The 460 is also designed to be a fun and engaging boat to sail. What’s the most memorable sail you’ve had so far and why?
A: Probably a run from Cape Capricorn [north-eastern tip of Curtis Island off Gladstone]
to Heron Island. We left at sunrise in a 10 knot ESEasterly just under the jib and main, and the boat punched out 8 knots boat speed effortlessly. It was the perfect sail with perfect visibility, not a cloud to be seen.
WS: The boat is set-up for short-handed sailing, what have you and Narelle learnt about handling it when it’s just the two of you?
A: Reef early (which is very easy to do with in-mast furling), keep her at heeled at 12 degrees (plus or minus 3 degrees) and she is very comfortable and fast. When I race her we tend to over heel, and she actually has proven to go slower. A flat boat is a fast boat and the Hanse 460 is evidence of that.
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?
A: As with all boats, everything is a compromise. Having two forestays loose luff or fixed has an impact on the inner forestay. The compromise though is minimal when cruising. The convenience is significantly better for shorthanded cruising as we are able to quickly swap between the head sails and the range the reacher gives us is very significant.
WS: OHANA is optioned-up with just about every cruising amenity. Apart from the T-top which ones have proved the most useful?
A: When selecting cruising options it’s always a hard choice. We are very happy with the fridge configuration; one for drinks, one for frozen meals and one for fresh. When travelling north or south, we manage to sail for weeks at a time never needing to go into a harbour to get supplies. The water maker allows this. We also have a gen set which ensures our ability to keep batteries at full charge, as this has proved to be able to charge them to 50 per cent within three hours. The washing machine is the least used item on board but allows us to explore while the washing is being done when in harbour. Similarly, we are very happy with the utility room as a great place for all the little extras.
WS: Do you think the T-top is almost a must for cruising in Queensland? How has it added to your enjoyment of the cockpit and the boat?
A: Well, that is a big call for some. We chose the T-Top due to the sun protection here in Queensland and are well aware of the damage the sun can do to dodgers and biminis. It [the T-top] allows us to all stay protected in the 460’s spacious cockpit. Since getting the boat we added side shades which we love. This allows us to block cold breezes in the winter months and drop a side when the sun is low. Whilst all is possible with a dodger, the retractable roof is what makes it quick and convenient.
WS: What is your favourite part, what do enjoy most about the cruising lifestyle?
A: Sunsets and sundowners and nothing beats discovering a new location.
WS: Ash thanks for sharing some of your cruising experiences and insights, all the best on your on voyages on OHANA.
If you are interested in a Hanse 460 there is one remaining slot available for 2024 production.
Contact: sales@windcraftyachts.com
