07 Feb
The Hanse 360’s combination of class-leading space and easy, engaging sailing has earned it two highly coveted industry awards.
The 2025 European Yacht of the Year winners were announced on January 18 at boot düsseldorf, the biggest nautical trade fair on the planet attracting 200,000 visitors from 113 countries to the ancient Rhine port.
The Hanse 360 took out the Best Family Cruiser category at what’s dubbed the ‘Oscars of Yachting’. According to Toby Hodges one of the judges and Yachting World’s well-known Boat Test Editor: “The Hanse (360) represents what a modern family cruiser should offer: fun, easy, responsive and manageable sailing in space and comfort.”
See Toby’s video review of the Hanse 360 here:
In summing-up why they gave the Hanse 360 top marks in the hotly contested Best Family Cruiser category the judges praised the 360’s all-round appeal:
“The collaboration between the German shipyard and the French design studio Berret-Racoupeau has filtered down the new range to this Hanse 360, which seems to take on the best of its larger sisters. Probably the largest 36-footer on the market, it’s more relatable to think of the Hanse as a short 40-footer – it maximises volume for its length.
A great all-rounder, the proportions of the Hanse’s 360’s layout are spot on, as its balance under way where it offers easy enjoyable sailing. Yet there is also so much volume, including the option for a 3+2 layout. That doesn’t come cheap but this does set a new benchmark for 35ft production cruisers.”
And there was more detail from other judges to back-up their decision:
Intuitive sailing with precision steering and a very reassuring stiffness, stability, and sturdiness. You have to get used to the beamy aft, but down below it pays in terms of volume, especially in the guest cabins which are properly sized.
Jochen Rieker, GER
Well balanced family cruiser: compact without being cramped, voluminous without feeling oversized,
Marinus van Sijdenborgh de Jong, NED
Each EYOTY nominee is tested by all jury members over two weeks of trials in two locations. It’s billed as an impartial, intense and comprehensive programme which results not simply in awarding winners, but by exposing and revealing the boats’ strengths and weaknesses it helps encourage better built and better value new yachts.
More on EYOTY:
One of SAIL’s Top 10 Best Boats, Class of 2025.
Across the Atlantic the Hanse 360’s stand-out features were also appreciated by SAIL magazine from the U.S., probably the leading tome on all things sailing.
SAIL’s review team considers every model that debuts at an American boat show during that calendar year and rather than comparing boats to each other, they analyse how well each model fulfills its own design brief, with an acknowledgement to its impact on the overall market, as well as a focus on the best innovations, smartest details, and most impressive execution of ideas.
Their overall impression of the Hanse 360 acknowledged how desirable design cues from the 360’s larger siblings were distilled into a more compact yacht:
“The newest from Hanse Yachts is the smallest in its range, and the Berret-Racoupeau design team has done a skillful job of incorporating the attributes of this boat’s big sisters into 36 feet. The cockpit is big-boat size with thoughtful ergonomics for sailhandling and helming, yet with all the amenities including a wet bar, grill, a fridge incorporated into the centerline table, liferaft storage, and swim platform. Similarly, the space and storage belowdecks was impressive; our review boat was the two-cabin layout with a generous storage garage aft in lieu of a second aft cabin, and a V-berth with an island bed and surprising space (remember, this is a 36-foot boat). We had a fun, blustery day for the test sail, perfect for seeing how the youngster in the Hanse fleet handled. “I like a small boat, and I thought this one sailed really well, with good sightlines and very manageable for two people,” Lydia says. “I had complete confidence weaving it through a mooring field in a bit of a gusty breeze.”
SAIL Managing Editor Lydia Mullan who hails from a dinghy background, found the 360 well-balanced and responsive on the helm.
I was very impressed by the 360’s agility. The boat was nimble and peppy, with just the right amount of helm feedback. My expectations were met and exceeded; it was an absolute joy to drive.
Read the full review here:
Cruising World 2025 Boat of the Year: Midsize Cruiser category – Finalist
Cruising World also recognised the Hanse 360’s exceptional qualities that make it a stand-out for those looking for a mid-size cruiser.
“The prodigious German builder has been a consistent presence in Boat of the Year for the past decade, mostly with full-size go-anywhere cruisers. The 360 is something completely different, as Herb McCormick pointed out. “I was really excited to check out the 360 for a couple of reasons,” he said. “First, it’s a creation from the Berret-Racoupeau design consortium, and I’m always impressed by their approach. Second, because I’m so used to testing the larger Hanse yachts, with their voluminous interiors and tall freeboard, I was eager to see their take on a Midsize boat. I wasn’t disappointed. The two-cabin layout is very practical. With its long waterline and ample freeboard, it by far delivered the most interior space and accommodations of any boat in its class. And I’m impressed by the fact that the standard sail plan is a traditional mainsail—I’m no fan of furling mains—coupled with a self-tacking jib. It really delivered a delightful sailing experience. It’s just so good to see that the marketplace has so many fine offerings under 40 feet.”
More information on the award-winning Hanse 360:
