Hanse 385 - The Story So Far
Hanse 385 Handles Beautifully in
35 knots in Bass Strait
One of our new Hanse 385 owners couldn't wait for the next Sydney model to arrive... so bought their's at the Melbourne Boat show.
They decided to hire a delivery crew to sail her up from Melbourne to Pittwater rather than tackle the notorious Bass Strait on their maiden voyage.
The experienced crew have sailed many yachts across many oceans and sailed round the world a number of times.
They were very impressed by the way the 385 handled the conditions...
"We came out of Brighton Marina and the bay was lovely and flat. We crossed the rip around 4pm and then on the radio came the first of the strong wind warnings... a 35 knot South Westerly was closing in fast.
As we headed around Wilson's Prom it was on the nose then on the beam. The seas were really confused. There was a 5 metre swell with the sea on top - tough conditions for any boat.
The 385 handled these conditions exceptionally well. She felt balanced and really good. We were very impressed.
As we rounded the prom the wind eased a little to 25 knots and we ran square to the breeze with just the main up and one reef. (We didn't have a pole for the headsail).
The boat was just fantastic - these were difficult conditions for the autopilot but it had no trouble at all keeping us on course.
Once we reached Gabo Island we had a glorious run. We did 112 miles in just 14 hours with the self-tacking headsail and full main. Again the boat was easy to handle and the autopilot steered exceptionally well.
Overall this boat is really well balanced. The cockpit is great at sea - there's lots to hang onto and one person can adjust everything from the winch right by the helm position. This is important when you sail short handed.
If you need to put a reef in on your own you can. In fact the reefing was something we particularly loved on this boat - it's unbelievably easy!
The interior worked well at sea. We liked the galley layout and the head even worked when we were heeled over. She was also very fuel efficient and the 40hp Volvo was very nice indeed!
All round this was a great trip on a great boat."
February 15th 2012 - Out on the Water
It was so good to finally get out and sail Australia's first Hanse 385.
This boat has a wonderfully solid feel. She's very stable and safe...
... and yet she sails beautifully.
We couldn't resist testing her out against the Wednesday afternoon racing fleet and like all Hanse yachts we were delighted how high this boat points.
And in less than 10 knots of breeze we got 5.8 knots upwind!
By the time we turned downwind the breeze had dropped to 7 knots but we still averaged high 4s on the speed gauge.
The proud owner of this gorgeous yacht is absolutely delighted by how easy she is to handle. He loves the fact that everything is within easy reach from the twin helm positions.
We couldn't resist trying out the boarding platform.
Once again 'solid' is the word that comes to mind. It's a gorgeous place to sit with a group of friends and dangle your feet in the water while you sip a cold beer or glass of wine.
Families will really appreciate this platform as a playground for the kids - there's even storage for their toys in the life raft area.
You can read more about the Hanse 385 here
Or contact your nearest Team Windcraft Office to chat with one of our experienced team.
January 2012
Hanse 385 Arrives at Team Windcraft Head Office
A perfect Sydney day greeted Australia's first Hanse 385 as she arrived at her new home on Pittwater.
Team Windcraft's experienced contractors carefully craned her off the low-loader and safely onto her T-keel
It was an awesome sight.
Everyone commented on the gorgeous hull design and sleek low coach roof.
This 385 is going into charter here on Pittwater...
... maybe you'll take her out for a weekend later this year?
First Interior Photos
Team Windcraft's MD Peter Hrones visited the Hanse factory in Germany in July 2011 and took these photos of the Hanse 385 prototype.
Peter is passionate about good yacht design and he was very impressed with the new 385.
He loves the large interior space on this yacht and is particularly enthusiastic about the 2 cabin version.
You can see the optional microwave, second fridge and espresso machine in the photos.
Hanse 385 Concept and Design Drawings
The 385 has more interior volume with improved sailing performance compared with the previous model.
You'll notice the deck is free of fittings and the anchor box takes your fenders.
The large cockpit has comfortable seating positions and a multifunctional newly designed cockpit table.
There is plenty of room for the double wheel system Standard) and a lovely broad bathing platform.
There's also concealed storage space for life raft and gas bottle.
Take a look on deck here and at the interior layouts here.