Hanse 460          

Customizable Luxury with a Thrilling Ride

By Katherine Stone

I have always thought that September and October in the Northern Hemisphere were the best times to sail. The kids are back in school, the anchorages are wide open, the weather is still warm and the breezes tend to be more reliable, at least on the Great Lakes. So off we went on a glorious, warm, sunny and breezy day in September to review the new Hanse 460 with owner Dean Colling. I also brought along a great photographer, Heather Lochner and Head Coach Federico Donzino for their insights and observations. Dean had bought a Hanse 418 several years ago from Pat Sturgeon Yachts but had gotten “footitis” to go bigger. So bigger he went to the only one of its kind in Canada.

Hanse has many things to be proud of and the Hanse 460 is no exception with their traditional values of easy sailing and fast cruising highlighted throughout the boat. Winning European Yacht of the Year and the British Yachting Awards in 2022 they have amassed more than 70 international awards to date. This is Hanse’s first foray with designers Berret-Racoupeau who put together maximum innovation with a modern sporty look to provide a performance sail and a luxurious home away from home. The owner’s individual touch can be seen throughout the boat with no limits on how creative they can be with 48 layout variants. Plus, what’s not to like about big, yet the boat doesn’t feel like a large boat.

Sailing

The breeze slowly kicked in and with 4.5 knots we were matched with speed. The offshore breeze then picked up to 16 knots and we accelerated nicely, scooting along at 10 knots with no alteration in heel. The completely new hull design now boasts a wave-piercing bow and stem to stern chine for a good balance, ideal water flow, reduced pitching and stability. The high rig is a trademark of Hanse and the designers ensured that the sails are optimized with the help of an adjustable backstay for each sailing condition to ensure a fast, comfortable ride. All lines come back to the helm. The one-rope-reef system made it easy to release the sail which Dean had reduced from the day before. He is also pleased that the boat sails extremely well in heavy winds.

Foredeck

The double forestay on the moulded bowsprit means that you can swap sails without having to go forward and the anchor is clear of the stem.  Couple that with Hanse’s integrated self-tacking jib system and solo or double-handed sailing is made easy. The tacks for both gennaker and reacher have been moved forward for more sail area. The deck area is clean with halyards and sheets running below deck with the main sheet guided to the helm with two fixed points. The bow locker is wonderful for sail and fender storage.

Hull

Extra thought and care have been given to hull-deck sandwich construction which goes well beyond the standard requirements. The keel plates and cleats have been bonded to the hull with a tough polyester bonding epoxy resin. This model had a 6-foot keel draft, which makes it easier to enter some of the shallower harbours and anchorages in Lake Ontario. The chainplates have been reinforced with carbon to support their load, which means that you don’t see them in the cabin. The lightweight, exterior vinyl ester layer is completely resistant to osmosis.

Cockpit

Cockpits used to be where the boat was controlled, but on many of today’s models, it is where you entertain and relax. With a centre walkway separating double cockpit tables that move and fold down to transform into two double sunbeds, you can comfortably seat 10 people. Dean chose vibrant cherry-red dual wheels mounted on fully equipped helm pedestals with integrated handholds and foldable helm seats. One small item overlooked is cupholders at the helm for your coffee which would be a wonderful addition. Even for vertically challenged sailors, such as I, the view is unobstructed. The super-wide transom sports an integrated swim ladder and the bathing platform (with optional BBQ and wash basin) could easily become your most favourite place on the boat for a quick dip, or an afternoon cocktail.

Galley

The kitchen area felt just like home with a fully equipped L-shaped layout, excellent ventilation and plenty of prep area. With six hull windows, skylights in the foredeck and thirteen openable deck hatches the natural breezes are abundant. The refrigerator can be pulled out to easily load. Cupboard space is plentiful and blends into the interior almost invisibly. Lighting is a wonderful combination of dimmable LEDs and natural sunlight. The smartly designed pull-out pantry makes maximum use of space and easy access to daily used items.

Saloon

When the weather is unpleasant, dining and living below is optimized with stylish lounge sofas, a lower-able table and electrically retractable flat-screened television to transform the area into your own private home cinema. The array of textures, fabrics and finishes are yours to choose to make it your own oasis. The backrest of the sofa converts into a bar table with a bottle holder and shelf. The navigation station easily transforms into a boat office when at anchor. Storage is everywhere you could imagine and then some. Handholds are placed throughout the interior – even when entering the owner’s forward cabin, making it easy and safe to move about while at sail. Headspace is phenomenal and able to handle up to 6’5” crew who will delight in not having to bend over.

Cabins

The owner’s suite is magnificent, with an island queen-sized bed and ensuite designer bathroom. Shelving and storage abound. The views are plentiful with hull windows as well as skylights. Our model had two aft cabins with double beds, oodles of storage space and plenty of headroom to stand up. Again, wonderful views of the sea and plenty of ventilation. The head has a shower that even tall crew can stand up in plus, mirrored doors with lots of cupboard space and an openable window to release moisture from the shower to ensure good air quality. Another plus is the separately controlled AC units in each cabin.

Overall Assessment

“You won’t find any production yacht more customizable than a Hanse.” When I started sailing it was all about playing a game of chess on the water while racing or enjoying the beauty and freedom of nature while cruising. Today, customers want much more from a boat in performance, luxury and ease of sailing, which the Hanse 460 delivers ten-fold with a beautiful, stylish, sporty hull that also delivers a thrilling ride and an interior that will make you and your guests feel welcome and at home. How the crew lives both on and below deck has been thoroughly thought out and designed.

With dealers in over 70 countries, you will find the one that can fulfill your dreams of creating your own customized yacht at a landed price in Toronto of just under $1,000.000 CDN.

Canadian Dealers: Freedom Marine Inc (Vancouver BC), North 44 Yachts (Halifax, NS) and Pat Sturgeon Yachts (Mississauga, ON)