With a total of around 5300 units, the design by the Finn Hans Groop is one of the most built keel series boats in the world; only the US American J/24, with around 5500 units, has an even higher figure. No wonder: the H-boat is just as suitable for sporty cruising with the family as it is for regattas. The calendar is well filled, with events taking place throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well as in Scandinavia. The boats are identical in construction and organised as a standard class. What's more, the H-boat is solid, stable in value and trailerable.
Nevertheless, the H-boat was ultimately only manufactured by the Austrian Frauscher shipyard, which also stopped producing sailing yachts. Thomas Nielsen from Eckernförde, former H-boat sailor and current owner of Saare Yachts from Estonia, has bought the Frauscher moulds and is now building the boats at its shipyard, which usually produces solid mid- and aft-cockpit yachts.
YACHT has travelled with Saare's prototype and compared it with an older model. The report can be read in YACHT, issue 25/2020. You can find out how to obtain the magazine in print or digitally here.
Or you can download the test directly via the link below.
