Although the new Type 455 looks almost the same as its predecessor, the 445 (tested in YACHT 1/2011), the designers at Hanse, in collaboration with Judel/Vrolijk & Co in Bremerhaven, have nevertheless changed a lot of details, including the moulds, which are completely new. The hull of the new boat is around 15 centimetres longer at the waterline and 25 centimetres longer at deck level. This means that the stern with the large, folding bathing platform now slopes more steeply.
This allows Hanse to achieve significantly better utilisation of the space in the cockpit. In its press release, the shipyard even writes of the "largest cockpit in the class". Two more large forecastle boxes have now been installed behind the steering column, which can also be used as comfortable seats for the helmsman and also integrate an external washbasin and a stern shower as an extra. The life raft is now stowed in a separate stowage hatch directly at the stern, making it easier and quicker to reach in an emergency.
The cockpit is now around 25 centimetres wider than the previous model. This allowed the dents to be shaped as a large L. This means that fellow sailors can relax on board more comfortably and with more space. In addition, the deck is now visibly further forward. This gives the forward cabin more volume, and a nice, large sun lounger can be installed in front of the mast with additional padding.
The functional layout in the cockpit remains more or less unchanged compared to the predecessor model 445. As is customary at Hanse, all sheets, trim lines and halyards are still redirected below deck to the aft and can be operated directly by the helmsman. The self-tacking jib is still the typical Hanse standard, while a larger and slightly overlapping genoa (106 per cent) remains available as an option for light wind areas.
On the new boat, the forestay is now back at the very front of the bow. This makes the J-dimension 25 centimetres longer, which means more sail area and better performance. The mast is also higher than on the previous model. The new 455 should now be "even more of a sailing boat", says Kalle Dehler, the project manager at Hanse.
The interior layout remains the tried-and-tested three-cabin layout with a large owner's area in the foredeck and functionally separate heads compartments. As an alternative, especially for the charter market of course, there is a layout variant with two double cabins in the foredeck. This arrangement can also be removed again with little effort, for example if the ship is returned to an owner after being chartered.
Larger windows in the hull and more hatches on the cabin roof ensure plenty of light below deck and good ventilation on the 455. To make better use of these amenities, Hanse has slightly adapted the furniture. However, the layout in the saloon remains the same as on the previous model. The only variation: instead of the sofa on the port side, customers can have two separate stools with a small table added.
Construction number 1 of the new Hanse 455 is scheduled for completion in July of this year. Hanse is quoting a price of 202,180 euros (incl. 19 % VAT) for the market launch.
The predecessor model, the Hanse 445, tested by YACHT tv:
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