The Hanse 461 is not an entirely new design. Hanseyachts is building on the concept of the 460, developed in collaboration with Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design, focusing in particular on usability, comfort and versatility. The most striking changes can be found on deck and below deck.
Beach Club and fixed roof
At the stern, the swimming platform extends into a small beach club with integrated seating areas close to the water. Additional storage compartments in the cockpit and at the stern provide space for equipment. An optional wet bar can be fitted with an electric or gas barbecue. Telescopic davits are designed to make handling the dinghy easier.
Another striking feature is the fixed GRP hardtop above the cockpit. Such T-tops and hardtops are now also available on cruising yachts from around 37 feet in length, for example from Dufour. However, the Hanse 461 takes a different approach to weather protection: part of the roof consists of a fabric canopy and, as with the Moody, can be slid forwards. This allows an unobstructed view of the sky and the mainsail.
In this configuration, the mainsheet runs across the roof. This keeps the forward part of the cockpit free of sheets and fittings. Two steering wheels are included as standard. There are several configurations to choose from for the sail plan. These include a conventional mainsail or a furling mast, a self-tacking jib, a reacher – which also replaces the Code Zero – and, of course, a gennaker. In strong winds, a staysail can also be set. However, this option was not available on the test boat.
Eight layouts for different crews
Below deck, Hanseyachts places greater emphasis on choice. For the forward section, in addition to an owner’s cabin with a central bed, there is also a layout featuring two cabins of equal size, each with its own en-suite bathroom. In the saloon, ample space is allocated to the galley running the length of the boat and the seating area, whilst the chartroom is compact. In the aft section, options include a larger guest cabin and a utility room, amongst other things.
There are a total of eight cabin layouts available. In addition, there are numerous options for power supply, propulsion, air conditioning and design.
First pictures from the YACHT exclusive test
The gallery shows the new Hanse 461 in action for the first time. On display are the distinctive hull shape, the large cockpit, the extended stern area and the interior design features. First impressions: the 461 does not seek to impress with a radically new design, but rather with more usable space and significantly more options. The in-depth test will clarify how this affects sailing performance, steering behaviour and handling.
Further background on the Further development with a beach club and square-rigged sail as well as on the new interior layouts for the Hanse 461 are already available.
Which new feature of the Hanse 461 appeals to you most: the Beach Club, the fixed hardtop or the wide range of layout options? Join the discussion.
Hauke Schmidt
Test & Technology editor
