Things are happening again in Greifswald. The first new model since the shipyard group was taken over by entrepreneur Andreas Müller is currently under construction there. This is the 461, which replaces the 460. The 460 was, after all, named European Yacht of the Year in 2022 and is as highly regarded as it is successful on the market.
And now for the successor, although some models in the shipyard’s portfolio are considerably older. The shipyard is not promising a revolution, but says it is focusing on improving tried-and-tested designs. Product manager Andreas Unger states that he intends to further build on the brand’s strengths.
The most striking new feature of the new Hanse is at the stern. The so-called Beach Club extends the swim platform and incorporates ergonomic seating right at the water’s edge. The shipyard has enlarged the platform and fitted two cockpit lockers and two stern lockers. An optional wet bar can be fitted with an electric or gas barbecue. New telescopic davits make handling the dinghy easier.
According to Hanse, the cockpit area is said to be the largest among its direct competitors in the 46-foot class, which consists of the Bavaria C46, the Jeanneau 455 of the Beneteau 47 and the Dufour 48 is fitted. The mainsail is hoisted on the cabin roof, which keeps the cockpit area clear. Two steering wheels with optional chartplotters are included as standard.
The sail plan offers several configurations. A new addition is a flying cutter staysail. It runs on a CXr furler and is set using a 2:1 halyard. On deck, a snap hook secures the sail to a pad eye. The sheet runs directly over the genoa tracks to the secondary winches.
The shipyard recommends using the staysail in heavy weather in combination with the second reef in the mainsail. The sail’s centre of gravity is then lower and centred above the lateral centre of gravity. In better conditions, the staysail also works in conjunction with the gennaker as a double headsail. You can choose between a conventional mainsail or a furling mainsail, a self-tacking jib or a Reacher plus a gennaker from Elvstrøm.
The Cruising Package includes either a 20-kilogram galvanised Delta anchor with 60 metres of galvanised chain, or a 27-kilogram stainless steel Ultra anchor with an Ultra swivel and 100 metres of stainless steel chain. The windlass operates at 1000 watts or, optionally, 1500 watts, including a mooring drum for 10-millimetre chain.
Four fixed cleats, each 320 millimetres long, are included as standard. Two additional cleats amidships are available as an option. Retractable cleats are also available.
The standard table offers basic functions. Option XC3004 adds a teak table on the port side and an electrically lowerable table on the starboard side, which converts into a sun lounger complete with cushions and a cockpit bench extension. Option XC3005 provides two teak tables, both electrically lowerable with cushions and bench extensions.

Deputy Chief Editor YACHT