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 model, 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 concepts. Product manager Andreas Unger states that he intends to further strengthen the brand’s strengths.
Hanse with a beach club at the stern
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 it easier to handle the dinghy.
According to Hanse, the cockpit area is said to be the largest amongst its direct competitors in the 46-foot class, which comprises the Bavaria C46, the Jeanneau 455 from the Beneteau 47 and the Dufour 48 is fitted. The mainsail is hoisted onto the cabin roof, which keeps the cockpit area clear. Two steering wheels with optional chartplotters are included as standard.
Sail plan with staysail option
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 can also be used 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.
Anchoring equipment
The Cruising Package comes with either a 20-kilogramm galvanised Delta anchor and 60 metres of galvanised chain, or a 27-kilogramm stainless steel Ultra anchor with an Ultra swivel and 100 metres of stainless steel chain. The anchor winch operates at 1,000 watts or, optionally, 1,500 watts, and includes a mooring drum for 10-millimetre-thick 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.
Cockpit tables
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 of which can be lowered electrically and come with cushions and a bench extension.
And this is what the new one looks like Inside the Hanse 461 from.
Technical Specifications: Hanse 46
- Overall length: 14.60 m
- Hull length: 13.87 m
- Length at the waterline: 13.05 m
- Width: 4.79 m
- Weight: 12.6 t (deep keel)
- Draught: 1.75 m/2.25 m
- Sail area when sailing close-hauled: 111.3 m²
- Mast length above the waterline: 21.90 m
- Diesel engine: 57 PS or 80 PS with Saildrive
- Electric motor: 30 kW with an 18.4 kWh or 36.7 kWh battery
- DC generator: 14 kW (optional)
- Standard battery: 90 Ah AGM starter battery, 320 Ah AGM service battery
- Battery upgrade: 640 Ah AGM or 750 Ah lithium
- Solar panel: 752 Wp (optional)
- Inverter: 3000 W / 100 A charging current
- Standard fridge: 130 l fridge compartment, 38 l freezer compartment
- Anchor windlass: 1000 W or 1500 W
- Anchor: Delta 20 kg or Ultra 27 kg stainless steel
- Chain: 60 m galvanised or 100 m stainless steel, diameter 10 mm
- Deck hatches: 8 large, 6 small (all openable)
- Hull windows: 4 large (openable), 4 portholes (openable)
- Ventilation options: 26 in total
- Cabin layouts: 8 different configurations
- Sailing options: conventional or furling mast, self-tacking jib, reacher, gennaker, staysail
In keeping with the theme
Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT