hanse 400 sailboat

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Hanse 400: popular modern performance cruiser

• Duncan Kent
• July 27, 2021

Duncan Kent takes the Hanse 400 for a sail and discovers that this popular modern performance cruiser is quick and powerful but easy to handle

A tall mast and generous sail area make the Hanse 400 quick and powerful. Credit: David Harding

Product Overview

Manufacturer:.

Voted European Boat of 2006, the J & J-designed, Hanse 400 still has all the attributes of a modern performance cruiser.

Founded in 1993, Hanse became Germany’s second largest production sailing yacht builder after extending its Greifswald site in 2005, and now produces 750 yachts annually including the Moody, Dehler and Privilege brands.

Since 1999 all Hanses have been designed by Judel and Vrolijk, a renowned team of performance yacht designers with America’s Cup heritage.

Hanse yachts aren’t just modern flyers, they have all the comforts needed for extended cruising as well.

Plenty of galley space with lockers and a top-loading fridge. Credit: Duncan Kent

The look of the 400’s interior isn’t particularly to my liking, with its sharp edges and unusual design statements, such as pea-green Plexiglass panels, but you can’t fault the layout’s flexibility and the intelligently thought-out key areas such as the well-appointed galley and heads.

Where the Hanse 400 scores over other more conservative performance cruisers is in the sailing stakes.

With dinghy-like performance, she’s just so easy to drive that you positively long to go out sailing alone, just to prove you can.

I love the idea that a 40ft yacht can be sailed quite safely single-handed – it gives you a fantastic confidence boost, meaning you’re more likely to take her out and sail her every chance you get.

Design & constructions of the Hanse 400

The Hanse 400 is sleek-looking with plumb ends, low freeboard and a long waterline.

With shallow underwater sections and a broad beam, they were designed to be quick and easily handled, and strong enough to cope with rough conditions offshore.

The hull is reinforced using a rigid floor framework and laminated foam stringers, while weight is minimised by incorporating a balsa core above the waterline.

For a little more money, the Hanse 400 was also offered in epoxy (400e), which not only reduced its displacement over the polyester/vinylester model by being a thinner layup and having foam sandwich below the waterline, but also increased its impact strength and flexibility, and virtually eliminated any risk of osmosis.

The Hanse 400 is unashamedly modern.

The high-gloss finished furniture is all a bit square and slab-sided, with stainless steel grab rails and the occasional green Plexiglass panels.

When buying from new, Hanse offered up to 16 different layouts and 99 options, so few ended up identical.

The interior is split into three design sections, each of which had several different available styles, such as a choice between one or two aft cabins.

The long, straight saloon settees make good sea berths and there’s stowage underneath.

Headroom is a generous 1.95m/6ft 5in, but the table will only seat four in comfort.

The chart/coffee table option comprised a small table between two seats on the saloon’s port side with shallow stowage inside for folded charts.

The chart table is small with limited instrument space. Credit: Duncan Kent

The locker containing the electrical panel has limited instrument space, which isn’t ideal as the doors have to be closed at sea.

The sensible alternative is to go for the straight settee, use the saloon table for passage planning and house most of the sailing and navigation instruments up in the cockpit.

The galley is large with plenty of stowage in numerous lockers and drawers, a full-size gimballed cooker with oven and a voluminous top-loading fridge plus a separate, smaller drinks cooler below.

Opposite, the heads is roomy with 1.83m/6ft headroom and separate shower stall with seat, under which are housed all the pumps and filters.

All the seacocks are neatly arranged and clearly labelled beneath the sink.

The aft cabins boast 1.98m/6ft 6in-long berths, 1.88m/6ft 2in headroom, a dressing area with seat and a large clothes locker.

The portside cabin has a slightly wider berth than the starboard one and is adjacent to the aft heads.

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Beneath the port berth is the calorifier, while the fuel tank is under the starboard berth.

Hull sides could be smartly wooden panelled for extra insulation.

The forecabin had the most layout options and was clearly intended to be the owner’s cabin.

Though long, in the pullman version the offset berth is only 1.00m/3ft 3in wide, which is narrow for a double.

The vee-berth option gives you more, but you lose the locker forward.

The choice then was whether to have a second wardrobe, a small ensuite heads/shower, or a desk/dressing table.

On deck & under way

The cockpit is wide and spacious, with straight seats cutaway around the large single wheel.

Initially, the transom had an open gate as standard; later a ‘drop in’ one became optional.

Either way, a fold-down transom platform provides room for showering and boarding from a dinghy.

Stowage is good, although better in the single aft cabin model, which has a full-depth cockpit locker to starboard.

The Hanse 400 has a 150mm-high companionway threshold and, cleverly, the one-piece Plexiglas washboard stows conveniently on top of the sliding hatch cover.

The mainsheet track is on the coachroof as standard and its sheet, together with all the other lines, are led back to the cockpit via neat rope garages.

The wide and spacious cockpit makes it a comfortable cruiser. Credit: Andrew Pickersgill

A mainsheet across the cockpit, just forward of the wheel, was optional and popular with racers or those regularly cruising shorthanded, but it did mean sacrificing the fold-up cockpit table.

Clear access along the side decks is enhanced by the inboard shroud plates and genoa tracks, although the handrails are tokenistic.

The toe rails are a solid alloy extrusion with integral fairleads, and all six cleats are a good size and well positioned.

The foredeck is clear of obstructions, the anchor chain being fed under the locker lid to a windlass below decks.

The chain locker is absolutely vast and able to hold an armful of fenders as well as 80m or more of chain.

The single bow roller is offset to clear the bowsprit and to enable the forestay to be attached well forward, thus allowing space to have the largest jib possible.

Rig & Sails

The Hanse 400 sports a high-aspect, 9/10ths fractional rig with twin spreaders and noticeable pre-bend.

Her backstay bifurcates above the cockpit and has a powerful six-part adjuster, while her standing rigging is discontinuous.

She comes with a fully battened, slab-reefed mainsail and lazyjacks.

This, plus her self-tacking jib and primary winches right beside the helm, makes short tacking in confined spaces simple, even single-handed.

For lighter airs there was an optional 140% gennaker, using the tracks and travellers already provided, and downwind a large asymmetric can be set on the short, retractable bowsprit supplied with the gennaker kit.

The Hanse 400 has a tall mast and generous sail area, making her a quick and powerful boat, despite the relatively small headsail.

Close reaching, she is well balanced and quick, pointing high thanks to the tightness of the jib sheeting angle and ploughing her own groove with little or no input required from the helmsman to keep her on course.

A little further off the wind and she truly flies, with the log remaining above 8 knots in a constant Force 4 plus.

Over Hanse 400 yachts have been sold since launch in 2003. Credit: Andrew Pickersgill

The rod-link steering is light but sensitive, providing plenty of feedback, and the helming position is excellent, offering a clear view forward over the low-profile coachroof.

Her streamlined underwater profile results in little wake and swift, but effortless tacking through 75° or so with little loss of momentum.

Under power, the standard 40hp Yanmar diesel provides plenty of oomph for quiet, economical cruising, while spinning so deftly about her keel that manoeuvring into tight marina berths without a bow thruster is a cinch.

Fuel capacity of 140 litres is a bit limiting, however.

Hanse Yachts Owners’ Forum: www.myhanse.com

Owners’ Experience of the Hanse 400

S/Y Dashzani (2011, HN 814)

Andrew (54) and SWade (49) Pickersgill bought Dashzani , a three-cabin model, new at the Southampton Boat Show.

They added composite wheels, a bimini/cockpit tent, a Flexifold prop and extra anchor chain.

They’ve since replaced the lighting with LEDs, installed a new battery charger and added 300W of solar panels plus a battery monitor.

Recently, they’ve fitted a second chart plotter and instrument repeater at the chart table as well.

They’ve had a few minor faults, such as nav light failures, defective wind transducers, a faulty skin fitting and a leaking engine oil seal, but nothing structural other than beefing up the boom vang fitting.

The low profile coachroof gives the helm excellent visibility. Credit: Andrew Pickersgill

Andrew says: ‘I have sailed all my life and spent more than 20 years chartering in the Solent, West Scotland or the Med with my wife. After buying this, our first yacht, we spent four years cruising the UK south coast, northern France and the Channel Islands, before giving up work to sail. We joined the ARC Portugal across Biscay and then carried on down to the Med, where we spent three seasons cruising Corsica, Italy, Sardinia, Sicily and Greece, before basing ourselves now on Menorca in the Balearics.

‘Dashzani is surprisingly quick under sail once the wind reaches 10 knots. The self-tacking headsail makes tacking a doddle, but the large mainsail needs reefing at around 16 knots true wind. She is well balanced and her helm light, making handling easy for a couple, but she doesn’t like light winds or beating into short choppy seas. In the past, racing crews have commented “It’s almost like helming a dinghy”, although not now with all our liveaboard kit onboard.

‘Downwind is fun, especially with the Parasailor spinnaker. Our fastest recorded speed is 14 knots, with 30 knots of wind behind us.

‘Though I’ve not sailed her single- handed, it shouldn’t be a problem and the bow thruster certainly makes manoeuvring under power easier.

‘We love the comfort and usability and, having lived onboard for 10 months of the year for five years, find her ideal for two people cruising. There’s ample room in all cabins and the cockpit tent provides excellent entertaining space. The transom platform extends the deck, making her feel much larger and providing almost step-free access when moored stern-to.

‘If travelling further afield we would prefer a larger battery bank to accommodate a freezer and water maker. However, the impact on storage space would probably steer us towards a larger yacht. ‘Being able to use her for extended periods has allowed us to enjoy her more than we could have imagined. Dashzani has ticked all the boxes (and more), from winning silverware in the Solent to sipping martinis on deck in the Med’.

S/Y Grey Goose (2005, 400e)

Owner, Mark Johnson, says, ‘My wife and I bought Grey Goose as second owners in 2012 and she has been exceptional. I’ve sailed 12,000 miles in other boats but the 3,000 miles in her have been the best. Our best 24-hour run so far is 187 miles crewed, and I have nearly equalled that solo.

‘When we bought her, she had a suit of rather aged Dacron sails, including a 130% genoa and self-tacking jib. They survive to this day, however a new offshore set has replaced them, providing a significant increase in performance. An asymmetric was an early upgrade for cruising, plus we added a spinnaker pole and track, though they’re mainly used for poling-out headsails as we rarely have sufficient crew to fly the spinnaker. After heavy weather experience, she now has a trysail and storm jib on an inner forestay too. Though the self-tacker and third reef are great high into the 30-knot wind range, I’d like to be able to change down a further gear when things get truly interesting!

Owner Mark Johnson finds it easy to sail Grey Goose solo. Credit: Mark Johnson

‘My joy is sailing Grey Goose single-handed, which is ridiculously easy. One powered primary winch enables swift mainsail hoisting, the other controls the mainsheet while simultaneously helming. She has a big rig for a 40ft boat – 108m² (1,163sq ft) upwind with the genoa hoisted. The single-line reefing is simple to use too, although you do end up with a copious amount of line in the cockpit. ‘Like all high freeboard designs, berthing in unfavourable winds can be awkward, although I sailed her happily for four years without a bow thruster. When we did add one, together with a Featherstream prop, the two were a great upgrade for slow speed manoeuvres under power.

‘ Grey Goose makes a great second home. My wife loves her and I’m pleased to say, on the occasional trip with crew, they’ve also found the accommodations comfortable. Build quality is great; after 16 years there are some gelcoat stress cracks, but they’re only in non-cored deck areas and are mostly ‘wounds’ inflicted by crewmembers dropping winch handles or similar. The epoxy hull is very sound and strong. We did get an issue with the fairing covering the cast iron section of the keel, but that was lobster pot impact induced!

‘The internal woodwork has held up very well but she is getting a mid-life rig refurb and upgrade this year. It will, however, leave the rig stronger for future Atlantic crossing plans. After eight years I still don’t hanker after another boat. She’s the perfect fit for us as a cruising couple and a good balance of initial cost, versus passage making capability and running costs.’

What the experts say about the Hanse 400

Nick Vass, Marine Surveyor B,Sc B,Ed HND FRINA MCMS DipMarSur YS

www.omega-yachtservices.co.uk

The Hanse 400 had a conventional GRP hull made from polyester resin, strand fibreglass matting and woven fibreglass cloth, stiffened by a foam sheet sandwich core.

The 400e had a more sophisticated composite hull that was built using epoxy resin and glass fibre cloth pre- impregnated with epoxy resin which was cured under pressure provided by a vacuum-bagging technique.

This process allows the same foam-core sandwich stiffening material to be bonded onto the inside of the hull under pressure, which results in a better bond and helps reduce the possibility of delamination where the layers of the laminate come apart.

Using epoxy instead of polyester resin also reduces the possibility of osmosis, which is just as well as I have found osmotic blistering on smaller Hanse yachts.

Dry laminate can also be an issue.

This is where not enough resin was used, resulting in the glass fibre matting being left starved of resin, making the structure weak.

Using pre-preg techniques helps ensure that the resin-to-fibre ratio is precise and that the resin infuses all of the fibres without missing patches.

The epoxy hulls were lighter as less resin was used. This is because only just enough resin needs to be mixed in.

Hanse has never made any pretence that it is anything other than a builder of modestly priced yachts and so one must expect a little cost-cutting.

Deck mouldings can be thin, but they represent good value, are good looking and are fun to sail.

A Hanse 400 was fitted with a Jeffa rudder, which had aluminium stocks. I find the stocks to be corroded and rudder post bushes can wear prematurely.

However, many German- and Scandinavian-built yachts also use this make of rudder.

The stock can become pitted just above the blade, sometimes due to galvanic corrosion caused by dissimilar metals in contact with each other.

Conventional antifouling contains a lot of copper as a biocide, which also reacts with the aluminium.

The trick is to insulate the stock with epoxy resin or use a copper-free antifouling such as International Trilux, which is designed to be applied to aluminium saildrives.

Ben Sutcliffe-Davies, Marine Surveyor and full member of the Yacht Brokers Designers & Surveyors Association (YDSA)

www.bensutcliffemarine.co.uk

The Hanse 400 and 400e didn’t have a long production run; the ones I’ve surveyed were all ex-charter fleet based abroad.

Commercial operation will often notch up high engine hours and wear to sails and running rigging, so check the yacht’s history and consider instructing a surveyor.

The Yanmar is a pretty bomb-proof engine but, like all modern engines, they do need regular servicing. Be aware of tachometers that have been replaced or frequently lose their digital readouts.

Ben Sutcliffe- Davies has been in the marine industry for over 40 years as a long- time boat builder, has been surveying craft for over 20 years and is a Full Member of the YDSA.

One of my clients had a yacht with 500 declared engine hours; on research it had over 4,500 hours.

The Hanse has a sail drive, so check when the unit’s hull sealing ring was last replaced and that the oil has no contamination.

Poor or a lack of servicing of the gearbox drive cones can often lead to a replacement unit so check servicing records.

Like Nick, I have also had issues with pitted rudder stocks and tubes.

The cockpit deck finish was teak and many yachts will now need this replacing, especially those used for charter abroad as boat decks are often washed down with a pressure washer!

As with many modern cruisers, laminates are much thinner than some older builds.

Although they are generally quite reliable, if damaged, items like the keel matrix do need proper inspection.

Alternatives to the Hanse 400 to consider

Bavaria cruiser 40.

The steering is light and responsive. Credit: Bavaria Yachts

Until it launched the Cruiser series, Bavaria yachts were known for their practicality.

In 2009, Bavaria employed BMW to give their yachts a more modern look, inside and out, with help from the Farr design team.

The result was a notable improvement in sailing performance with ‘love it or loathe it’ contemporary styling.

Construction methods remained broadly the same. The hand laid-up hulls continued to combine waterproof isophthalic polyester resins with chopped strand and woven matting, reinforced in high load areas with unidirectional Kevlar rovings.

They also had a rigid GRP/foam floor frame and Airex foam sandwich above the waterline.

The cockpit is roomy and functional, with high coamings and a large drop-leaf table.

The twin-wheels allow easy access to a large, fold-down stern platform, ideal for deck showering or for boarding.

Unlike the bigger C45, 50 and 55, the C40 only had a single, deep spade rudder instead of twins.

The two-point, double-ended mainsheet arrangement works well, but the lack of a track limits the ability to drop the traveller down to leeward in gusty conditions.

The jib sheet tracks are on the coachroof, which keeps the sheeting angle tight, but the sheets lead to winches mounted forward in the cockpit and cannot, therefore, be reached by the helm.

The cockpit is spacious with a drop-leaf table. Credit: Bavaria Yachts

Below, a two- or three-cabin layout were available, the latter sporting two spacious aft double cabins with shared heads, as well as a decent owner’s cabin forward with optional ensuite heads.

The linear galley isn’t ideal for cooking under way, but the seatback to the central bench provides a bum support.

Six can dine in comfort around the saloon dinette.

A good-size, forward-facing nav station is opposite the rear heads and close enough for easy communication with the crew.

Under sail she is spritely and responsive.

The steering is light and positive, and requires little effort to keep on course, even when pushed hard.

The hull cuts a much cleaner swathe through the water than its predecessor, meaning less slamming and spray when beating to windward, and off the wind she flies with an asymmetric chute set on the optional bowsprit.

Dufour 405GL

The open cockpit has deep coamings and a fixed table. Credit: Jean-Marie Liot

Winner of the European Yacht of the Year 2010 (family cruiser category) the Dufour 405GL was penned by Italian designer, Umberto Felci.

With full-length Twaron-reinforced stringers, criss-crossed by strong frames that spread the rig loads down to the keel, and injection-moulded, balsa sandwich decks, the Dufour 405GL is very robust.

Below, the Dufour has a traditional warm and woody interior with one or two aft cabins.

The former has an L-shaped galley aft and a chart/coffee table between two saloon seats, the latter a linear galley and forward-facing navigation station.

Both layouts have two heads with an ensuite forecabin and the headroom is excellent. In the cockpit, a sturdy drop-leaf table and grab bar helps the crew to move around safely under way, while the wide transom gate and drop-down swimming platform makes boarding easy.

Her generous beam provides wide decks and the foredeck is clear thanks to a recessed windlass and cavernous chain locker.

A short alloy bowsprit can be added for an asymmetric sail.

Like the Bavaria C40, she has twin wheels but only a single spade rudder.

The helmsman has easy access to the primary winches but all other sail controls and halyards are on the coachroof.

Her 9/10ths fractional rig came with semi-battened mainsail, though in-mast furling was popular. Her stem is almost plumb and she sports a long waterline.

Her deep, semi-balanced rudder offers a good grip on the water and, with the bulk of her cast iron ballast at the bottom of her keel, she remains stiff in wind.

Under sail, she is delightfully well-balanced and fun to handle, especially once trimmed up. On a close reach she’ll top 8-knots easily.

Delphia 40.1+

The Delphia 40.3 had a two or three cabin option. Credit: Mathias Otterberg

The Polish-built Delphia 40 went through several marques, but the differences between the models are fairly insignificant.

All had deep, shoal or swinging centreboard options. Delphias are built to Germanischer Lloyd’s exacting quality standards and are conventionally laid up by hand from solid polyester laminate below the waterline.

With a choice of a 2/3/4 cabins the Delphia 40.3 provides comfortable accommodation for extended periods.

The raised coachroof has large windows, and the 3/4 cabin models include a dinette and linear galley, whereas the latter is larger and U-shaped in the two-cabin version.

The saloon is pleasantly woody, without being gloomy, and headroom is 1.98m/6ft 6in.

The forward-facing chart table is small but adequate, with a hinged instrument console and a tray for plotting gear.

There are two heads, both of which have generous headroom and full moulded inserts.

The ensuite owner’s cabin forward boasts a generous V-berth with ample dressing area and stowage.

The berths in the aft cabins are equally roomy.

In the four-cabin version an extra twin-bunked cabin takes the place of the forward head, with the displaced head moving to the other side in place of the dressing area.

The Delphia’s cockpit is spacious, with comfortable seatbacks.

The Delphia 40.3’s shallow underwater sections, moderate beam and generous waterline make her quick and agile for her size, with no impact on stability.

She tacks briskly, even in light airs, and accelerates back up to speed in seconds. She tracks well off the wind with little to no helm adjustment needed.

Breaking rules, setting trends

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• Sailboat Reviews

Hanse 400 Boat Review

Designed by german firm judel/vrolijk & co., this racer-cruiser offers good performance and is easy to sail..

The Hanse 400 is a cruising boat for those who love to sail, and a club racer for those who enjoy a summer cruise. Its construction quality and price point qualify it as a cost-effective alternative in the 40-footer marketplace. In comparison to mainstream production cruising boats, the Hanse 400 is an absolute performance standout, not only in its ability under sail, but in its ease of operation.  

                                                      ****

The Hanse 400 presents the image of a well-trained athlete—strong, capable, and legitimately deserving of its billing as a “crossover” sailboat. In keeping with Hanses performance-oriented design philosophy, the 400 has been exactingly engineered to deliver a blend of performance attributes and cruising comfort. The result is an easy-to-handle, spirited racer-cruiser that packs plenty of cabin space and amenities into its beamy hull.

Designer Judel/Vrolijk & Co. is a cutting-edge firm that opened its doors in 1978. With Americas Cup winner Alinghi , Admirals Cup victories, Volvo Ocean Race designs, and a pet project for the King of Spain on the roster—not to mention its mega-yacht design business—Judel/Vrolijks star has risen. Part of its success has been linked to the companys embracing modern computer-design technology, using both 2-D and 3-D CAD programs. Spending time 3-D modeling a new design keeps unwanted shop floor surprises to a minimum. Things like locker doors, engine room space, and table heights end up with the clearance that they need in order to function according to plan.

The team at Hanse conceived the interior design of the 400 and worked with Judel/Vrolijk designers to define a sailboat with comfortable accommodations and the sailing ability that Hanse production boats have become known for. At the heart of the success is a canoe body shape with a clean entry, full beam, and flat sections aft that make the boat look more like a racer than a cruiser. When the modest keel appendage is attached, the race-boat theme is greatly subdued, however, with 952 square feet of working sail area, this modern racer-cruiser plays well at both games.

The logic behind choosing an easy-to-sail performance cruiser makes perfect sense for many sailors. Considering the soaring price of diesel and the light winds that prevail along much of the U.S. coast during the summer sailing season, there is a distinct advantage to having a boat that can turn 6 to 8 knots of true wind speed into a fun sail.

The Hanse 400s wide beam, carried well aft, delivers plenty of initial stability, allowing the vessel to stand up to the heeling moment induced by its sizable sail plan. The ballast—iron keel and lead bulb—is listed as weighing 6,426 pounds. The low placement of lead also lowers the boats center of gravity (CG), increasing its secondary righting moment. Those looking to maximize stability can shave 1,000 pounds by ordering the epoxy-resin laminated hull along with the deep-draft (6 feet, 5 inches) configuration. This combination provides a positive-stability limit of over 120 degrees. The boat is certified to ISO Category A “Offshore” standard and built to Germanischer Lloyd GL Yacht Plus standards, giving the buyer confidence in the quality of construction and design.

A major factor in designing wide-transom boats is to keep the stern from submerging, which causes drag to increase. Many sailboats achieve this at anchor but once sailing to weather, the infamous transom gurgle reveals that the hull has dug a hole in the water and drag has dampened performance. The Hanse 400 leaves a nimble wake, and the slightly elevated transom stays clear of the surface even as the breeze increases. Its long waterline and flat run aft generate a minimal amount of wave making, another sure sign of an efficient hull shape.

One of the most noticeable deck features on the Hanse 400 is the sculpted deck plates that cover halyards, self-tacking jib sheet, topping lift, and other lines led aft. This arrangement keeps the coach roof clear and unencumbered. The self-tacking, 90-percent blade jib is easy to handle, and its single sheet means that theres no sheet swapping during a tack. The ability to set 952 square feet of working sail area and not have to deal with an overlapping genoa is a big plus for those who sail shorthanded. The 562-square-foot mainsail may seem daunting, but with lazy jacks or a Dutchman sail-flaking system, and appropriately run reefing lines, the mainsail handling routine becomes very user-friendly.

The deck, cockpit, and cabin house work together to provide an ergonomic sailing platform. Absent is the feeling that the deck configuration is a result of excess emphasis on accommodations crammed belowdecks. The Hanse we sailed had attractive teak side decks, but a nonskid gelcoat finish is also available. The nonskid option—which PS highly recommends—saves the buyer about $8,000, lessens maintenance, and has about twice the longevity of teak.

Accommodations

Hanse believes that one interior design doesn’t fit all, and consequently provides different cabin configurations. The 400 is divided into three cabin segments—fore cabin, saloon, and aft cabin—and there are mix-and-match alternatives for each area. For example, in the forward owners cabin, you can swap extra locker space for a second head and move the centerline double berth more to port. The main saloon can be set up with a dinette to starboard and a settee/sea berth to port, or an owner can eliminate the sea berth and opt for two built-in arm chairs and a small side table in the same location. The aft configuration allows for either small side-by-side cabins or a single cabin and a storage area.

The Hanse 400 is not a long-term liveaboard sailboat, but it is fine for summer cruises or participating in yacht club point-to-point races or cruises. The tight turn of the bilge and open layout leave less room for storage. The two-burner stove and modest tankage volume are in keeping with the theme of a racer-cruiser that wont be bogged down by too much gear and equipment. This doesn’t mean that a run to Bermuda or a fast trip to Hawaii are out of the question; in fact, this is a boat that would take such summer passagemaking in stride and get the crew there in a hurry.

The woodwork is computer-cut, finished, and nearly completely assembled prior to placement in the boat. Flat, smooth surfaces coated with spray-applied, matte-finish urethane offset the white gelcoat and Corian countertops, adding an open and spacious feel to the cabin. The L-shaped galley has all the basics—stove/oven, sink, and refrigerator—and is nicely finished, but counter space may be a little lacking for the seagoing gourmet. Again, this is in keeping with the boats lean-and-mean mission statement.

The cabin sole is a faux teak-and-holly plastic veneer thats visually appealing and quite durable. Theres a Euro minimalist design that balances form and function and eliminates wood trim and complex, costly joinery work. The engineers and designers seem to have collaborated on how to build an aesthetic yet cost-effective interior, and its offered it in either a dark mahogany or a light birch finish, both of which are appealing.

Performance

In comparison to mainstream production cruising boats, the Hanse 400 is an absolute performance standout, not only in its ability under sail, but in its ease of operation. On the boat we sailed, setting sail was simplified by the Dutchman flaking system, a set of control lines attached to an adjustable topping lift that guides the sail efficiently from its boom-stowed position to full hoist and back down again. The 390-square-foot furling working jib rolls up and unrolls effortlessly, and its self-tending nature makes tacking a breeze.

All it takes is a simple turn of the wheel to test how ruggedly a sailboat has been built, and whether or not an effective monocoque structure has been achieved. By tacking through the eye of a 15-knot breeze, the momentary flail of the mainsail causes some boats to shake like a wet terrier, and as they settle onto a new tack, all types of squeaks and groans punctuate the silence. The Hanse 400 neither squeaked nor groaned, and while heading into the wind with the large mainsail enduring a momentary flutter, the vessel showed no sign of telltale twisting or bending.

The semi-balanced spade rudder offers finger-tip steering thanks to a large wheel and the smooth, Jefa drag-link design steering system that nests just under the cockpit sole. This design allows for watertight integrity to be maintained between the upper and lower rudder-stock bearings, preventing water from seeping into the accommodations. The downside is the exposure to seawater that the drag-link system and autopilot drive must endure. These components are either well-sealed or made of corrosion-resistant metal, mitigating the effect of occasional dousing.

One of the big plusses is its sailplan. The tall mast, with a big mainsail and a small blade jib, delivers good all-around sailing ability without the need to wrestle a massive genoa on the foredeck. When the breeze goes from 12 to 18 knots, a reef is easily tucked in the mainsail and the inefficiency of a partially rolled up, bulky genoa is eliminated. The resulting wide wind range in which one headsail can be used is a plus, but the crew needs to make sure that they are well practiced in mainsail reefing. For those craving responsiveness in light air and ease of sail handling, theres a neat retractable stem head extension that serves as a tack for a code zero or asymmetric spinnaker, which can also be roller-deployed for convenience. Add well-planned sheet leads and a cockpit set up for efficient shorthanded sailing, and it becomes clear why the boat is so enjoyable to sail.

A 40-horsepower saildrive Yanmar diesel is neatly tucked in a box beneath the

companionway steps. With the assistance of a couple of gas cylinders, the ladder, and sound-dampened engine box easily lift out of the way. This lift-the-hood look at the engine affords great access to key components, not always the case aboard sailboats in this size range. The three-cylinder diesel runs smoothly, and the saildrive eliminates all shaft rumble noise. The trade-off is the need to pay close attention to zincs, and to take care to avoid introducing stray current or galvanic corrosion when installing any electrical equipment.

The Hanse 400 is a cruising boat for those who love to sail, and a club racer for those who enjoy a summer cruise. Its construction quality and price point qualify it as a cost-effective alternative in the 40-footer marketplace. The vessel has the right set of attributes for the light-air conditions of the bays and sounds of the Northeast, Southern California, and Gulf Coast, but will feel right at home on the more blustery bodies of water such as San Francisco Bay. In short, this is a capable performer that offers a lot of bang for the buck.

• Critic’s Corner: Hanse 400
• Interior Notes: Hanse 400
• Hanse 400 Construction Details
• Hanse 400 in Context

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The Hanse 400 Sailboat Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Hanse 400, a fractional sloop, was designed by Judel/Vrolijk & Co and built in Germany by Hanse Yachts.

Published Specification for the Hanse 400

Underwater Profile:  Bulb fin keel and spade rudder

Hull Material:  GRP

Length Overall:  40'2" (12.2m)

Waterline Length:  35'5" (10.8m)

Beam:  13'3" (4.0m)

Draft:  6'6" (2.0m)

Rig Type:  Fractional sloop

Displacement:  18,739lb (8,500kg)

Designer:  Judel/Vrolijk

Builder:  Hanse Yachts (Germany)

Year First Built:  2000

Read more about the latest boats in the Hanse range...

Alternatives to the Standard Version

For those seeking additional features or customization options, Hanse Yachts offers various alternatives to the standard version of the Hanse 400 sailboat. These include:

• Hanse 400e : The "e" stands for "evolution," and this version incorporates several upgrades and refinements, such as an extended bathing platform and improved interior design.
• Hanse 400 Performance : Designed for competitive sailors, this version features a taller mast, larger sail area, and enhanced performance-oriented components.

Other options available to potential buyers include various layouts, with the option of either two or three cabins. This flexibility allows potential owners to customize the Hanse 400 to their specific preferences and requirements.

The Hanse 400 has been well received in the sailing press. Yachting World , for instance, praised the boat's balance of speed and comfort. The magazine mentioned its easy handling, spacious interior, and the ability to customize the boat's layout as highlights.

Performance

The Hanse 400 is known for its high performance under sail. Its design ratios, including the Sail Area/Displacement Ratio and the Ballast/Displacement Ratio, contribute to its impressive speed and stability.

The boat's wide beam, carried well aft, delivers plenty of initial stability, allowing it to stand up to the heeling moment induced by its sizable sail plan.

The Hanse 400 is quick and powerful but easy to handle, making it an absolute performance standout in comparison to mainstream production cruising boats. With dinghy-like performance, it's so easy to drive that you positively long to go out sailing alone.

Design Ratios

Much of its impressive sailing performance can be largely attributed to a set of carefully calculated design ratios that provide a comprehensive insight into the vessel's sailing capabilities.

• Starting with the Sail Area/Displacement Ratio (SA/D) , the Hanse 400 boasts a ratio of 23.52. This suggests the boat is designed with speed in mind, having a considerable sail area relative to its displacement. It's a ratio that indicates the Hanse 400 will perform exceptionally well in light wind conditions.
• The Ballast/Displacement Ratio is another critical factor in understanding a sailboat’s stability. The Hanse 400 exhibits a ratio of 29.6%, which suggests that it provides a good righting moment and a fairly stiff ride, even under strong winds.
• The Displacement/Length Ratio (D/L) of the Hanse 400 is 170.58. A lower D/L ratio signifies a lighter and potentially faster boat, while a higher ratio indicates a heavier, possibly slower vessel. Given the Hanse 400's ratio, you can expect a balance between speed and comfort.
• The Comfort Ratio for the Hanse 400 is 24.4, indicating that it offers a reasonably comfortable ride even in challenging conditions. This makes the Hanse 400 ideal for long-distance cruising and for sailing in rough waters.
• Finally, according to the Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) , the Hanse 400’s value of 2.02 suggests that the boat has a good level of safety in the event of a capsize. A CSF less than 2 is considered suitable for offshore cruising, so the Hanse 400 edges just above this range.

But how representative are these design ratios, and how are they derived?

Sailing Press Reviews

The sailing press has praised the Hanse 400 for its exceptional performance and innovative design. Here are some excerpts from notable reviews:

Practical Boat Owner mentioned: "Its construction quality, ease of operation, and its image as a well-trained athlete—strong, capable, and legitimately deserving of its billing as a “crossover” sailboat."

Sailing Today said: "The Hanse 400 is a joy to sail, offering excellent speed and responsiveness. Its modern design and spacious interior make it an ideal choice for cruising enthusiasts."

Yachting Monthly said: "With its sleek lines and well-balanced rig, the Hanse 400 delivers an exhilarating sailing experience. It strikes an excellent balance between performance and comfort."

While the Hanse 400 is generally well-regarded, some owners have commented on a few areas of potential improvement. These include the need for better access to the back of the electrical panel and improvements to the boat's steering system for smoother handling.

The Secondhand Market

If you're seeking a Hanse 400 for sale, the secondhand market is quite active. Prices for used Hanse 400 sailboats vary significantly based on factors such as age, condition, and the extent of equipment and upgrades.

As of writing, prices range from around $100,000 for older models to upwards of $150,000 for newer, well-maintained examples.

The Competition

When comparing the Hanse 400 to similar sailboats in its class, it holds its own impressively. The boat's performance, comfort, and customizable options make it a viable contender against other popular models like the Beneteau Oceanis 40 and the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40.

The Beneteau Oceanis 40, for instance, offers similar accommodation and performance but might not provide the same level of customization as the Hanse 400. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40, on the other hand, offers a slightly higher Comfort Ratio but may not match the Hanse 400's sailing performance.

Overall, the Hanse 400 sailboat is an appealing package for anyone seeking a blend of performance, comfort, and the freedom to customize their boat to their liking. The boat ticks essential boxes for both cruising comfort and racing performance, making it a versatile choice.

And Finally...

The Hanse 400's build quality is impressive, thanks to the application of modern boatbuilding techniques and high-quality materials. The structure of the boat is solid, with a robust hull and a well-built interior that stands the test of time.

The Hanse 400 also offers an impressive living space, with a well-thought-out layout that maximizes the available room without compromising performance. The interior design strikes a balance between functionality and aesthetics, offering a comfortable and inviting environment for living aboard.

The Hanse 400's user-friendly sail handling system, featuring a self-tacking jib and a fully battened mainsail, is particularly noteworthy. This system makes the boat easy to handle, even when sailing single-handedly or in challenging conditions.

Maintenance of the Hanse 400 is made easier thanks to the boat's design and construction. Most equipment is easy to access and service, and the boat's build quality means that it should stand up to regular use without requiring excessive upkeep.

As with any boat, owning a Hanse 400 does require a commitment of time and money. However, given the boat's performance and comfort, many owners find this a worthy investment for the joy and freedom that comes with owning such an impressive sailboat.

I wrote this article using GPT-4, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model, as a research assistant to develop source material. I wrote the final draft in its entirety and believe it to be accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Dick McClary, creator and owner of sailboat-cruising.com

Other sailboats in the Hanse range include:

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• Sailboat Guide

Hanse 400 is a 40 ′ 1 ″ / 12.2 m monohull sailboat designed by Judel/Vrolijk & Co. and built by Hanse Yachts starting in 2006.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

A number of different interior arrangements available. (standard layout shown here) Deck and interior updated in 2008. ISO Category A “Offshore” Germanischer Lloyd GL Yacht Plus standard.

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The Hanse 400 is a 40.12ft fractional sloop designed by Judel/Vrolijk and built in fiberglass by Hanse Yachts since 2006.

The Hanse 400 is a light sailboat which is a high performer. It is reasonably stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a fast cruiser. The fuel capacity is originally small. There is a short water supply range.

Hanse 400 for sale elsewhere on the web:

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Quick Look: Hanse 400e

• By Herb McCormick
• Updated: December 31, 2008

The Hanse 400e does a lot of things well: It’s quick and fun to sail, with an interesting, innovative layout, and is a prime example of “German engineering.” Our test boat was fashioned with an optional epoxy-based hull (hence the “e” in the name) and the shoal-draft (of 5 feet 5 inches), torpedo-shaped “T-keel,” a light, sprightly combination for Chesapeake Bay, where we sailed the boat in a building breeze that topped off at about 12 knots.

Upwind in 9 knots, the 40-footer pulsed along at 6.5 to 6.7 knots, and as the breeze peaked and we bore off to a reach, the numbers rattled into the 7.2- to 7.4-knot range. The twin wheels had a nice touch, although the split backstay terminating at the aft quarters made it tough to find a comfortable spot to sit when I was behind the wheels and seeking a clear look at the jib telltales.

Down below, the mahogany interior, white upholstery and trim, and laminate floors make for a bright, cheery accommodation plan. The head and galley are to port and starboard of the companionway, respectively, with a generous U-shaped settee just forward of the cook. The clever, opposing navigation station has been rendered with two comfortable armchairs flanking a nav table, doubling the space as both a work area and a nice spot for socializing. Our test boat was laid out with twin double cabins aft and an owner’s stateroom forward. Storage space was in abundance, some of the best we’ve seen in a 40-footer. As a midsize performance cruiser, the Hanse 400e hits all the marks.

Herb McCormick

LOA 39′ 7″ LWL 39′ 4″ Beam 13′ 3″ Draft (deep/shallow) 6′ 8″/5′ 5″ Sail Area 1,137 sq. ft. Displacement 18,519 lb. Water 88 gal. Fuel 40 gal. Engine 40-hp. diesel Designer Judel/Vrolijk & Co. Price $288,000 Hanse Yachts US (410) 626-1493 www.hanseyachts.com

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Bluewater Sailboat – Hanse 400

The bluewater sailboat Hanse 400 is a club racer for individuals who enjoy a summer voyage and a cruising boat for those who love to sail. It qualifies as a cost-effective choice in the 40-footer market because to the construction quality and pricing point. The Hanse 400 is a true performance standout when compared to other popular production cruising boats, not only in terms of its prowess under sail but also in terms of ease of operation.

The Hanse 400 exudes the aura of a well-trained athlete; it is powerful, competent, and rightfully deserving of the title of “crossover” sailboat. The 400 has been meticulously built to give a balance of performance qualities and cruising comfort in keeping with Hanse’s performance-oriented design philosophy. As a result, a responsive racer-cruiser with lots of cabin space and amenities is easy to handle and has a beamy hull.

Looking for a used sailboat for sale? Check out the sailboat data and specs to make an informed decision. Now you can precisely calculate the expenses related to boat ownership so that you can make smart choices based on your budget and sailing needs. Use this Sailboat Calculator to explore different options and make the best decision.

• LOA: 12.10m
• LWL: 10.80m
• BEAM: 4.04m
• DRAFT: 1.98m
• DISPLACEMENT: 8000kg
• BALLAST: 2915kg
• MAINSAIL: 52.2sq m
• JIB: 36.2sq m
• ENGINE: 40hp Yanmar
• FRESHWATER: 300lt
• FUEL: 400lt

The J & J-designed Hanse 400, which was named European Boat of 2006, nonetheless possesses all the qualities of a contemporary performance cruiser.

After enlarging its Greifswald facility in 2005, Hanse—which was founded in 1993—became Germany’s second-largest production sailing boat maker. It now produces 750 yachts yearly under the Moody, Dehler, and Privilege brands.

Judel and Vrolijk, a renowned team of performance yacht designers with a history in the America’s Cup, have been responsible for all Hanse designs since 1999.

Hanse yachts aren’t just cutting-edge flyers; they also come equipped with all the luxuries required for protracted cruising.

Innovative company Judel/Vrolijk & Co. was founded in 1978 by designers. With Alinghi, a winner of the America’s Cup, victory in the Admirals Cup, designs for the Volvo Ocean Race, and a pet project for the King of Spain among its accomplishments, Judel/star Vrolijk’s has soared. The company’s adoption of contemporary computer-design technologies, including the use of 2-D and 3-D CAD applications, has been attributed to some of its success. By taking the effort to 3-D model a new design, unwelcome shop floor surprises are reduced to a minimum. Table heights, locker doors, and engine room spaces all end up with the clearance they require to operate as intended.

The Hanse 400 can withstand the heeling moment brought on by its substantial sail plan thanks to its broad beam, which provides plenty of early stability. The iron keel and lead bulb used as the ballast are recorded as weighing 6,426 pounds. As a result of the lead’s low location, the boat’s secondary righting moment is increased and its centre of gravity is likewise lowered. If you purchase the deep-draft (6 feet, 5 inches) configuration and the epoxy-resin laminated hull, you can reduce your weight by 1,000 pounds. A positive-stability limit of over 120 degrees is provided by this combination. The buyer can feel confident in the boat’s structure and design because it is certified to ISO Category A “Offshore” level and built to Germanischer Lloyd GL Yacht Plus standards.

Keeping the stern from sinking, which increases drag, is a key consideration in the design of wide-transom boats. Many sailboats are able to do this while at anchor, but once they start sailing against the wind, the iconic transom gurgle signals that the hull has sunk into the water and that drag has reduced performance. The Hanse 400 makes a quick wake, and even as the breeze picks up, the transom stays clear of the water thanks to its little elevation. A further surefire indication of an effective hull form is its long waterline and flat run aft, which produce very little wave creating.

With plumb ends, a small freeboard, and a long waterline, the Hanse 400 has a sleek appearance. They were built to be swift and manageable, with shallow underwater portions and a broad beam, and sturdy enough to endure choppy conditions offshore. A solid floor framework and laminated foam stringers are used to support the hull, and a balsa core is added above the waterline to reduce weight.

For a little bit more money, the Hanse 400 was also available in epoxy (400e), which increased its impact strength and flexibility, virtually eliminated any risk of osmosis, and reduced its displacement over the polyester/vinylester model by being a thinner layup and having foam sandwich below the waterline.

The sculpted deck plates that hide the halyards, self-tacking jib sheet, topping lift, and other lines led forward are one of the most striking deck elements of the Hanse 400. The bus roof is kept free and unobstructed thanks to this design. The single sheet, self-tacking, 90% blade jib is simple to manage and eliminates the need to switch sheets mid-tack. For shorthanded sailors, the ability to set 952 square feet of working sail area without having to contend with an overlapping genoa is a major advantage. Although the 562-square-foot mainsail may appear intimidating, it can be handled with ease by using lazy jacks, a Dutchman sail-flaking system, and well run reefing lines.

Together, the deck, cockpit, and cabin house form a comfortable sailing platform. The impression that the deck arrangement is the result of an overemphasis on accommodations crowded belowdecks is gone. Although a nonskid gelcoat finish is also an option, the Hanse.

Excellent visibility was available from the helm. The cockpit’s general design is certainly very well thought out. The deck is kept tidy and uncluttered since all control lines are led aft and covered with fibreglass. While ingenious cockpit mainsheet arrangements for racing are optional, midboom sheeting, with the traveller front of the companionway, is the standard. This is an effective technique to silence opponents of midboom sheeting like myself. Winches and hardware from Harken are common. To starboard is a sizable locker, however it depends on the interior option. Easy access to the swim step, which has a hot and cold water deck shower, is provided by the opening transom.

It is simple to move forward thanks to the roomy side decks and strategically placed stainless steel handrails. Although the 400 has a sizable external chain locker, you’ll need to upgrade the anchoring system if you plan to use her for real cruising. The gear on the basic deck is of the highest calibre.

The twin spreader, deck-stepped spar on the 9/10 rig has a 64-foot air draught. Technically, the 400 will fit under the Intracoastal Waterway’s 65-foot fixed bridges, but you’ll need steely nerves and some flexible antennas. Both a rod kicker and an effective single-line mainsail reefing mechanism are standard. The working jib is fully self-tacking and led to a forward traveller. You can drive the 400 well inside of 40 degrees apparent without stalling because the headsail lead tracks are positioned considerably inboard. Both a gennaker and a 140-percent North Sails genoa are viable possibilities. The split backstay has a six-part adjuster led to port, and there is plenty of adjustment capacity in the rig. The gear for Harken roller furling is typical.

Hanse offers a variety of cabin arrangements since they don’t think that a single interior style works for everyone. There are mix-and-match options for each of the 400’s three cabin sections—the fore cabin, salon, and aft cabin. For instance, you can shift the centerline double bunk further to port and exchange extra locker space for a second head in the forward owners cabin. A dinette to the starboard and a settee/sea berth to the port can be placed in the main saloon, or an owner can choose to remove the sea berth and place two built-in armchairs and a small side table in its place. The aft design provides for either a single cabin and a storage room or two small side-by-side cabins.

The Hanse 400 is a good sailboat for summer voyages and participating in yacht club point-to-point races but is not a long-term liveaboard sailboat. Less storage space is available due to the open layout and tight bilge turn. The two-burner stove and small tank capacity are consistent with the idea of a racer-cruiser that won’t be burdened by an excessive amount of gear and equipment. This doesn’t mean that a quick trip to Hawaii or a run to Bermuda are out of the question; in fact, the boat is capable of handling such summer passagemaking and getting the crew there quickly.

Before being installed in the boat, the woodwork is computer-cut, finished, and almost entirely assembled. White gelcoat and Corian counters are countered by flat, smooth surfaces coated with spray-applied, matte-finish urethane, giving the cabin a feeling of openness and space. The L-shaped Sailboats Galley is attractively furnished and equipped with all the necessities, including a stove/oven, sink, and refrigerator, although the seagoing gourmet may find that there isn’t quite enough counter space. This fits with the boats lean-and-mean mission statement once more.

A fake teak and holly plastic veneer that is both aesthetically pleasing and strong serves as the cabin sole. There is a minimalist style from Europe that harmonises form and function while omitting wood trim and intricate, expensive joinery work. The engineers and designers appear to have worked together to create a beautiful interior that is also affordable, and it is available in either a dark mahogany or a light birch finish, both of which are attractive.

Performance

The Hanse 400 is a true performance standout when compared to other popular production cruising boats, not only in terms of its prowess under sail but also in terms of ease of operation. The Dutchman flaking system, a series of control lines connected to an adjustable topping lift that successfully moves the sail from its boom-stowed position to full hoist and back down again, made it easier to set sail on the yacht. The self-tending, 390 square foot furling working jib is easy to roll up and unfurl, and tacking is a breeze.

Turning the wheel will reveal whether a sailboat has been constructed effectively as a monocoque structure and how robustly it has been built.

Some boats tremble like wet terriers as they sailing into the eye of a 15-knot breeze, and as they settle onto a fresh tack, all manner of squeaks and groans puncture the silence. The big mainsail saw a brief flutter as the Hanse 400 headed into the wind, but there were no audible squeaks or grunts, and the ship showed no obvious signs of twisting or bending.

With a big wheel and a smooth Jefa drag-link steering system that nestles just under the cockpit sole, the semi-balanced spade rudder provides finger-tip handling. With this construction, water cannot enter the accommodations because of the watertight integrity that is kept between the upper and lower rudder-stock bearings.

On the negative side, the drag-link system and autopilot drive must withstand exposure to seawater. These parts are either tightly sealed or constructed of corrosion-resistant metal, which lessens the impact of sporadic dousing.

The sailplan is one of its many advantages. With a large main sail and a tiny blade jib, the lofty mast provides good all-around sailing performance without the need to fend off a huge genoa on the foredeck. A reef is simply tucked into the mainsail as the breeze increases to 12 to 18 knots, eliminating the need for a heavy, partially rolled-up genoa. The crew must make sure they are skilled at mainsail reefing despite the broad wind range that results from using only one headsail. A clever retractable stem head extension that doubles as a tack for a code zero or asymmetric spinnaker and can also be roller-deployed for convenience is available for sailors desiring responsiveness in light air and simplicity of sail management. It becomes obvious why the boat is so pleasurable to sail when well-thought-out sheet leads are added, as well as a cockpit configured for effective shorthanded sailing.

Quick Notes

The creation of shapes is the first step in this composition. The hull and deck are designed, drawn, and laminated in the forms as part of the yacht manufacturing process. Laminates require expertise. Hanse employs chemical engineers rather than untrained laborers to work with GRP and epoxy. Where this kind of craft is a tradition, your Hanse’s core is made of resins and mats.

When diverse materials are utilized together, a composition is awkward. Hanse may choose to employ a zinc-plated bottom construction for the keel or the chain plates. Hanse has conducted research on the characteristics of metal and GRP with the Fraunhofer-Institute, enabling it to appropriately and expertly integrate these two materials. Foam below the waterline, balsa above the waterline is the rule that applies to sandwich construction.

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Hanse 400 Shoal draft

Sailboat specifications.

• Last update: 2nd April 2020

Hanse 400's main features

• 2006: European Yacht of the Year: 10m

Hanse 400's main dimensions

Hanse 400's rig and sails, hanse 400's performances, hanse 400's auxiliary engine, hanse 400's accommodations and layout.

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Hanse 400 - Halyards

MAURIPRO Rigging Shop

Genoa halyard (cruising) for hanse 400, mpr-6721-hg-cr-12-123.

Genoa Halyard (Performance Cruise) for Hanse 400

Mpr-6721-hg-pc-12-123.

Genoa Halyard (Club Racing) for Hanse 400

Mpr-6721-hg-cl-10-123.

Genoa Halyard (GP Racing) for Hanse 400

Mpr-6721-hg-gp-10-123.

Mainsail Halyard (Cruising) for Hanse 400

Mpr-6721-hm-cr-12-126.

Mainsail Halyard (Performance Cruise) for Hanse 400

Mpr-6721-hm-pc-12-126.

Mainsail Halyard (Club Racing) for Hanse 400

Mpr-6721-hm-cl-10-126.

Mainsail Halyard (GP Racing) for Hanse 400

Mpr-6721-hm-gp-10-126.

Spinnaker Halyard (Cruising) for Hanse 400

Mpr-6721-hs-cr-12-123.

Spinnaker Halyard (Performance Cruise) for Hanse 400

Mpr-6721-hs-pc-12-123.

Spinnaker Halyard (Club Racing) for Hanse 400

Mpr-6721-hs-cl-10-123.

Spinnaker Halyard (GP Racing) for Hanse 400

Mpr-6721-hs-gp-10-123.

Pre-spec and custom mainsail, genoa and spinnaker halyards for your Hanse 400 Polyester and Dyneema lines for cruising and racing halyards. Full range of options.

MAURIPRO Rigging shop brings years of expertise to the sailing community. Our riggers are constantly working with sailboat owners to provide high-quality halyards for their cruising or racing sailboats. From traditional polyester double braid to the latest on high tech lines made out of Dyneema or Stirotek, we offer a wide range of materials and diameters to fit any need of sailboat halyards.

We at MAURIPRO Sailing are looking forward to helping you the best way we can, but most importantly, we are looking forward to seeing you on the water. Let's Go Sailing!

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