Demand for the Hanse 575 sets sales record

by Deb Jeffreys on 9 Jul 2013 While the first Hanse 575 to arrive in Australia is being prepared for its premiere at the Sydney International Boat Show in August, the German factory is in overdrive with more than 70 orders for the luxury yacht, launched just last October.

'Sales have already exceeded company expectations, and Hanse are now working on hull numbers in the 60s,' says Australia’s Team Windcraft Managing Director Peter Hrones, who recently returned from a visit to the Hanse factory in Greifswald, Germany.

'They have put workers on at nights and Saturdays and production is running at full speed' adds Hrones.

So what has made this new Hanse yacht so popular?

'The 575 simply has it all for those looking for a yacht that offers short-handed performance sailing and state-of-the-art luxury cruising and on-board living,' says Hrones. 'The incredibly high number of orders is testimony to the market’s demand for this type of yacht and the 575 meets this demand.'

And it’s not just Europeans who have placed orders; the Hanse 575 is just what an Australian ship’s captain and former executive of one of the world’s largest ship building companies was looking for. He has bought hull number 65 for him and his family to live on while they sail from Europe to Australia.

'Over the past three years we researched many yachts on which we could live on for an extended period and meet all our cruising and sailing needs. The total cost was also a significant consideration but rated lower than ease of sailing short-handed, function and ability to fit in the equipment essential for our trip,' he explains.

'By mid 2012, when we thought we may never find the right one, I met John Cowpe from Windcraft Australia at the Sydney Boat Show and he suggested the new Hanse 575.

The sailing press reports were complimentary, the options impressive and it included the equipment we required. One of the six cabin layouts was just what we wanted, the cockpit design offered ample on-deck space, the sail plan, handling and self-tacking headsail and electric winches would make her easy for two people to handle. We also liked the dinghy garage arrangement and the cost was not as scary as we thought it would be!'

Designed by leading naval architects Judel/Vrolijk & Co, the 575’s sleek contemporary lines and quality handcrafted finish immediately impress, but it's the unique Hanse features that deliver an enjoyable sailing and cruising experience.

The Hanse 575’s light, strong and durable vinylester sandwich hull is topped with a wide continuous bulwark and cockpit that are clear and safer thanks to flush hatches and all lines running under the deck to the helm. There’s a choice of a fully battened or furling mainsail, which, along with the integrated self-tacking jib system and two powerful winches at the helm, enable short-handed sailing.

A large cockpit features two tables that retract to create a generous sun baking area, while an easy-access wide bathing platform and revolutionary electrical dinghy garage facilitate swimming and water sports.

Down below, the well-appointed loft-style interior is spacious, airy and flooded with natural light and features a dining table that transforms into a king-sized lounge, a linear galley fully equipped with all the luxuries of home, and a versatile layout that offers a choice of 3, 4, 5, or 6 private and comfortable cabins.

The Hanse 575 will make its Australian debut at the Sydney International Boat Show, Darling Harbour, August 1-5 and is available in Australia and New Zealand exclusively from Team Windcraft.

For more information call 02 9979 1709 or visit http://www.windcrafthanse.com/hanse-575.html