With the announcement of the Hanse 458 the German shipyard insists on the in-depth reflection that has made it possible to define a new standard of comfort and performance. Always in search of innovation, the yard is improving the use of its boats.
Ideal for a small crew
Hanse was one of the first to adopt a self-steering jib on all its models. Turning around without touching any sheets really makes life on board easier. Only the helmsman acts on the helm, allowing the crew to continue their activities without effort. While this configuration is very useful upwind, it shows weaknesses as soon as you move away from the wind bed. The small surface area of the jib (required to pass in front of the mast) becomes too small downwind. To remedy this, a code zero or a gennaker must be sent to take over from this self-steering jib.
To facilitate the installation of this sail, the Hanse 458 adopts a bow forceps to be installed as a kind of small end outside. Quite prominent, it will have the function of amuring the downwind sail, but also to serve as a delphinière to move the anchor away from the bow. Very useful on these sailboats with a vertical bow.
In order for the sailboat to be operated simply by one person, all the manoeuvres return to the helm station, no piano on the deckhouse clutters the cockpit.
Plenty of sunbathing space
The construction of the Hanse 458 bridge is not revolutionary. The cockpit is articulated with 2 wheel steering and a relaxation area with a central table. The stern of the boat is closed by a transom that closes the cockpit and opens in the bathing area.
But it is especially on the 2 sunbathing areas that the focus is on. Indeed, the deck of the Hanse 458 can be equipped with a sunbathing bath on the deckhouse under the boom and another at the front of the mast. Two areas that will be appreciated at anchor for life on board.
Disappearance of the sponge
To resume the compression forces of the mast, builders install sponges under the deck. This tube (usually made of stainless steel) passes through the cabin and rests on the keel. On the 458, Hanse has made this accessory disappear, which is not very suitable for interior design and layout. To take over the mast load, the main bulkhead separating the saloon from the forward cabin is made of composite with carbon reinforcements to provide a rigid and direct structure between the mast foot and the keel.
Volume and light
This Hanse 458 is available in 3 or 4 cabin versions. In the latter case, the forward cabin is divided into two parts: the forward toilet compartment, which is divided on each side: port side is an insulated toilet and starboard side is reserved for the shower.
With many windows, the shipyard tried to let as much light into the boat as possible. Thus the aft cabins have no less than 6 windows each! Similarly, the saloon is lit (and ventilated) by 4 large opening deck hatches in addition to the hull windows. Thus equipped, the monohull, often referred to as a "cellar", can no longer be considered as such!
