The Hanse 400 (2006-2007) is a performance cruiser designed by Judel/Vrolijk & Co. and built by Hanse Yachts. It won the European Yacht of the Year award in 2006. Hanse Yachts, based in Greifswald, Germany, is known for combining performance, comfort, and innovative design, emphasizing easy handling, even single-handedly 1, 20, Builder Article.
The Hanse 400, specifically the 2006-2007 model, represents the builder's philosophy of offering "fast cruising" yachts that are both quick and powerful yet easy to sail. It was a popular modern performance cruiser during its production run.
The Hanse 400 was produced by Hanse Yachts from 2006 to 2014, with the initial model run spanning 2006-2007. This period falls within Hanse's significant evolution, which saw the company partner with renowned designers like Judel/Vrolijk & Co. in 1999, a collaboration that became a hallmark of Hanse's approach, 19]. Judel/Vrolijk & Co., a globally recognized yacht engineering and design firm, is based in Bremerhaven, Germany, and founded in 1978. Their design philosophy for Hanse yachts centers on creating vessels that offer "excellent nautical characteristics, easy handling and breathtaking design". For the Hanse 400, Judel/Vrolijk aimed for a "Cross-over" design, providing both racing boat characteristics and comfort.
A notable variation occurred in 2008, leading to the Hanse 400 (2008-2014) model. Updates included the addition of twin steering wheels and a change in keel type for the deep keel option from an L-keel to a T-keel. The initial 2006-2007 model typically featured a single steering wheel. The Hanse 400 was also offered with draft options, including a standard 1.98 m (6.5 ft) or a shallower 1.65 m (5.42 ft) keel, both using a composite iron/lead bulb keel.
The Hanse 400 is celebrated as a performance standout for its ability under sail and ease of handling. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 20.54, the Hanse 400 is indicative of a boat designed for strong performance in lighter winds, suggesting it can accelerate quickly and maintain speed even when the breeze is moderate. Its ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.32, points to a balanced and moderately stiff boat, capable of standing up to a good amount of wind without excessive heeling, particularly benefiting from its bulb keel design. The displacement to length ratio of roughly 186 signifies a lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser, which contributes to its nimble feel and ability to leave a clear wake even as wind increases.
Owners generally describe the Hanse 400 as a great sailing boat that is comfortable, quick, and seaworthy. It is particularly praised for being powerful yet easy to handle. A signature Hanse feature present on the 400 is the self-tacking jib, which simplifies tacking and facilitates effortless short-handed sailing. The boat's long waterline and flat run contribute to its nimble performance.
While specific maximum headroom is not provided in the structured data, the Hanse 400 was known for offering ample interior comfort and storage, designed to create a "home-like experience". The interior was often customizable, with the Hanse 400 being offered in as many as 80 different interior variants. Common layouts for the 400e (epoxy option) included a three-cabin, two-head configuration. Interiors could feature finishes like "Mahogany high gloss style" with "Classic Stripes" flooring. Hanse yachts are generally recognized for their modern, clean interiors.
Owner forums indicate that the Hanse 400 is a popular choice, with many owners expressing satisfaction with its sailing characteristics and comfort. It is often described as a "good looking, comfortable and fast" vessel. However, some owners of earlier models, including the 2006-2007 Hanse 400e, have reported issues such as "hull problems," with discussions on forums mentioning "hula" (possibly meaning hull-to-deck joint or hull liner) separation from the hull. These discussions suggest that while the overall sailing experience is highly regarded, potential buyers should be mindful of these reported structural considerations on older models. Later models addressed some issues, such as windows, which might have been prone to leaking in earlier iterations. The flat bottom, a part of the Judel/Vrolijk design, has been noted by some owners in relation to its "cross-over" design for both racing and cruising.