My recent visit to Greifswald

I just returned from Greifswald where I had the opportunity to meet Karl Dehler (R&D Mgr) who is responsible also for the 630e project. After two meetings and visits to the 630e production line I feel much more confident that we made the right choice. We also took a lot of photos which I will try to upload as soon as I find the camera connection cable .

Here are my first impressions:

Hanse only produces the hull the  deck and the furniture and other parts of wood. The production in Greifswald is actually an assembly line where the various components are installed , connected and tested inside the hull. After that the deck is "glued" to the hull and the assembly continues with the deck features. For everything exists a detail drawing, but technicians work mostly out of memory. They produce one 630 every 2 weeks.

The components they use are of famous manufacturers. (jefa steering,gori propeller,Panda genset,Yanmar engine,Simrad electronics,Lewmar winches and blocks etc).

A lot is left to the dealer ( including rigging and testing) so it is very important to choose a good one. My dealer is Mr Alexiadis (Status Yachts) from Greece. Giannis Alexiadis accompanied me during my  visit and was very helpful. He also  introduced me to Michael Schmidt owner of Hanse.

 

Hanse doesn't like any changes in the boat production to satisfy owners requests (probably to keep the cost under control). What is not offered as an option is probably not possible. A nearby separate company (Wendel & Rados) has some access to the boats under construction and might be able to offer some extras.

 

Here are some decisions we took:

1)We ordered a carbon mast and boom which was offered as an option.

2)We listened to the suggestion of Mr. Dehler and will take delivery of our yacht at Greifswald (unfortunately in July-not in June) so that Wendel & Rados rigs the boat, close to Hanse.This is important and will save a lot of potential problems. Also because it is impossible to truck the 30m mast trough Europe to Greece.

3)We will go for an inox anchor chain instead of the galvanized one, which because of higher friction is pilling up in the chain locker while lifting the anchor and will probably will need rearranging halfway. In my previous boat this was a major problem and lifting the anchor was a two persons job.

4)We opted for a better stereo system than the one offered by Hanse, which will be installed by Wendel & Rados, who will also install a fixed camera at the top of the mast to look over the bow (good for the start line)

5)We also ordered a deck fridge so that we keep some drinks outside, and a 2500w inverter.

6)We decided to order only a 95%   3DL jib, a roll-able code zero and a storm jib with hanks(?) hoisted on a separate inner forestay ( an extra in Hanse 's catalog) and a two reefs 3DL offshore main, all by NorthSails.

7) With my wife we will take a two weeks vacation near Greifswald to test-sail the boat near Hanse and then possibly deliver the boat ourselves to Greece (with 2-4 friends for help). I know it is a long trip but it is a unique opportunity to sail the Baltic, the Scandinavia coast, the North sea and the English channel. I am looking forward to the passage to La Coruna and ... All ideas and suggestions welcome. Although sailing for more than 20 years I have never sailed outside the easter Med.

 

 

How is sailing in Singapore ?

 Back about Hanse. I don't know about the 315, but the big Hanses are carrying a lot of sail (for their weight) and  have long waterline and fast hulls for their footage. This makes them fast compared to other boats of equal length. But racing boats they are not. They are not build to a measurement system (ORCi,IMS,ORCclub,IRC etc)-which to try to cheat, their cockpit is not designed for big racing teams-on the contrary the cockpit separates the "guests" from the sailors,  the rig is designed for simplicity-having the shorthanded crew in mind and the cloth selection is also designed for pleasure of sailing and simplicity. The simpler you use the multicolor the more you are going to use it.

After fifteen years of racing and keeping a team of 13-14 persons  ,the Hanse 630 was for me the best option. I still dream of starts,about  rounding the upwind mark and gybing before a following boat but no thanks. Big teams mean big compromises in your personal life.

Hanses are fast but not racing boats. This is it.

 

Fully agree the designs are not for racing due mainly to equipment layout and the inability of a sizable race crew to action controls.

 

But I do know our 461 actually rates well under the Caribbean Handicap System and shorthanded racing is something I believe they'd all do well in.

 

All IMHO of course.

 

If you are passing the Solent in July give us call and if you've time, stop by to say hello.

 

Our 461 will by then be back to the UK and moored in Lymington.

 

Hanse UK have offices on the Hamble River (off the Solent) and I know others who have sailed south from Germany have used them to sort any issues that might arise underway.

 

I'm confident they'd be equally happy to help you IF NEEDED - and of course, we'd welcome you also.

 

PM me if you want to exchange cell phone numbers.

 

JOHN

Nicole in front of a 630 (ours will be light blue)

the KING COMPOSITES carbon mast we opted for

the 3 blade prop from GORI

Karl Dehler of HANSE (R&D mngr) showing the anchor system

now you see it

press a button.....

now you don't. The retractable mooring winch

Especially love the new windlass set up.

 

JOHN