Wanted to say Hi!
Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: General
Forum Name: Cruising
Forum Description: Chat about Cruising
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11664
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 03:51
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Wanted to say Hi!
Posted By: Dennis Clarke
Subject: Wanted to say Hi!
Date Posted: 16 November 2019 at 14:35
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Just registered and thought I'd drop a line to introduce myself as I will be using this site in hopes of purchasing my sailboat and chasing my dream. My name is Dennis Clarke(I'm Canadian)..and I currently live in Mexico...but that is all about to change - as I am planning a trip to England starting in Feb. to attend the Hamble School of sailing and take their Professional Sailing Training...a 4 1/2month course which will give me my RYA Yachtmaster Offshore cert. (along with a bunch of other cert.) which will hopefully convince the insurance companies I know what I'm doing - as it's been a struggle to find one that will insure me since I'm not a resident of the UK...and will be buying the boat to sail between the UK and Med for the next couple of years. So I've done some research as best I can (Not being able to actually get on one particular model until I head to England) but am looking at either the Hanse 385 or possibly the 370...to both live and cruise on. The boat will be just for me and Emma my border collie but I believe either of these models should provide an excellent home and a sailboat capable of travelling to my intended destinations. Hopefully when I complete my course - I'll return to Mexico...sell my home and come back to purchase my new home!....and start another great chapter and adventure in my life....Hey I'm 63 so better get it done now while everything on me is still in working order  So that's it for now....appreciate any feedback and/or comments and look forward to interacting within the forum while "Chasing my dream" ------------- Dennis Clarke |
Replies:
Posted By: Mark_J1
Date Posted: 16 November 2019 at 18:38
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Welcome to the forum! I'm sure you'll enjoy shopping for and sailing either the 385 or 370. We have the bigger sister to the 370, the 400e from 2005. I did my YM Offshore fast track course Solent based a few months before purchasing, just like you are planning. I also managed some long distance deliveries too. I'd sailed for 30 years but still found the experiences worthwhile pre-purchase of my own boat. Especially in deciding what boats could and could not be managed single-handed or on a solo-watch. Mark ------------- Hanse 400e "Grey Goose" Hull #31 |
Posted By: Dennis Clarke
Date Posted: 16 November 2019 at 23:21
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Thanks Mark...it's going to be a great experience.....looking at these models because I want to keep the price range down to $100KEuros...which would leave me enough in the kitty for the next few years....plus wanted to keep the sailboat current as far as years....2007 or newer. I know I'm also going to look at the Rustler 36...but in doing so I'd be looking at somewhere around 2000. In North America the same principle applies to the Island Packet 350...best you can do with my budget is 2001....but also a great boat....just that it's 20 years old when I purchase it.....Aaahhh the decisions....think I'll have a beer and contemplate  ------------- Dennis Clarke |
Posted By: silversailor
Date Posted: 17 November 2019 at 02:18
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Dennis, Welcome to the forum. You'll discover just about anything you need to know about Hanses here. Lots of great sailors and technicians. The boats you mention are very different one from the other. But, if you want a boat that's easy to sail, forgiving and fast you'll choose Hanse. I bought mine new in 2006 and have enjoyed 14 great seasons with her. Like any vehicle, boat, car, plane, it's not perfect, but, for a production boat, I don't believe you can do better. Good luck. ------------- Silversailor South Haven, MI USA S/V Legacy 2010 Andrews 28 |
Posted By: S&J
Date Posted: 17 November 2019 at 11:58
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Agree that the Rustler and Hanse are chalk and cheese. For coastal cruising in European waters I'd go for Hanse every time. As well as getting a much newer boat which is likely to have more up to date electronics and other equipment, it is a very easy boat to sail solo. I cover about 2000Nm a year and live aboard for 3-4 months of the year. Very happy with my choice (2 cabin 385). ------------- H458 #159 Primal Mediterranean cruising |