I'm buying a new 312 for April delivery. Thinking of keeping it in Chichester marina ideally but other options could include Portsmouth.

Anyway I would be pleased to hear from you if you are involved in racing that would be handy to these locations as it will assist me in deciding where to keep it

We are not involved in racing I am afraid but we are expecting handover of our new 312 next week. We will be keeping it in Port Solent over the winter and then Gosport from Easter onwards.

Will be interesting to compare notes if you decide on Gosport.

We have a 331 - do not race but keep our boat on a swinging mooring on a Hardway Sailing Club mooring inside Portsmouth harbour.

Look forward to seeing you around in the new season.

Sue

Thanks to Blue Man and Silverhanse

I clicked reply on my Outlook Express and sent messages back to each of you, but now checking the message board (i.e here) I cant see it posted, so dont know where messages have gone! anyway if you dont receive them, let me know and I'll send again. 

Hi Scotch Mist

Thanks for the reply

We are just up stream from Rame Head - virtually opposite the broken piles.

Hardway prices are very competitive at the sailing club, but we have to use our own dingy to get out to the boat, can be a bit wet..... but after 13 years I guess the dingy finds it's own way to Silver Hanse.

We have friends on Gosport boat yard moorings and I think they tend to be a bit pricy - BUT you do have the water taxi to get you to and from your boat. We also have some friends that have come out of Haslar onto Gosport BY moorings due to the rising costs of berths.

Unfortunately Gosport BY moorings would not have been an option for us as we live in the Midlands and 99% of the time drive down on a Friday night arriving at the  water edge around 10.30 - 11.00pm - Don't think Mr taxi man runs out of hours that late!!!

This message is to Blue Man as well - Enjoy your new boat - they are a dream to sail.

If either of you get chance to sail up stream toward Fareham, you will see Silver Hanse on your Port hand side - she looks a little sad at the moment as we have closed her up for the winter - my hubby goes down to make sure everything is OK.

When the sailing season is in swing again - cruise on up and say hello.

I am glad that there are more Hanse boats popping up particually in the Solent area.

Sue

Actually we didn't go for the blue hull. I think that is probably the boat they used for the Southampton Boat show. We did our trial sail (in belting rain towards the end) on that boat. The blue hull looks fantastic when new but we want to keep her for a few years and were worried about it fading and having to be painted in 5-10 years time (I am a bit of a pessimist at heart!).

Bumpy Dog (yes we do have children!!) will be in Port Solent for the winter and then we are moving to Gosport Marina at Easter. We had our previous boat in Port Solent since 1998 but have got bored with locking in and out and having a 45min trip up and down the harbour each time. Annual costs for a 312 are about £3,600 in Port Solent or £4,000 at Gosport. Gosport is slightly higher because they charge for the size of berth rather than the boat and I think a 10.5m berth is required (if I remember correctly). If you are thinking about Gosport give them a call and ask for Andy MacDonald (Assistant Marina Manager) who has been very helpful. 

I was very impressed during our trial sail (in about 15-20kts). The only thing I didn't like was the heavy tiller, especially under power, but we had pretty much decided to go for the wheel anyway so that is not an issue. I particularly liked the way the fine bows slice through the normal Solent chop. Following the trial we cancelled our Bavaria 32 trial sail as we had already made the decision! Foot for foot the Hanse is rather more expensive but we are convinced we made the right decision. Every time we hoist the sails I expect to be a little bit more convinced!! Our previous experience reinforced the fact that we were looking for a yacht and not a floating caravan.

Handover should be next week so it is all getting very exciting. Fingers crossed for decent weather on 10-12th December and we hope to see you all next year!   

Would be good to keep the discussion going as I suspect we will have some more ideas on extra equipment etc as time goes on. Having said that we have loaded rather a lot of extras on already so I think the bank manager would like to see a bit of a breathing space......  

 Hi Blue Man

So is the new boat called Bumpy Dog ? Not Blue Man.

Actually some confusion The boat now being prepared at Hamble Point is presumably yours. I dont know what the hull colour is. I was assuming from your monica that it was blue (putting 2 & 2 together).

Yes I also had a go in the Southampton boat show blue hulled boat and whilst it looks lovely was likewise concerned about fading plus scratching. I've chosen the grey as you've probably worked out. which colour have you chosen.

I was also interested in the Bavaria 32 but didnt take up the test sail offer as from speaking to people I got the impression it was a bit of a caravan. I was impressed by the Hanse (really a much more seaworthy and race tweakable boat - but it could be more perfect if they used something lighter than that dark glossy wood interior finish)  and so stopped looking.

I've gone for the wheel version also.

Yes I did look at Campers at Gosport- lots to commend it except pricey for what it is but not entirely discounted from reckoning. I agree with your thoughts re Port Solent.

Presumably you got the 'boat show offer' as I did. Exras Im having are:- spinaker gear, main sheet traveler,folding prop,wheel,fuel guage, radar, wind instrument, GPS (probably not chart plot version at nav table) Tiller pilot. But Ive done away with the 'creature comforts' heating etc.

Have you selected the asymetric spinaker/genica thing with the small bow sprit. I'd like to find out more about this and actually genoas as well. I think the boat might suffer speed wise with just the self tacker in light airs, but I wonder would it be better to go for the geneca or the genoa.

On subject of sails - have you picked up on the barber hauler suggestion mentioned in a review. I'd also be keen to find out if this has been done and how it's rigged.

Are you going to get your compass swung and if so how/where?

Bhye for now

(Spaces removed by Webmaster)

Hi Scotch Mist

I got my 312 in April of this year. You're right about the selftacker - it's not good off the wind. You can improve its shape by using a barber hauler off the toe rail to change the line of the sheet. Another way that I have used when sailing downwind is to attach an additional sheet to the clew and run it through the genoa car to the genoa winch. Just release the selftacking sheet and you have a standard sheeting arrangement.

I bought the V5 cruising chute which is terrific in light to medium winds. It is a big sail though (the Hanse mast is extremely tall - nearly 13m (over 40 feet!) above the deck. If the wind gets up it rapidly takes over! 

If you look through the various forums on this site you will find lots of discussion on the merits of genoa or gennaker.

Good sailing with the new boat.

Kind Regards

Alan

Hi Alan, just ordered a V5 so I am very curious about sailing in light winds.... I will let you know how she handles!

Frank - Eternal Flame

Hi Scotch Mist,

BlueMan is the generic internet name that I tend to use and relates to my employer in the IT industry..well known as Big Blue!

I think our boat was a cancelled order from a previous show that had been built then stored at the factory for a few months. Hanse did a rather good trade in deal on our Legend in exchange for us taking early delivery of the new boat.

We are definitely set up for cruising, but short distance at the moment (young children) so we have gone for....Southampton Show Package, wheel steering (already installed), main sheet traveller, gelshielding (Legend has osmosis at 3.5 yrs old but was fixed under 5yr warranty), lewmar air vents in both large hatches, shore power, battery charger, extra 135Ah domestic battery, galvanic isolator (always plugged into shore power), Simrad Wind, Simrad Wheelpilot, Garmin Plotter (172C) on the instrument pod, CD player, teak cockpit floor, an extra harness point in cockpit near main hatch, wheel/binnacle cover and spraydodgers, shower and pump in the heads, extra webasto heater outlet in the heads (for the 'wet locker'), and probably some more that I can't remember!

The extra electronics are from Aztec and the canvas stuff from Covercraft (who do the sprayhoods for Hanse UK).

We are set up for marina to marina cruising with the fridge on all the time, shorepower almost every night, and everything needed at the wheel to sail/navigate single handed. I would have like radar too but the budget was getting out of control! When Raymarine bring out a multistation version of their C series displays (which they surely must do soon) then I would like a radar with bigger integrated chartplotters at the wheel and the chart table, both with ARPA etc. That is a project for a couple of years down the line as to be honest we don't really need it right now. However, the Garmin at the wheel for when I am left alone up on deck in the rain was a MUST have!

I don't think we would be any threat to you when racing  with all that extra weight that we have on board! 

I am sort of ashamed to admit that we are children of the electronic age and didn't even have a compass permanently fitted on the Legend! It would be a good idea to swing the compass but I bet it gets left for a bit! Should be fairly straightforward to do with a handbearing compass and then cross check using landmarks in the Solent (there are plenty of them). The reality is that Mr Garmin will probably get used rather more as we rarely have to shape a course that extends across major cross track tides for long periods. Of course, when we get to venture further to somewhere like Cherbourg or Alderney (I wish) then we'll have to rethink that.

Self tacker is fine for us for now as it helps with the single handed sailing strategy for when the children are causing trouble and need one of us to go and sort them out!  

Obviously it is all down to your own priorities.

The only common thing is that your bank manager is in for a fright!!        &nbs p;      

Hello,

congratulation to your new boat. I own 312#192 with a tiller.

Some questions:

Where do you have space for an extra 135Ah Battery???
How do the Hanse UK Sprayhood look like?
Where have you placed your speaker for the CD-Radio?

Kind Regards

Thomas (Berlin)

Hi Muscadet and Eternal flame

That V5 sail what is it? Is that the cruising chute with the bow sprit?

Do tell all about it - Will it work almost close hauled or how far off the wind? Is it a realistic alternative to a Genoa? Does it roller furl Is their somewhere details are published?

Actually on that, does anyone know where I can find dimensions for Genoas and what size Genny do you guys recomend

This is a bit (well actually totally) off topic but may be of interest.

While I was typing my previous post, in which I mentioned it would be nice to have a multi-station version of the Raymarine C series displays, I had an unopened copy of the January Practical Boat Owner magazine sitting next to me. When I looked through it last night I was struck by an electronics advert that announced the Raymarine E Series (multi-station version of C series) which will be revealed at the London Boat Show in January!!!  Could be well worth a look for new owners.

In answer to iemand.....The extra battery has gone in the locker just forward of the existing batteries but I have not seen it yet! The speakers were going in the side panels of the rattan lockers so that they face into the shelf area with rails. I haven't seen that yet either.

Handover is next Friday so I'll try and get some photos over that weekend to show you the sprayhood. It is made by a local company as I mentioned earlier.

Our hull is #224 so you can tell that she must have been built a little while ago.    

Hi Blueman

Handover this week - it is an exciting time.....

ENJOY - hope the weather is fine for you.

We had all of our canvas work done by ARAN they did a lovely job for us - infact we will be getting them to do a bimini this year for Silver Hanse.

Lets hope we get a better Summer than last year so that we will be able to use it.....

Sue

Hi Blue Man

Re Raymarie series E. do you know wht extra over series C it does.

The latter has Radar, Chart Plotter and fish finder. Does this now include depth wind and speed? anything else?.

This could throw my plans in the air. I'm currently putting together my shopping list for the show and it could possibly now all change. Ce la vie.

On another matter does anyone know if you can get a chart plotter repeater. For instance instead of having 2 seperate stand alone chart plotters (one at nav station and one at helm) could you save on 1 GPS and 1 chart insert card. Must though be fully interogatable at both locations!

Scotch Mist,

I have not yet seen any pricing. I would guess it would appear around the time of the London Show.

My understanding is that it will enable repeating on more than 1 display and will also allow other instrument data to be shown as well. If that is correct then one GPS sensor, one radar, one sounder, one chart cartridge, instruments, and up to 8 displays!!

It would indeed turn your plans upside down which is why I didn't go for radar, large display etc on my boat right now. The only caveats are what will the pricing look like and when will it really hit the shops....

I have seen at least one power boat owner on http://www.ybw.com - www.ybw.com asking who would like to buy their (less than 12 months old) three existing hsb2 displays.     

Hello Blue Man

I have a 312, and am in Chichester Marina.

The drawbacks are locking in and out (there is a "Freeflow" period for 1/2 hours either side of high water (length depends on neaps or springs), and it can take a long time to get out of the lock at the weekend. Also the time taken to get down to the Bar (1 hour) has to be taken into account.

I don't race, so can't offer comment on this aspect.  I am also retired, so can often avoid the weekend rush.

On the plus side, it id a very peaceful marina, with a lovely setting.  Also the harbour is very large, and offers several options, with good moorings, and various places to visit, so even if it is blowing, you can go somewhere in the harbour. 

The marina facilites are very good, and it is cheaper than Portsmouth.

Let me know if you have any other questions, and I will try to help.

Bryan

Hi Bryan,

Scotch Mist is in the process of deciding where to keep his new 312.

We have settled on Port Solent over the winter (we kept our Legend there since 1998) and then Gosport Marina. The deciding factors were lock waits and time to get to the harbour mouth. We have been to Chichester a few times and you have both problems, but more so! I agree that the reduced cost is some compensation but we have young children so proximity to shops, cinemas etc etc is also important to us and we retain that at Gosport (or Gunwharf).

We'll look forward to seeing you on the water next year. Keep your fingers crossed that we get decent weather for handover and trip 'home' to Port Solent at the weekend!

Andrew   

Hi Bryan

You are at Chichester Mariina I see.

Your comments about waiting for lock is a bit of a concern. We are essentially weekend sailors and April -Oct.

Would expect to be locking out no later than 9.30 am on Sat mornings and locking in Sun eve 4.30-6.30pm. Is it likely that we will have regular inordinate delays at these times? If so how long on ave and just in high summer?

Will the Marina staff move boats in or out to pontoons whilst you're not there, if so instructed and is this part of the service?. or extra?

Also what settup have you got sails wise and would you suggest improvements or have you got it right.

Thanks

Scotch Mist,

Brian can give you better local advice but I can give you a steer based on my experience there and at Port Solent. The Port solent lock is quite a bit bigger than Chichester and is truly 24x7 (channel is dredged to 1.5 below CD so very rare to have less than 2-2.5m although it did happen recently on a big Spring tide). On bank holidays we have seen lock waits of several hours at Port Solent. On a busy weekend it might be 30 mins to 1 hour. I would have thought that Chichester would be worse due to smaller lock and limited tidal access. They certainly operated a numbered waiting list before Port Solent did! The premier advantage (berth holder's benefits package) gives you a small number of free movements. There may be further arrangements for Chichester - try the premiermarinas.com website which should say. I think at Southsea they do moves for free but then that has very restricted tidal access. We visited both during the summer. If in doubt give Port Solent a call (which is Premier HQ) and ask them or call the individual marina. They are normally all very helpful.

Now you appreciate one of the reasons I stated for us moving to Gosport next year!     

Regards,

Andrew

Scotch Mist

Andrew has given you most of the details.  The lock is a lot bigger at Port Solent.

Both Chichester and Port Solent operate a number system of priority.  You call in and are given a number.  You then listen out and wait for your number to be called.

At weekends you could have a wait of 1-2 hours, depending on how quickly you got your call in.  Getting back in is usually easier, as boats are returning over a greater period, though it can still be busy.

The channel was dredged last May, so you can normally get in at all states, though you may have to be careful on a big spring tide.

Also, you have a 5 mile trip to get out of the harbour, which may be tedious for you.  As with most things, it depends on your preferences.  Chichester is very different to Gosport, or Port Solent.  It is a preservation area, with a wide variety of birds etc, and and very quiet.  There are some super spots around the harbour, with good pubs & food, but little in the way of other things, unless you go into Chichester.

We go to Gosport quite often, and you get all states entry, and very convenient for getting out.  Also you have everything around in terms of shops etc, especially on the Portsmouth side.

As I have said before, I am not restricted to weekends, which are busy in any event in the Solent, so I don't often have the wait.  As far as getting down to the harbour entrance is concerned, I would go down the evening before, and moor or anchor, so as to be easily out early morning.

You asked about sails.  I agree with what most people have been saying, and that is that the 312 sails beautifully, but is under powered off the wind, especially in lighter conditions, with the self tacking arrangement.  Istill prefer it, as I am often short handed, with crew with little experience.  I have just bought a cruising chute, but not yet had the chance to use it, as the boat came out of the water last week, but hope that it will provide a solution to the off wind issue.

I would also suggest that you look on the Premier web site.  I have always found all their staff helpful.  If you would like to talk in more detail, you can e mail me and I will be happy to give you my number. It is good to have a contact like this, and hopefully to see people on the water next year.  Who knows, we might even get some people interested in a trip to France, with the reassurance of having other boats around!

Bryan  

A cruise in company to France or the Channel Islands. Now that does sound like a good idea, if I can sell it to the family! It would be great to get some Hanses together, even if only for a trip to somewhere like Cowes. I am sure we will be able to pick up lots of hints and tips from each other.

I have to agree that Chichester is a nice quiet spot but our arrival in the summer coincided with an invasion of flying (well actually dive bombing) ants which put us off a bit. Depending on your priorities there are lots of advantages to both Chichester and Port Solent BUT if weekend sailing is your thing then think long and hard about the locking in and out. It has never stopped us going sailing but it can be a real pain. 

I'm off to Hamble Point for the handover tomorrow so keep your fingers crossed that all goes well for me!

Regards,

Andrew 

To BlueMan

Hi Andrew

I haven't encountered the flying ants yet!

Hanse organised a rally last year, which was good, so with more boats now around, perhaps it might be repeated (hint Peter!).

We would certainly be interested in a trip in company sometime..

Right now you will either be still getting to know your boat, or on the way to Port Solent....Enjoy!

Bryan

 Hi, maybe a trip to Lowestoft or Medway? We (the Dutchies) are comming over in july (week 29) so it could be nice to meet some Uk owners. I hope that we will come with a large fleet of Hanses...

Frank - Eternal Flame