The latest entry into the Australian cruising market from Hanse has left owners wanting for little. The 455 has everything from the deepest forward locker I have seen, to a hidden wine rack, to a grab rail on the dodger, plus so much more. There really is not much else you would need to add but if there is something you want, there is a good chance you will find it on the list of optional extras.
Judel/Vrolijk designed the yacht with Hanse Yacht Design fitting out the interior with a purpose to fill the need for fast and comfortable cruising and it sure is comfortable.
DOWN BELOW
The boat we tested, thanks to Windcraft, had the standard interior fit out and felt like a much bigger boat with how the space is utilised. The designers have used simple techniques to make the interior feel spacious and comfortable.
When you first walk down the steps you really notice how big this boat is. There is more seating in this boat than my own lounge room and it is extremely comfortable. You could easily seat eight around the table and three more on the added lounge suite to port. The table folds down on one side and the ottoman moves in and out, depending on how you would like to use it – as a seat or a footstool. The table also has a cut out in the top, the perfect spot to sit your wine and wine glasses so they don’t fall over.
The galley is large, L-shaped and set to starboard. There is also a little cupboard to the side that houses the rubbish bin and provides more bench space. The bench tops, along with covers for both the double sink and stove top is black quartz. The three-burner gas stove and oven are gimbled for easy use and the gas bottle is housed in the cockpit. The fridge is also L-shaped and has a top and front door for easy access.
There is plenty of storage around the galley for cutlery and crockery as well as all your groceries. But one of my favourite things is once again the hidden wine rack. This time concealed under the floorboards in the galley. After removing the board we found a few bottles of wine hidden away.
Another feature that was pointed out to me was the small mirrors placed on either side of the portholes in between some of the cabinetry behind the lounge suite. They allow more natural light to fill the boat and from the galley you can see the water moving past the boat.
The forward cabin has a separate head and shower; head to port, shower to starboard, and a spacious double bunk with shelving running along each side and in the bed head. There is also two hanging wardrobes. There are large portholes on either side and the natural lights pours in from the deck. The half-length mirror adds to the feel of luxury and the mast support is almost unnoticeable just inside the door.
The two aft cabins are mirror image of each other with a double bunk, combined lockers and portholes.
The main head is large enough that the shower has a separate stall. Mirrors and cabinets surround the head and provide storage for all the essentials.
The navigation table is situated to port and has a stool that tilts in under the table so it is out of the way when not in use. The test boat had the B&G basic pack, which includes all the essentials for cruising the country.
ON DECK
The deck is no different from the interior when it comes to space. There just seems to be plenty of it on this boat. Starting up the front there is the storage locker which is huge!
Mary Bickley of Windcraft explained that some owners had fit out the locker with a washing machine and dryer, while others had put in shelving and stored their fishing rods, luggage and any other extras in there. It is that big!
Behind the storage locker the deck is clean. All the ropes are led under the deck back to their jammers and electric winches by the wheels. They then feed into a rope locker on either side. The dodger provides nice protection for the cockpit and the grab rail on it gives you something to hold onto when moving around the boat.
The cockpit table folds down on either side and houses a compass on the back of it. The storage lockers in the cockpit are standard while the ones behind the wheels house part of the engine and as mentioned earlier the gas bottle. There is also space to store your BBQ.
The wheels are large and set apart to give room to walk between them. They have B&G instruments on their pedestals. The rig and spars as Selden while the sails are Elvstrom.
There is also a swim platform off the back with a ladder hidden in the stern, the platform can be lifted when not in use. There was also a hot and cold shower off the stern.
PERFORMANCE
I am starting to think the weather is against me when it comes to boat tests lately. We picked the date to test sail and it was meant to pour down all day, but with my Dad, Jamie Wilmot, along for the ride there was no chance of us getting wet. He picked the perfect weather window to take the yacht for a sail around Pittwater.
It was a typical gusty day on Pittwater and the boat responded to the conditions nicely, Jamie explained: “the acceleration was good in the pressure and the helm was quite light.”
“We had some easy sailing in the gusty conditions and reached some good speeds for this high volume cruiser.”
The boat is good for short-handed sailing, “We kept the jib on one winch and the main on the other, all within close reach to the helm. The self tacking jib made manoeuvres easy.”
We didn’t have a spinnaker set up but I would love to have a go on a 455 with one and see what they can do downwind. This boat is impressive.
Whether you are looking for something to spend summer days sailing on or cruise around the country, this boat will suit your boating needs.
There is plenty of space for the family and so many additional options to make the boat even more comfortable – including a flat screen television and DVD player.
You will be able to have a look around Bilbungra at the Sydney International Boat Show before the owners take off with their two jack russels on a tour of Australia. ✵
