Dates to Remember
17 - 20 September 2010 - Hanse Owners Port Stephens Sail Away
26 March 2011 - Annual Hanse Owners Rally - Pittwater
2010 Hanse Owners Rally
Overcast skies and a fickle southerly wind greeted the Hanse Owners who turned out in force on Saturday 27 March to partake in the growing annual Hanse Owners Rally. Almost forty yachts and their dedicated crews gathered at the Royal Motor Yacht Club on Pittwater, to start off the day with a hearty breakfast and a briefing of the days’ events.
Mid morning saw the fleet race north up Pittwater, towards West Head and the overcast skies gave way to the bright colours of the fleets’ spinnakers. Two divisions ensured that yachts without extras had a competitive race amongst themselves, as those with extras headed to a mark further out towards Barrenjoey. By the time the race finished down near Flint and Steel the skies had cleared and the scene was set for a relaxing lunch at aptly named Hungry Beach.
After a swim, food and refreshments, and a chance to soak in the scenery, the fleet was recharged and ready to race for the Perpetual Hanse Owners Trophy. A handicap start and standard sail plan ensured all yachts had an equal chance at taking out the race. The wind had filled in from the south east and a beat back down towards the finish line at Newport gave all participants an invigorating sail home. Each of the first three boats across the line was a different model, showing just how close the racing was between the fleet that varied from 32 feet to 54 feet.
Displaying great style and sailed two up by husband and wife team, John and Sarah Ball, the Hanse 53 “Ballistic” was first across the line. She showed the trademarks of the Hanse Yacht, with performance from the Judel Vroljk design, yet an easily managed sail layout ensuring fun was had by all. As the rest of the fleet finished the common feature was the smile on everyone’s face.
Live music, drinks, canapés and a sumptuous meal back at the RMYC saw a great sense of camaraderie between owners and was a chance to catch up with members of the Hanse “family”. The presentation saw some very proud owners receive prizes kindly donated by the days sponsors. The lucky door prize of a complete set of Helly Hansen wet weather gear was gladly accepted by Peter Freeman, owner of “Wraith”.
Peter Hrones, managing director of the Hanse importer Windcraft, who organized the day said, “It makes me feel very proud, seeing all these people here bound together by one common interest, the love of sailing and the love of their Hanse Yacht. It is hard to believe that we only first held this event in 2007 and that it has already become a constant in many owners diaries. It excites me to see where we can grow this concept of Hanse Downunder and what further adventures we can have together.”
Photos of the event can be seen here
A video of the event will be online soon!
Remember to mark 26 March 2011 on your calendar so you can join in the fun next year.
2009 Port Stephens Sail Away
For photos of the weekend please click here
"It's not just the boat, but the opportunity for adventure that goes with it", said one of the eighteen Hanse Owners who took part in the annual Hanse Owners Sail Away. This comment sums up the attitude of the Hanse Owners, who on board boats ranging from 32 to 47 feet, spent a long weekend cruising the coast between Sydney and Port Stephens and enjoying some great company along with fine food and wine.
After a pre departure briefing on the Friday night, owners headed north with a south easterly breeze of between 15 and 20 knots, which combined with a messy and lumpy sea proved a challenge that owners took to with gusto. Saturday morning dawned with a clear sky and calmer conditions, allowing owners to take in the scenery as they entered Port Stephens throughout Saturday morning.
After lazing away the afternoon, sundown saw owners gather for drinks followed by a sumptuous three course meal at Peppers Resort. Laughter and conversation, combined with fine food and wine saw the night fly by and when owners retired it was for some well deserved rest. 
Sunday dawned with bright blue skies and a gentle breeze. After breakfast it was a sail out to Broughton Island eight miles north east of the entrance to Port Stephens. Yachts anchored in a protected little cove and crews lunched on board. A gentle north east breeze filled in and spinnakers went up for an afternoon sail back to the Anchorage Marina. After the late afternoon return sail, the planned sundowners for Sunday night was moved to the marina for drinks and owners socialized on the dock, toasting what had been a great day.
The forecast for the return sail south sounded promising with south east winds forecast to move around to the north east throughout the day. A pleasant beat to the south throughout the morning soon turned to a motor as the wind switched direction but failed to sustain any strength. All yachts made it back in the early evening of Monday night, happy, tired and planning the next adventure on board.
|
2009 Hanse Owners Rally
Hanse Sails High - Where to Next....
Saturday March 28 March saw clear skies greet a fleet of 34 Hanse Yachts, who for the third year in a row have participated in the annual “Hanse Owners Rally” which is sailed amongst the clear water and spectacular scenery of Pittwater. 
The Hanse Owners Rally and the Hanse Downunder owners club, has been established by Hanse’s Australian importer Windcraft Australia, in response to the growing popularity of the luxury yacht range.
From year to year the number of participants have grown. The 2009 Rally saw 34 yachts participate and 150 enjoy food, wine and entertainment back at the Royal Motor Yacht Club.
Windcraft Principal Peter Hrones said, "I've come to realise that our owners not only buy the Hanse Yachts for their stylish looks and sailing performance, but for the lifestyle and opportunities that ownership of a Hanse Yacht brings."
"We set up Hanse Downunder to foster a social atmosphere amongst all owners, and aiming to ultimately create a thriving community of yachties with a common interest. The number of participants in this year's event has shown that this club atmosphere is a major part of owning a Hanse Yacht. We now have owners talking about making the trip to Hamilton Island for race week this year and the annual tag along sail that we organise to Port Stephens", he said.
The day saw light winds for the first race which was followed by a lunch at the picturesque and aptly named Hungry Beach. A north easterly breeze filled in for the second race which ensured a lively sail for all and made for a magnificent sight as the 34 yachts sailed back down Pittwater.
As dinner was served at RMYC, the were drinks served and the music played. The most common question asked was "Where to next?!"....
See photos of the event here or watch a video here
|
Ten Year Celebrations
On a balmy December evening in 2008 the Windcraft Team celebrated ten years of importing Hanse Yachts into Australia with a function held at Bayview Anchorage Marina. The evening was enjoyed by all who attended and a special thanks goes out to the musical quartet of Mary McVarish - Viola, Christopher Kimber - Violin, Phillip Bolliger - Guitar, Karen Leinbach - Cello entertaining us on the evening.
To view photos of the event please click here or to read the Ten Year History click here. |
2008 Port Stephens Sail Away
Balmy summer-like conditions greeted a record fleet of 16 Hanse yachts that took part in a sail away from Pittwater to Port Stephens on the weekend. 
It was the second annual sail away organised by the Hanse Downunder Owners' Club, an initiative of Bayview-based Hanse importer and club founder Windcraft Australia. The event has been hailed a huge success, with the number of boats increasing significantly from 10 in 2007.
Most of the fleet left Pittwater on Friday after a sunset briefing, for the overnight sail up the coast. Fresh northerly winds varying from 10 to 20 knots gave skippers and their crews a good opportunity to test their skills with some experiencing offshore sailing for the first time.
All yachts - ranging from 34ft to 54ft - handled the conditions well and crews arrived invigorated by the sail and stunning scenery. They were energised despite the fact that it took some 16 hours to complete the trip.
Everyone was happy to see the first class facilities at the Anchorage Marina Port Stephens, which gave all crews the welcome opportunity to kick back on Saturday afternoon. While some took the opportunity for a siesta, others took advantage of the 30-degree heat to enjoy a cold drink and great company with plenty of sailing stories.
 The party started in earnest at Peppers about 6pm with complimentary drinks provided by Hanse Downunder at the bar, followed by an impressive three-course-meal. All crews retired that night well fed, well lubricated and well sailed.
They woke to overcast conditions and a gale warning forecast with possible thunderstorms, which forced the cancellation of the planned Sunday trip to Broughton Island.
But no one was disappointed, with some crews choosing to relax at the resort and mingle with other owners, while other die-hards went sailing on the bay.
On Sunday evening at pre-dinner drinks, Windcraft Australia managing director Peter Hrones paid tribute to the efforts of Hanse owners in making the trip, and fostering the fantastic camaraderie that was so evident all weekend.
Crews departed early Monday morning with winds forecast NE to NW at 25 to 30 knots. Much to everyone's delight, the wind kicked in mid-afternoon and most boats put in a reef or two - and all enjoyed a lively and challenging sail. All were home safe and sound by Monday night, with plenty of memories and anticipation for the next outing.
The sail away concept appears to be growing, with owners already talking about next year's trip. Potential locations have been suggested, including an ambitious trip to the Whitsundays for Hamilton Island Race Week.
Mr Hrones said that Hanse owners share more than just a boat design.
"We knew when we started the Hanse Downunder Owners' Club that it would be a success, because the people who buy these boats are buying more than just a sailing vessel," he said. 
"They are a special group of people who have found they have much in common despite their diverse backgrounds - not the least of which is their passion for sailing.
"It makes me proud to be associated with such a successful initiative and I am very excited about the prospect of spreading our wings even further next year. Hamilton Island may be an ambitious target, but who knows what might happen given this fantastic group of people." To view photos of the event please click here
|
2008 SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
Fresh from a triumphant trip to the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Windcraft Australia is planning even bigger and better things at the Sydney International Boat Show. 
Windcraft Australia principal Peter Hrones said the line-up of more than 10 designs would be one of the most impressive at the boat show. It will include the new range of Hanse Yachts, the Fjord 40 Open Mark II, the new model Hallberg Rassy 43 and the Dragonfly trimaran.
Hanse Yachts Germany owner Michael Schmidt will also be making a special appearance at the show to launch the new Moody 45 at a special function organised for owners.
“This will be a unique opportunity to see our flagship designs in one place, and we expect to attract plenty of attention both internationally and from around Australia,” said Mr Hrones. |
2008 Hanse Owners Rally
A record number of entries and magnificent pre-Autumn weather ensured the second annual Hanse Owners’ Regatta on Pittwater was a resounding success.
Entries were up 40 per cent on 2007 and attracted 30 Hanses ranging from 32ft up to 54ft, from Port Hacking, Sydney, Pittwater – and even a Queensland boat. 
Two of the entries were made at the 11th hour, with Hanse’s Australian importer Windcraft Australia delivering the boats to their new owners only the night before the regatta.
Windcraft Principal Peter Hrones said this was a reflection of the popularity of the event, an initiative of Windcraft and its spin-off Hanse Downunder Owners’ Club.
The club was launched at the inaugural regatta last year and in 12 months has become well supported by the growing number of Hanse owners in Australia.
“We set this club up because we wanted to foster the fantastic feeling of family that our owners share, and we have been overwhelmed by the response,” he said.
“It was fantastic to see 30 Hanses out on Pittwater together on a beautiful sunny day, some with their spinnakers up – and there was so much excitement from our owners.
“It cements my view that this special boat attracts a very like-minded group of boaties, who relish the opportunity to get together for a bit of friendly racing and an opportunity to talk about their boats.”
The regatta was held as a two-race format, with lunch in between, followed by a gala dinner and award presentation at the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Newport.
Race One started in light breeze, drifting the fleet down Pittwater. The lack of wind necessitated a shortening of the race, but no one complained as they squeezed into anchor at Portuguese Beach for lunch, German beer, champagne and swimming.
The wind picked up to a northeasterly 10-15 knots by the start of Race Two. This year’s format saw all 30 boats cross the start line at the same time – a spectacular sight!
The start was tightly fought but there was luckily no damage and the field moved out in two divisions – the boats with standard self-tacking sails and those with extra spinnakers.
About 10 of the boats were drawn into a more serious race, extending their turning mark near Lion Island before heading back towards the Royal Motor Yacht Club with their spinnakers flying.
The race finish was a spectacular sight of large boats with spinnakers, coming together with the self-tackers for a tight finish.
After a well-earned rest, the 140 participants turned out at the club for the dinner, at which the perpetual Hanse Downunder Trophy was awarded to regatta winner Chris Kimber from Merry Admiral.
The event attracted an impressive list of sponsors, including major sponsors North Sails and Windcraft Australia.
Mr Hrones used the event to announce the launch of Windcraft’s new service centre dedicated to Hanse owners. He said the centre would give owners unprecedented access to after sales service and parts.
The presentation event continued until the club’s closing time and featured a meal and live music.
Mr Hrones said he expected the event to be even bigger and better next year. The club has other events, including a sail-away, planned for this year.
“It is wonderful to see so many happy owners out there enjoying their boats together and sharing their sailing stories – it is a privilege to be a part of it,” he said.
Photos of the event can be seen here |
2007 Hanse Owners Port Stephens Sail Away
We would like to take this opportunity to inform all owners of the Inaugural Hanse Yachts Sail Away to Port Stephens last weekend.
If you were one of the lucky owners who was able to make the trip we trust that you enjoyed your time and thank you for your participation. To view photos of the event please click here.
Please also remember that we can have a unique painting of your yacht commissioned by professional artist Sue Richardson, these make a great gift & fit perfectly on the forward bulkhead. Contact us for further information.
If you were unable to make the trip read on for some of the details.......
Mother Nature turned on the best weather – and a few threatening clouds – for the Hanse Downunder owners’ club’s first weekend sail away from Pittwater to Port Stephens at the weekend.
An impressive collection of 10 Hanses ranging in size from 34’ to 47’ took part in the trip, most of them departing under a clear sky on Friday night, with pleasant 10-15 knot south westerly winds and a two-metre swell.
After a comfortable sail up the coast they enjoyed a stunning sunrise, before the clouds and a southerly change moved in. But the threatening rain did nothing to dampen anyone’s spirits and a few had a lively sail into Port Stephens.
They were joined by staff from Hanse Downunder who roared up the coast at an impressive 28 knots on Saturday morning, in a stunning new Fjord 40 Open. The head-turning powerboat has just been launched in Australia by Hanse Downunder founder Windcraft Australia.
Staff on board the Fjord 40 did slow down long enough to check on the fleet and take a few photographs.
The fleet arrived within a few hours of each other at Anchorage Marina Port Stephens throughout Saturday morning. Those on board were keen to share their experiences with each other – for many it was their first time offshore or on an overnight passage. 
They then enjoyed the facilities provided by the marina and the luxury Peppers Resort. A dedicated Hanse Owners’ Clubhouse had been set up at the resort and this was the location for a few quiet Sundowners on Saturday night, followed by a sumptuous three-course meal.
Owners were treated to a complimentary breakfast on Sunday morning, after which they had the day to enjoy at their leisure – and to catch up on some well-earned sleep. An evening meal was followed by an early night, ensuring crews awoke fresh for the return trip home early on Monday morning.
On Monday an early departure saw all yachts greeted with a 20-knot northwest wind, against a southerly swell that they managed with ease and arrived back in Sydney late Monday. The general consensus amongst owners was ‘where to next’.
|
2007 Inaugural Hanse Owners' Rally
Perfect conditions and a large fleet made the inaugural Hanse Owners’ Regatta a huge success on the weekend.
About 130 people on 22 yachts ranging from 34’ to 53’ lined up to take part in the two-race-event that was held on Pittwater on Saturday. The regatta was won by Hanse 342 ‘Hans Free’, owned and skippered by Ken Plumb.
Entrants came from Sydney Harbour, Pittwater and Port Hacking for the regatta, which marked the official launch of the Hanse Downunder Owners’ Club.
The club has been established by Hanse’s Australian importer Windcraft Australia, in response to the growing popularity of the luxury yacht range.
Windcraft Principal Peter Hrones said he was thrilled with the success of the inaugural regatta – a feeling shared by the many owners who took part.
“The Hanse brand keeps going from strength to strength worldwide, and here in Australia it is no different,” he said.
“We are approaching our 100th sale – a major milestone for our company.”
The regatta was supported by an impressive line-up of high profile sponsors, including Simrad, which secured the naming rights. The fleet participated in two races around Pittwater, before a gala dinner and presentation at Newport’s Royal Motor Yacht Club.
Mr Hrones said the success of the regatta was a tribute to the Hanse brand and he expected it would further boost its popularity.
“We are having great success because we offer a quality product that is designed by a leading team, and our yachts are world-renowned for their ease of sailing,” he said.
“It was awesome to see the 22 yachts all sailing next to each other down Pittwater into a 25-knot southerly with all the families on board having a ball.
“In the second race of the day the helm was handed over to the ladies and the children and they performed outstandingly.
“That is one of the main attractions of these yachts – they are easy to sail for almost anyone.”
The next major event for the Hanse Downunder Owners’ Club will be a ‘tag-along sail-away’ to Port Stephens later in the year. |
|
