To read the latest edition of the Windcraft / Hanse Downunder newsletter please click here

Western Australia bowled over at Open Day

Our Western Australian agent, Ben Lexcen Marine, held an Open Day recently at Hillarys Yacht Club to show potential prospects the latest yacht to their Hanse fleet, the new Hanse 350.

Mike Lyndon James, sales direstor for Hanse Yachts in WA reported that their expectations were met as over 120 people inspected the newest arival. The most common comment from the clients was"What a big 35'er".  Mike now has this yacht available for customers to inspect and test sail at their marina. Mike can be contacted on    08 9430 6602    or mike@benlexcen.com.au

The Right Choice - Windcraft Celebrates 10 years with Hanse Yachts

Windcraft will this month celebrate 10 years of importing Hanse Yachts into Australia and New Zealand. A decision made ten years ago in the small but historically significant boat building town of Greifswald, on Germany's Baltic Coast, by Windcraft's managing director Peter Hrones, has seen the Windcraft and Hanse Yachts make a huge impression on the Australian sailing scene.

Later this month a celebration will be held to mark the occasion. Held at the Bayview base of Windcraft the night will be accompanied by a string quartet, fine food and wine.

To read the full story on the history of Windcraft and Hanse Yachts please click here

Fjord 40 Cruiser

After a long wait, Australia is set to see the innovative Fjord 40 Cruiser here just in time for the Melbourne Boat Show. The Cruiser follows on from the successful Fjord 40 Open, six of which are now on Australian waters.
While some boat builders are experiencing a downturn in the current economic climate, the Fjord production line has forward orders for the next twelve months. Several other owners are awaiting delivery of their Fjord 40 Cruiser throughout 2009 and the cruiser will be displayed at all major Australian Boat Shows

 

To view further information please click here.

WINDCRAFT 2008 HANSE DEALER OF THE YEAR

At the 2008 Hanse Yachts Dealer Meeting held in Germany at the end of July, Windcraft Australia was recognised for their hard work and success and awarded "2008 Dealer of the Year". Managing Director Peter Hrones said, "To receive this award is a great honour and it is pleasing to see the many years of hard work recognised. This is the second time we have received this award and it gives me great pleasure to be involved with such a successful brand, both here in Australia and throughout the world."

To mark the occasion Hanse Yachts founder, Michael Schmidt, made the journey down under to celebrate with Windcraft and attend the Sydney International Boat Show. Windcraft had 12 vessels on display at this year's show, including the World Release of the new Moody 45DS. Mr Hrones said, "Michael told me many years ago that he would come to Australia once we had sold 100 Hanse Yachts. We have well and truly exceeded that now, and with the Dealer of the Year award, the world release of the Moody 45DS and our biggest ever presence at the Sydney show, all the pieces fell into place."

"I look forward to the coming years and further developing the brand here in Australia. It was great to have Michael here to join in the celebration with the whole Team and our owners, at the owners function and Moody Launch that we held on the Friday evening" said Mr Hrones. "A good time was had by all and the response from the show has been extremely positive with several orders already placed, and many more to finalise in the coming months".  

HANSE SAIL AWAY - CELEBRATES THE ARRIVAL OF SPRING

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

September 2008

Windcraft has again been awarded as the International Hanse Dealer of the Year Award for 2008. Recognition by the German Hanse yard of Windcraft s success in establishing the Hanse brand in the Australian & New Zealand market first came in 2005.

In August 2008, Windcraft's managing director Peter Hrones was acknowledged as having created an important export market for HanseYachts, one of the fastest growing yacht producers in Europe. HanseYachts also recently acquired Fjord Motor Yachts (2008 Powerboat of the Year) & England's Moody brand, with the Moody 45DS being nominated as Yacht of the Year for 2008 . 

These prestigious additions to the range are further confirming Windcraft's commitment to be the industry leader.