Hallberg-Rassy 43 Scandinavia (June 2005)

words - David Lockwood

With a solid build and detailed workmanship, the Hallberg-Rassy 43 Scandinavia is a purposeful yacht that could sail you safely to Sweden and back, says David Lockwood

Built for the North Sea, if not the seven seas, and engineered to reach faraway places in fair weather and foul, the Hallberg-Rassy 43 Scandinavia motors down Pittwater with the grace and conviction befitting this sturdy cruising conveyance lovingly handmade by Swedish craftsmen.

With Hallberg-Rassy yachts you need to forget the quick sailing fix, the race around the cans, and the blink-of-an-eye Sunday cruise. Rather, these are yachts to take on the long ocean road, provision and pack to the hilt with a season's worth of grub and clobber, before giving royal salute to a landlubber's life and putting to sea.

With maybe five knots of breeze caressing Pittwater, our 12,700kg 43-footer doesn't charge off into the fray nor does it joust like the lightweight racer-cruisers in the twilight mid-week race up ahead, but it does show an inescapable willingness to travel.

At Lion Island, which guards the entrance of Broken Bay like a sphinx poised to pounce, the wind fills in and I find myself sailing at long last. I also find myself in a conundrum: the further I go the more comfortable this yacht feels. Lion Island could just as easily be Lizard Island given that all-too-rare commodity of spare time.

Indeed, the hardest thing I find about sailing this Hallberg-Rassy 43 - which had been upgraded with cruising conveniences such as push-button electric winches and in-mast furling - was stepping off in the dark knowing my appetite has been whet but not sated. Only a good cruising yacht can inspire such wanderlust.

STRONG SWEDE
The company's first yacht, a centre-cockpit 35-footer, set the scene for Hallberg-Rassy back in 1967. Of the eight models from 31–62ft available today all but the smallest two have a centre-cockpit layout, but unlike many centre-cockpit yachts, these are sweetly styled and well-proportioned yachts without a top-heavy turret or bloated girth.

Construction is one of the badge's biggest strengths, literally. Built to Germanishcer Lloyd 100A5 standards, which produce truly heavy-duty yachts, and delivered with a CE certificate to sail in Category A, that is unlimited ocean voyages, the Hallberg-Rassy 43 is one of about 170 yachts that the waterfront factory makes each year. It is also one of more than 8000 sailing worldwide. And I do mean worldwide: you will find them cruising before icy backdrops, palm trees, European villages and now Pittwater.

Sporting its own harbour and a marina, with a street named after it, the Hallberg-Rassy headquarters in Ellös, Sweden, employs about 250 locals whom, I'm told, are mainly your typical blonde-haired Swedish craftsmen that ride pushbikes to almost fairytale-like factory setting. At any one time as many as 49 boats are in various stages of construction, using teams of builders, some of whom have been making these yachts for decades.

The build time on this 43-footer is said to be about seven months. For two months, the hull is left to rest and cure. The boat is made using solid GRP below the waterline with Divinycell above it and on the deck, cockpit and coach house for insulation. A sub-floor grid structure provides stiffness, as do bulkheads, which are laminated from both sides to the hull and deck.

The lead keel with bulb is attached with 16 big stainless-steel bolts; the rudder is, unusually, skeg mounted on three roller bearings; the chainplates are big solid things; as are the lower rod-sections of the stanchions, the mast compression post, and the deck fittings. Think Volvo or Saab on-water: safe and strong.

Interestingly, the hull and deck are bonded before the interior is kitted out. As such, anything and everything, including the Volvo Penta engine, that goes into the yacht can be taken back out again through the wide companionway. This way, in 10 to 20 years when the owner still has his yacht he can replace parts as needed. These can be ordered from anywhere in the world online.

Though built for cold-climate boating - every yacht features a diesel heater as standard - this 43-footer isn't pokey or miserly in the cockpit and deck areas. On the contrary, this yacht has a huge flat aft deck where two people can sunbake or relax on teak deck chairs behind a very generous cockpit in which six could sail out of the weather.

Down below, I was similarly impressed by the accommodating layout that includes an engine room of incredible proportions in which you can scuttle around all sides of the motor, with a dedicated mounting space for a generator, air-con units, esalinator and more.

The sound insulation is generous and very capable, while the electrics include coded wiring, heavy-duty circuit breakers and an invertor/charger.

Thanks to the optional bowthruster, we decamped from the marina with ease. The Volvo inboard engine, a D2-75hp model as standard, with self-feathering three-blade prop, drove the boat to a handy motorsailing speed. The factory quotes a 710nm motoring range in calm waters based on the 395lt fuel capacity. Both the fuel and huge 650lt of charcoal-filtered, pressurised water are held in attached stainless-steel tanks.

With or without extras such as a generator and desalinator, the Hallberg-Rassy 43 will sail well. That famous Argentine yacht designer, German Frers, is charged with bringing the hulls up to speed. Typically, they sport long waterline lengths and, as I noted the moment I set foot aboard, great stability.

The sails are tailored especially for Hallberg-Rassy by Elvstrom Sobstad in Denmark, using offshore-quality fabrics, namely superior Dacrons and, in this case, an upgraded fabric for the longitudinally-battened furling mainsail.

The high-aspect triple-spreader rig from Seldon includes a reefing system, rod kicker and huge Furlex jib furler. Every yacht is thoroughly water-tested before being shipped overseas. As such, the predelivery is said to be ridiculously simple and trouble-free for agents.

BOAT FOR YOUR BUCK
While it is priced as a premium product, this exceedingly well-equipped yacht has been provided with every conceivable feature, including bow-to-stern teak laid decks (vacuum-glued 12mm teak, no less), windlass and anchoring hardware, and a boathook. The varnished mahogany joinery that extends to inlays on the white headliners is very well done, indeed.

Computer-aided machines assist with cutting and varnishing the timber but the result is detailed, not high-volume pop-out production. Look behind the settees in the saloon, for example, and you'll find neat little shelves. Timber planking is used extensively as a liner and there are lights in the hanging lockers, and the thoughtful design extends to the excellent heavy-weather dodger and foam cushions with softer upper layers.

In the endless array of hatches I noted direct access to the through-hull fittings, which have ball valves and double hose clips. Compare the finish and attention to detail for yourself. For me, the difference was noticeable.

DECKED OUT
Above decks, the 43-footer will work as well in heavy weather as it will at rest at a distant anchorage. The transom includes built-in steps, a big swim ladder, opening lifelines and a deck shower, plus stainless-steel navigation lights and aft storage lockers with overboard drains and double-moulded lids.

Sailing onlookers will enjoy the views from the optional pushpit seats, while owners will find enough flat aft deck to soak up the rays or perhaps even sit on a deck chair and do lunch or cast a line. This is a cruising yacht, after all.

The cleats are big and bold and easy to get mooring lines around, there are teak toerails, and ship-like bulwarks to make the journey forward nice and secure. Deck features include side gates with brass tread steps, twin stainless-steel gas bottles in a starboard-side deck locker, handrails on the coach house, massive stays, adjustable cars for improving sailing angles, oversized deck hatches, and dorade vents.

A neat touch is the way the overboard drainage system exits well below the dedicated rubbing strip close to the waterline to prevent stains down the sides of the hull.

The bowsprit can carry two anchors and the chain locker is a deep self-stowing design with a shelf for carrying fenders. A trick stainless-steel bowsprit attaches to one of the bowsprits for flying the boat's factory-supplied MPS, which would have been handy for reaching home in the light airs. A pole is provided for winging out the genoa.

The yacht can comfortably carry 10 people, six of whom can sit in the recessed centre cockpit, which has ergonomic moulded seats that double as aft-facing one person lounges, lockers with dedicated storage for the washboards, and a useful cockpit table.

With the dodger up there's a good degree of protection - so much, in fact, that there are twin chart tables either side of the companionway - and views remain for the skipper through a clear window. And all the lines lead back to the cockpit.

With the traveller behind the helm, and with easy-to-operate electric genoa and mainsheet winches, you can do the lot yourself from behind the steering binnacle. The foot-controlled bowthruster buttons make marina manoeuvring easy.

The Raymarine electronics package included an autopilot, which we relied on briefly on our way home, and sailing instruments on the forward face of the companionway.

MY ISLAND HOME
Five steps lead below to big living spaces and generous owner's accommodation. The timber flooring in the saloon is covered by carpet protectors, and flanked by lots of lockers with timber grills so they can breathe. There's a strong Scandinavian feeling from the light matt-silk finished mahogany joinery - the total absence of plastic - and this yacht's optional starboard fixed armchairs.

Mounted between the boat's sound systems, the armchairs created a place to unwind after a long passage at sea, following a nice hot shower, and a change of attire. The chairs' design and soft upholstery were mighty comfortable.

An option is to have a convertible seaberth/lounge to starboard.

Opposite is an L-shaped lounge for five than can be used as a seaberth when on starboard tack, before a big, beautiful timber dinette with a centre bottle locker for the bootleg and cards. Grab- and fiddle-rails feature throughout, as do plenty of opening portlights and 12V fans for fresh air. High headroom (1.97m) and a bright ambience are other reasons these yachts sell well in the States, I'm told.

While small, the starboard-side galley will be eminently workable in a seaway and the abundant hatches will help with ventilation. There are various overhead storage lockers, other lockers with a pegboard for customising your crockery and glass storage, and a pull-out cutting board and handy pantry area in which I found the owner's stash of almonds.

Cooking amenities include twin sinks, two-burner gas stove/oven/grill, and a top-loading fridge that Hallberg-Rassy says will run for up to six days without you needing to start the engine. A separate top-loading freezer exists behind the portside navigation station, which has nice touches like timber pen and instrument holders.

I found a big hanging locker at the entrance of the 1.80m-tall stoopway leading back to the aft cabin. Thanks to more portlights and a big hatch, this owner's aft cabin is bright.

A classy aftermarket soft furnishing pack added to the appeal of the optional offset double bed replacing the standard single berths. There is a comfortable lounge for reading or dressing, plus reading lights, a mirror and an abundance of lockers.

The ensuite features an electric loo, which is good to see on a yacht, plus a bifold acrylic shower door with a rose on a slider. In other words, you get a real shower. Counters are classy Corian and there is ample storage for personal effects.

Guests will enjoy two 2.13m-long vee-berths in the bow. A huge built-in mahogany dresser near the entrance includes a hanging locker, shoe locker and lots of storage space. The guest or day ensuite has a manual head in case the aft electric one fails, plus a shower stall and provision for a washer/drier.

SAIL AWAY
Setting sail was no more difficult than taking the outhaul to a Lamar 40 electric winch and pressing a button. Voila! Out came the main. Next, we put the genoa sheet around the Lewmar 54 and pushed a button. Out came the headsail.

Motor switched off, we were sailing or ghosting before the light airs. With a bit of motorsailing here and there we found some wind and about four knots boatspeed in six knots of breeze.

The Buizen 48 nearby didn't seem to be fairing any better.

The boat heeled and we were up to maybe five knots or so with a full main and the cruising genoa or No. 2. The yacht certainly felt stable, with 4500kg of its 12,700kg displacement being ballast by way of the lead keel. The swooping foredeck should also make for a dry boat. Steering was light in the conditions.

By now the yacht had found its own groove and I guess we could have sailed through the night, hooked into a westerly close to shore, and kept trucking up north. I doubt even a whale would stop you making progress in this headstrong yacht.

In a good blow the boat is wonderful, it doesn't pound and just forges it way ahead like an adze though timber. Big and heavy, the cruising boat has a stately manner that I could sense while crossing boat wake, if not when bounding about Broken Bay.

"Everyone likens the Hallberg-Rassy yachts to Rolls Royce," explains the agent Peter Hrones as he prepares to exercise his middle finger to furl home the sail, "but Magnus Rassy [son of founder Christoph] disagrees because he believes [Rolls Royce] are overpriced and his yachts are not."

Built for connoisseurs, the Hallberg-Rassy 43 is a real home-away-from-home in which couples can take comfort from the finish, amenities and the integrity of the build.

You need plenty of money to buy one and plenty of time to realise the potential and appreciate all these yachts have to offer, but where cruising types smitten by wanderlust traditionally wait for fair weather before setting sail, you can put to sea whenever the mood strikes in this yacht. Yes, these are yachts for cruising the world. Little wonder that just two of the 25 Hallberg-Rassys in Australia came by ship. The rest were sailed. Enough said.

HIGHS

Built to last with solid workmanship
Push-button sailing controls
Serious onboard systems
Massive engine room
Generous deck space
Cabin and ensuite adequate to liveaboard
Loads of storage space
Lovely finish and luxurious armchairs

LOWS

Expensive and possibly a long wait for delivery of popular models
Heavy-duty cruising yacht doesn't relish light airs
Small sea galley with little room for microwave oven
No retaining device to suppress the lids for the opening overhead storage lockers
Double bed could be tricky in the aft cabin

HALLBERG-RASSY 43 SCANDINAVIA

PRICE AS TESTED: About $900,000 w/ optional saloon chairs and double bed in aft cabin, plus options

OPTIONS FITTED

Armchair layout, electric winches and furling main, bowthruster, electronics inc. autopilot, second fridge/freezer, pushpit seats, stereo, soft furnishings and more

PRICED FROM: About $829,000

GENERAL

Material: GRP hull with foam-sandwich decks

Type: Monohull

LOA: 13.57m

LWL Length: 11.75m

Beam: 4.08m

Draft: 2.00m (deep-draft lead keel)

Displacement: About 12,700kg (dry)

Ballast: Deep draft keel about 4500kg

Sail Area: w/ working jib 92sqm

CAPACITIES

Berths: 4+1

Fuel Capacity: 395lt

Water Capacity: 650lt

ENGINE

Make/Model: (Now standard w/) Volvo D2-75

Type: Four-cylinder diesel inboard engine

Rated power: 75hp

Drive: Shaftdrive

Prop: Self-feathering three-blade model

SUPPLIED BY: Windcraft Australia, Bayview Anchorage Marina, Suite 7B, 1714 Pittwater Road, NSW, 2014, tel (02) 9979 1709 or visit www.hallberg-rassy.se

Published : Wednesday, 1 June 2005

Disclaimer

Prices and specifications supplied are for the market in Australia only and were correct at time of first publication. boatsales.com.au makes no warranty as to the accuracy of specifications or prices. Please check with manufacturer or local dealer for current pricing and specifications.

Disclaimer

Prices and specifications supplied are for the market in Australia only and were correct at time of first publication. boatsales.com.au makes no warranty as to the accuracy of specifications or prices. Please check with manufacturer or local dealer for current pricing and specifications.