Is the Hanse 315 the best yachting package around?

Like most boat importers, the local distributors of the German-made Hanse yachts have seen the sailing market ebb and flow. But rather than wait for the wind to fill in, Windcraft has introduced a keel-up yachting packaging using Hanse’s entry-level 315 to get more people sailing and, moreover, let them know the true costs of yacht ownership.

Released in 2015, the Hanse 315 is considered one of the best compact production yachts on the market today and has been awarded in Europe and lauded by the wider yachting press. The first two 315s are now due in Australia at the end of this November 2016 and that is sure to be anoccasion.

Designed by Judel/Vrolijk, the big little keel yacht with offshore sailing rating sleeps up to five in twin cabins, with full headroom below. But there’s a lot more to yacht ownership than meets the eye, not least being the hidden costs.

To this end, Mary Bickley from Windcraft created an exclusive all-inclusive package with the Hanse 315 to answer the common call from first-time buyers about the true cost of ownership. Everything from training, berthing and insurance is included in the bundle.

"We have been fielding inquiries from entry-level yachts buyers asking about all the costs involved, especially for that first year. One of the parties were sharing their boat with a friend,” Bickley explains.

"As we were going this costing process anyway, I thought I’d put together some entry-level packages where everything is laid out up front."

As a landed New Sailor Package from Windcraft, the Hanse 315 costs $230,600 with the works sail away.

The 316 has the optional upgraded twin-wheel steering and signature self-tacking headsail, bimini for shade, windlass for push-button anchoring and more in the sailing package.

Besides the yacht specification, the bundle also gives you 12 months’ berthing at Bayview Anchorage Marina on Pittwater, full insurance, first year routine service with slipping, plus sailing and yacht handling lessons, yacht maintenance and safety equipment training, and entry to Team Windcraft Owners’ events.

Already, the Hanse 315 has generated some strong interest from the local first-time sailors — and where better than Pittwater and the Hawkesbury for learning the ropes — but there’s also been inquiry from bigger yacht owners looking to move back down into a low-fuss and affordable weekender.

As there's not a lot of margin in these little yachts, we commend Windcraft for getting more people afloat and setting sail. For more information on the Hanse 315 New Sailor Package from Windcraft see www.windcrafthanse.com.