If you’ve watched Hanse Yachts’ development over the past decade or more, you’ll see something entirely new in the Hanse 510. For many years the German boatbuilder has offered simple-to-sail, good-performing monohulls in the 50-foot range, beginning with the 495, then transitioning through the 505 and finally the 508. Each of those boats was designed by design firm Judel/Vrolijk out of Bremerhaven, Germany. With subtle changes along the way, those models shared the common traits of a pronounced freeboard, low coachroof, and plumb bow.
By contrast, the new 510 breaks that trend, carrying on instead from something Hanse Yachts started in 2021 when it launched the 460: a new working partnership with French yacht designers at Berrett-Racoupeau. This boat emphasizes powerful horizontal lines, particularly at the waterline, with a reverse bow that suggests a Volvo Ocean Race boat. A chine—subtle forward and more pronounced farther aft—confers low wetted surface near the waterline yet ample volume above. Meanwhile, the freeboard is more traditionally proportional.
Cruising World’s Boat of the Year judges test-sailed the 510 in Annapolis, Maryland, in October, and they were immediately struck by the generous cockpit space. The boat they sailed had an optional tempered-glass windshield and hardtop that sheltered the long cockpit settees yet opened to let in the light in fine weather.
In this boat, the social cockpit is at once separated from and connected with the working cockpit. Twin helm pedestals, outboard to port and starboard, create a subtle separation without in any way blocking eye contact or conversations; primary and secondary winches are placed in the space between the helm stations and the settees. All sailhandling lines are led to these positions, which can be reached by the helmsman alone or by crew from the settees. This, plus a self-tacking jib, keeps the sailhandling as simple as can be. It’s safe too: The mainsheet terminates forward of and entirely clear of the social cockpit.
To keep seawater out of the cockpit, Hanse built ample drainage into the side decks. An integrated step leads from the cockpit to the side deck, while also providing a line bag for sheet tails and other spaghetti. The hardtop provides an excellent handrail for this transition. Optional barbecue and sink, as well as shower, round out the Hanse’s cockpit amenities. A tender bay with Hanse’s tender arm system provides a place for the dinghy—off the deck, without davits, and out of the way.
For more information on the Hanse 510, visit hanseyachtsag.com/hanse/us/yachts/hanse-510/
