HANSE 418

The 418 felt slower to react than the 348, giving her a more graceful feeling on the water. She would also find a groove and stay in it, and was less affected by wave motion and gusts. Like the 348 we were also sailing at the top of what would be considered a suitable sail plan. The larger 418 gave plenty of warning that she was overpowered and wanted to round up – the helm would load up and then she would slowly head towards the wind. It was, however, possible to catch her and apply helm to halt her course and take her back. It gave an excellent feeling of confidence. Reefing was a push-button affair, thanks to the electric winches, and all done from the starboard helm. She lost a bit of speed through the water (dropping from an average of 6.4 knots to 6.1 knots) but gained more surefootedness. The grip from the single rudder was excellent and, like the 348, the feedback from the Jefa steering was good too. It appears Hanse use the same steering unit on both yachts, meaning the distance between the larger wheels on the 418 was narrow, given the width of the cockpit. Both boats have the option of using a German mainsheet system which can be operated from either wheel, though the 348 was set up with the mainsheet going to one side.

EXPLORING THE COCKPIT

The 418’s cockpit felt 50 per cent wider, but only a little longer, while you also