Customizing a yacht: real life sailing stories
Sailors buying a yacht invest in a lifestyle; it's not like buying a vehicle to commute to work or a piece of jewelry worn only on special occasions. Families often make it their second home (some even their first!), with friends likely to join as well. This reality drives new owners to infuse their personal touch, focusing on the subtle details that render it distinctively theirs and extend a welcoming vibe to all who come aboard.
Customizing a Hanse yacht
The freedom of customization is fundamental to our engineering philosophy, ingrained right from the initial design stages. Each model is thoughtfully composed to offer a wealth of personalization options, ranging from layouts to colors, fabrics, and flooring. It's almost like being in an interior design studio, with choices spanning various cabin layouts, optional equipment, and a plethora of wood types. There are over 1,000 combinations that can make a yacht distinctively yours!
Benk and Jenny Boldt: S/Y Black Sheep
In 2021, Benk and Jenny Boldt transformed their newly purchased sailboat to reflect their favorite motif: a Black Sheep. It was unique, quirky, and bold, embodying the couple's enthusiasm for embracing individuality and rejecting conventional norms.
Intrigued by their distinctive style, we invited them for an interview to learn more about their vision and the unique concept of their yacht.
Since when have you owned your yacht, and where does it call home?
“Our Hanse 348 was christened in Greifswald, Germany, back in March 2019, coinciding with the birthday of her skipper. During the summer months, we moor in Hohe Düne, Warnemünde, Germany, which is an ideal starting point for diverse sailing trips across the Baltic Sea. In the winter, however, she's docked in Kröslin, Germany.”
What do you primarily use your yacht for, and what motivated your choice of this model?
“It serves as our weekend holiday home on the Baltic Sea. From April to October, we're there every free day. It's the perfect place to escape the daily routine and let our souls dangle.
For a two-person crew, the 348 is the ideal size. It has ample space for all our needs. Particularly during the Coronavirus period, we appreciated the large bath at the season's start, as showers in the marinas of Schleswig-Holstein, for instance, were closed.
As Greifswald natives, we knew from the start that only a Hanse would do. We haven't regretted this decision one bit. The yacht excels in both comfort and sailing performance. There's always this goal to overtake other boats and be among the first into the harbor (laughs).”
The Hanse 348: made for realizing wishes
Designed by the renowned judel/vrolijk & co, the Hanse 348 is robustly built to embrace the elements with grace. It features a high rig, a sporty sail plan, and the remarkable ability to operate all functions from the helm position via one set of winches. Below deck, the design effortlessly combines space and light, boasting three double cabins and numerous windows for a homey and inviting atmosphere.
The Hanse 348 customization options
The Hanse 348 is a canvas for personal expression. Here's a glimpse into some of the ways new owners can make it uniquely theirs:
Layout variants: Two distinct layout options - whether prioritizing additional cabins or more open living spaces.
Cabin configurations: Options for up to three full double cabins, providing ample space for guests or extra storage.
Saloon and pantry design: A sunlit saloon with an L-shaped pantry, customizable for a cozy and functional gathering area.
Bathroom features: An optional extra shower for longer journeys.
Interior aesthetics: A massive range of high-quality furniture designs (incl. upholstery, wood, carpets, etc.)
Benk and Jenny, what inspired the 'Black Sheep' theme?
“After ten years of motor boating, we braved a change and ventured into new waters. In doing so, we became somewhat of a 'black sheep' among seasoned sailors. The name came to us by chance and immediately struck us as fitting for our boat.”
Did you also incorporate the sheep design below the deck?
“If someone expects to see a sheep grinning on our bedding or towels, they'll be disappointed (laughs). However, we've hidden small details throughout, creating our perfect oasis of well-being. In the bathroom, a rubber duck dons sheep's clothing, and a plush sheep awaits us each week on the sofa.”
What other accessories do you have on board?
"Several items on board now bear our sheep logo, extending beyond just the wardrobe. The printed accessories originate from 'Fender Design.' We have already brought numerous ideas to life. For instance, the foils we use for lettering, our logo, or our crew clothing are crafted with the help of 'Schulz Werbung,' a local firm in Greifswald."
Is customizing a yacht a good idea?
It would be a bad idea if you don't - no matter how big or small the changes! Here are 4 reasons why:
The most obvious of reasons; customizing a sailing yacht makes it feel like a true home on the water. Psychologically, personalizing a space with familiar comforts and preferred aesthetics significantly enhances the sense of belonging and well-being.
Yachts with unique themes are great conversation starters among the sailing community. It acts as a natural icebreaker at each port you dock.
Owning a yacht that you had a say in its build maximizes the use of every inch of space, whether for leisure, entertainment, or practical purposes.
While customization can be specific to the owner's tastes, certain unique features can enhance the yacht's allure and resale value. Those that are universally appealing or trendsetting are the safest options, yet others can also hit the nail on the head if finding someone with similar preferences.
When asked about their proudest achievements, Benk and Jenny noted the ease of transitioning from motorboat to sailing. They find joy in every small victory, particularly against natural elements like water and wind, and when the yacht heeds their call. Their pride swells when fellow boaters initiate conversations, intrigued by their sheep, or when children excitedly point out the sheep to their parents.
Find more about Hanse Yachts:
The perfect blend of luxury and performance: Hanse 548
Design, innovation, perfection: the Hanse Philosophy