At the annual “European Yacht of the Year” Awards, the HANSE yard won the top accolade for its brand new model, the HANSE 461. The jury recognised the extraordinary overall concept of the yacht by bestowing the treasured innovation award for the most groundbreaking and exceptional yacht in the competition.

60 European yachts were nominated for this title. After running through tests in Barcelona and Southampton boat shows, 24 yachting journalists disclosed their eagerly awaited decision at the “European Yacht of the Year” ceremony during the Düsseldorf Boat Show in January 05.

The Innovation award is only handed out in exceptional cases and the HANSE shipyard from Greifswald in Germany was honoured to be chosen.

Michael Schmidt, owner of the HANSE shipyard commented on the award: “We are very pleased that our modern ideas and innovative concept for the HANSE 461 have been acknowledged by the European experts in water sports”. Furthermore, he stated: “Our clients have long recognized the potential of the HANSE 461 – the order books are well filled since its launch only a few months ago.”

Jochen Rieker, the chief editor of the sail magazine “Yacht” and initiator of the event, was particularly pleased with the award going to a successful European yard.

The HANSE 461 was launched in August 2004 as the latest model from the second largest shipyard in Germany. With naval architecture and engineering by Judel/Vrolijk and the interior designed by the Birgit Schnaase Studio from Hamburg, the sporty yacht had already caused a stir during its first sea trials and customers from all over Europe have already placed orders.