By IBI Magazine

German boatbuilder Hanse Yachts AG looks to have bucked the current economic downturn by registering its highest ever turnover at the Düsseldorf boat show (January 17-25) since it first began exhibiting at the event back in 1994. The boatbuilder declined to say how many boats it had sold, but told IBI that sales were healthy across its entire range, with a slight leaning toward the bigger and more expensive models. Though the number of boats sold was slightly down on last year, actual turnover was up.

"The result indicates that Hanse Yachts Group has chosen a successful course with its three-brand strategy with Hanse, Moody, and Fjord, even in such a crisis", remarked Michael Schmidt, CEO.

Hanse used the show to launch its new Moody 45 Classic, as well as presenting its Moody 41 Classic (which had its world premiere at the Hamburg show) and the Moody 45 Deck saloon. A Hanse 470 with new decks and interior, and a Hanse 540 black edition (which features a black and silver leather interior trim) also drew the crowds. On the power side, Fjord presented its 40 Open and 40 Cruiser models.

In 2008 HanseYachts AG celebrated the 15th anniversary of its Hanse brand. The boatbuilder has been publicly listed on the General Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Ex-change since March 2007, and is today one of the fastest growing yacht shipyards in Europe. It currently builds Hanse and Moody brands as well as its Fjord motoryachts, from 24ft-63ft.