Well, actually we didn’t go to the Cannes Yachting Festival today, but we did arrive here this afternoon, had some time to stroll around, eat terrific food, try out our new (used) camera, and even go for an evening swim!
If It All Goes Wrong
The sailing part of sailing isn’t what worries me. What worries me is that we’ve bought a new (and crazily expensive by our standards) yacht, created a lot of expectations, but when time eventually comes, we won’t really like it at all, to be out on the water and sail as a family.
An Inside History of Hanse Yachts
When we received the order confirmation for our new sailing boat from Hanse Yachts, I really wanted to write something about the quite fascinating history of the company and yard. After having done some research, though, I changed my mind. So many other people have done it much better than I ever could, so I decided to do something else instead.
Merry Christmas, H388!
Our dealer, BohusCharter AB, forwarded the first document we’ve seen from the actual Hanse Yachts yard! It’s saying they will start production of our new Hanse 388 in the first half of November, and have it ready for delivery in the second half of December. Wow. Second only to my VIC-20 (which I got when I was eight), this might well be the best Christmas present ever!
Configure Your Own Hanse Yacht
It’s super easy to buy a new sailing boat! Open the HanseYachts Configurator, select your boat, the materials, the options, press Buy and within a few business days your dream yacht will be delivered to you; the fridge stocked with strawberries and your favourite brand of Champagne, and a very delightful customer service representative giving you the ten minute quickstart tour, handing over the keys, and happily waving farewell to you and your loved ones. “Bon voyage!”, she shouts merrily, with just the perfect amount of adventure in her tone.
Hello, Helsinki!
This weekend Charlotte and I visited Helsinki and the Helsinki Boats Afloat Show. There was a Hanse 388 (fireworks! cheers!) but also a couple of other boats that gave us the good vibrations.
About Yacht Financing and Some Sleepless Nights
“I am so very sorry, but there has been a small misunderstanding on our part”, the very amiable bank employee said on the phone, “so is there any chance you could consider paying the extra amount (of about 9 000 eur) yourself (today)?”, she continued with the kindest of voices.
What We Left Out
As it happens, we actually didn’t include all the optional items in our new boat. Some were without a doubt unnecessary, but others frustratingly hard to decide on. Here is the list of what was left out (including some brief comments as to why), as well as some other things we changed (see previous post) before putting in the final order.
No Turning Back Now
A few hours ago I scanned and returned to the dealer the signed contract for buying a new Hanse 388!
Visiting Stockholm and a real Hanse 388
This weekend we saw it for the first time! A real Hanse 388!
But first some words about how we actually got here, and the quite amazing hotel we’re staying at.