Hallberg-Rassy: Pushing the limits for what is possible

Hallberg-Rassy is known far and wide for its sturdy sailing boats with superb craftsmanship and seaworthiness. The boats are loved for their easy handling, elegance and spirited performance. Visitors at Scandinavia’s biggest sailboat show, Open Yard, have the opportunity to take a sneak peek at the newest beauty, the 40C.

Based in Ellös on the island of Orust in the Swedish archipelago, yacht-building company Hallberg-Rassy has a dual history. The Hallberg shipyard was established in 1943 by Harry Hallberg, and in the 1960s, Christoph Rassy set up business in the same field. When Hallberg retired, Rassy was looking for bigger facilities and took over in 1972. The family owns the company still today.

Since 1988, all yachts in the current range have been designed by the Argentinian engineer and yacht designer Germán Frers, claimed to be the most talented yacht designer of our time. Frers brings the experience of successes in the Volvo Ocean Race and in America’s Cup, and combines this with the fine traditions that have made Hallberg-Rassy a world-famous yacht builder. Hallberg-Rassy, which turns a respectable 76 this year, has built an impressive 9,450 boats. All of them have been delivered on time and found homes around the world.

Photo: Magnus Rassy

The most impressive cruising boat

Hallberg-Rassy is renowned for its sturdiness, seaworthiness, comfort, safety, and fine wood-work. The boats are easy to handle by a small crew. “Over the years, we have been able to balance tradition and innovation,” explains CEO Magnus Rassy. “We have specialised in doing one thing only and doing it well. Our concept is clear, with well-built boats for long-distance sailing, and each model is a step forward, building on the great experience of the brand.”

Photo: Rick Tomlinson

On the question of which boat he is most proud of, Rassy says with a smile: “It’s always the latest one. For us, Hallberg-Rassy 57 is the newest and most impressive boat around. This boat is better in every way, both in terms of sailing performance and comfort.”

The new world cruiser follows the commercial success of the Hallberg-Rassy 44 and 340. From living space and storage to performance and handling, all have been improved and the 57 ensures fast, easy and comfortable sailing at a new level. It has even been nominated for European Yacht of the Year 2019 in the Luxury Cruiser category. That means that Hallberg-Rassy 57 has been ranked as one of the most interesting and promising newcomers of its class.

Photo: Magnus Rassy

Scandinavia’s largest sailboat show

For the 26th year, Hallberg-Rassy is organising Scandinavia’s largest sailboat show this summer. Open Yard takes place from 23 to 25 August at Ellös. Visitors can see new and premium used boats from a wide range of manufacturers, as well as plenty of equipment for boats, and listen to talks about long-distance sailing. There is also a Caribbean restaurant for the hungry crowd in attendance. The show is free and attracts around 20,000 curious visitors from around the world every year.

Photo: James Tomlinson

One of the highlights this year is a preview of the all-new Hallberg-Rassy 40C, which will be launched next year. It is claimed to push the limits for what is possible. When the larger sister, Hallberg-Rassy 44, was introduced, it was a bold step forward in terms of interior comfort, sailing performance and looks. As per a quote from a test report in Yachting World: “The Hallberg-Rassy 44 in some ways shocked me. I expected the comfort and luxury, but aspects of the sailing performance genuinely blew me away.” And the new 40C is just as good when it comes to saloon, aft cabin and galley. A fantastic sailing performance awaits!

Web: hallberg-rassy.com
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