Hans Christian 41 Traditional

With more than 550 yachts built in just 14 years, Hans Christian Yachts was looking for a design that would blend its traditional styling with modern hull lines. Starting with the successful 38-footer, designer Scott Sprague produced the 41T (traditional) with a finer entry, lighter helm, better speed to weather and under power, and increased surfing ability, while maintaining the classic look. The major modifications were to cut away the full keel into a long fin, and hang the rudder from a separate skeg. The sweetly curved sheer, rounded canoe stern with pronounced tumblehome, teak bulwarks and cutter rig with bowsprit keep the "Hans Christian look" intact. Teak decks, oversized bronze opening ports, an array of dorade vents and a teak skylight complement the salty character and the husky bronze steering pedestal accents the roomy cockpit. Some models also have teak deck boxes forward. Below decks, a variety of choices is offered to tailor the 41T to every need. The layout pictured (known as the "Harmony" model) features a large U-shaped dinette opposite two rotating armchairs in the saloon. Just aft is the walk-in galley to port, and a very large, very comfortable navigation station to starboard. (It has a deep swiveled seat and an extra large volume for electronics, charts and reference books. In the "Atlantic" model the nav station is in a separate chartroom in the after stateroom, and is magnificent.) A private owner's cabin is aft to port, and to starboard one can choose either a quarterberth or an enclosed head. Forward of the saloon is a large double berth tucked cosily into a train-style compartment that can be closed off with a velvet curtain; a vanity area is opposite. Forward of that is the head, with the toilet all the way into the forpeak, on the centerline facing aft, with a blue-tiled shower to port and hanging locker to starboard. An option is a traditional forepeak double berth. One can also have a settee in the saloon instead of the armchairs (see plan) and either shelves and lockers or sea berths above the settees.

Power for the 41T is a 72-hp. Mercedes-Benz diesel which can be run up to 330 r.p.m. and which powers the 41 at seven knots at, say, 2,100 r.p.m., helped by a three-bladed 21"x14" bronze prop. Space has been left to accommodate options such as an 8.5-kw. generator, air conditioning, and other liveaboard equipment. ( The Mercedes-Benz has now been replaced with the Yanmar 75 hp. diesel. )

Rigging is American-made, and the standard main and double headsails are customized for the sailing area of each buyer.