elan 340 or hanse 385?

[pauliee]

Apologies for what is probably a silly newbie question..... I am planning a 2 week sailing trip around the greek islands and have the option of an elan 340 or a hanse 385....

the hanse looks newer, has a longer hull length and overall looks a nicer boat..... I am more interest in comfort than speed as it will be for a romantic holiday.... any advice greatly appreciated

thanks
Paul

 

[lpdsn]

Apologies for what is probably a silly newbie question..... I am planning a 2 week sailing trip around the greek islands and have the option of an elan 340 or a hanse 385....

the hanse looks newer, has a longer hull length and overall looks a nicer boat..... I am more interest in comfort than speed as it will be for a romantic holiday.... any advice greatly appreciated

thanks
Paul

They're quite different boats. The Elan 340 is more of a round the cans cruiser racer. She'll sail a lot better, but you'll need to actively sail her. If you're a newbie (have done no racing say) you might just find there's a lot of spare string in the cockpit (i.e. lines coming into the cockpit) that would help optimise the performance but which you won't use. In fact, if you don't know how to de-power the main by any other means than dumping the sheet or reefing, then she could potentially be a bit scary for you at times.

 

[jac]

Take the Hanse.

As a newbie it will be simpler to sail and it also should be more comfortable, let alone more spacious.

 

[Tranona]

Another one for the Hanse. "Sailing" is a bit misleading around most of the Greek islands in the summer except in the Aegean and Cyclades. More important is the living space and parking ability. So big cockpit, light and airy cabin, bathing platform, steering in reverse and good anchor/windlass. Most charter boats have all of this, but the Hanse will have more of it that the Elan.