Hanse Yachts, known for its innovation and reliability in the sailing community, has recently launched the Hanse 590, adding a new chapter to its line of performance cruisers. This 59-foot yacht, set to make its world debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2024, signals the company’s ongoing commitment to merging functionality with comfort, all while maintaining the sailing ease that Hanse is known for. But does the Hanse 590 bring something new to the table in the 60-foot cruiser range? Let's take a deeper look.

Hanse 590 Yacht

Above: The new 590 from Hanse Yachts. Image by Hanse Yachts.


A Design Rooted in Practicality


At first glance, the Hanse 590 presents a familiar silhouette with her sharp, modern lines and characteristic chines, a staple of Hanse's design language. The chines serve a dual purpose, enhancing both the yacht’s stability and interior volume. This is not just a design flourish but a practical choice that gives the yacht a larger interior space without compromising on performance.

The deck layout is straightforward, with a focus on user-friendliness. The helm stations, equipped with folding seats, are designed for easy access to all the main lines and winches, centralizing control for the skipper. This feature makes single-handed sailing a viable option, aligning with Hanse’s reputation for producing yachts that are easy to manage, even for less experienced sailors.

Customization and Comfort


One of the key talking points of the Hanse 590 is its flexibility in layout and customization. Hanse offers 36 different configurations, allowing owners to tailor the yacht to their specific needs. Whether you’re a cruiser who enjoys extended passages with a large crew or someone who prefers the simplicity of a streamlined setup, the Hanse 590 offers options.

The interior is designed to maximize space and light, with 22 opening hatches and windows ensuring good ventilation and natural illumination. The owner’s cabin, available in multiple configurations, can be set up with an en-suite bathroom or divided into additional guest cabins. This flexibility is a practical solution for those who need to balance between comfort and utility.

The saloon, with its 21 square meters of space, reflects this practical design ethos. It’s a multipurpose area that can accommodate up to 12 people, with seating arrangements that can be modified depending on the layout. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or need a quiet corner for navigation and planning, the saloon’s design caters to various needs without unnecessary luxury frills.

Performance with an Eye on Sustainability


The Hanse 590 is equipped with a tall rig and a generous sail area, ensuring that it remains a performance-oriented yacht despite its focus on comfort. The inclusion of a standard bowsprit with a second forestay offers versatility in sail selection, enhancing the yacht’s adaptability to different wind and weather conditions.

Notably, Hanse has incorporated environmentally conscious options into the 590. Owners can opt for Sustainable Performance Sails made from recycled materials, and there’s the option to add solar panels and a fuel cell. These features align with the growing trend towards sustainable boating, offering a level of energy independence that’s becoming increasingly important to modern sailors.

Practical Innovations in Onboard Living


Hanse has introduced several practical innovations in the Hanse 590 that improve onboard living without overcomplicating the yacht’s design. The large bathing platform, which can extend into a beach club, and the tender garage that accommodates a 3.1-meter dinghy, are both noteworthy features that enhance the yacht’s functionality. These elements are thoughtfully integrated, providing convenience without detracting from the yacht’s primary purpose as a sailing vessel.

Another practical addition is the hydraulic gangway, which simplifies access to and from the cockpit, especially in crowded marinas. These features highlight Hanse’s focus on making life onboard as straightforward as possible, emphasizing function over form.

A Solid Entry with Room for Interpretation


The Hanse 590 is a logical extension of Hanse Yachts' existing lineup, maintaining the company’s focus on ease of use, performance, and comfort. While it doesn’t radically depart from Hanse’s previous designs, it does offer a well-rounded package that will appeal to those looking for a versatile cruiser with the ability to be customized to a high degree.

Whether the Hanse 590 will stand out in a competitive market will depend on how these features are received by the sailing community. Her design is practical, and its innovations are welcome, so these elements may well be enough to carve out a distinct identity among her peers.

Take Aways: A Thoughtfully Designed 60-Footer


In conclusion, the Hanse 590 is a thoughtfully designed yacht that stays true to Hanse’s values. It’s not necessarily a game-changer, but she is certainly a step forward—a yacht that offers a solid mix of performance, comfort, and sustainability, with enough options to make her a serious contender in the 59-foot category. As the new vessel debuts next month and takes the stage at the Cannes Yachting Festival, the sailing world will soon see whether the Hanse 590 can live up to her potential.

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Written by: Ryan McVinney
C. Ryan McVinney is a film director, producer, writer, actor, boat captain, outdoorsman and naturalist. He's the host and director of the award-winning TV show Stomping Grounds that explores boating culture across America, sponsored by Boat Trader. McVinney also directs and produces the documentary series Cult Classics featuring top yacht builders and the extreme superyacht show LEGENDS for YachtWorld, as well the popular Factory Fridays video series for boats.com that visits boat building facilities around the world. He's a regular contributor to leading marine industry publications and regularly tests and reviews boats on his varied outdoor adventures.