HanseYachts presents its new Smart Mooring System (SMS), based on the coordination of the bow and stern thrusters and the main drive. Sailing yachts Hanse 445 and 496 have been chosen to be the first to profit from this brand-new SMS joystick-based manoeuvring system, as from the start of the 2011-12 model year. This system has been developed in-house, collaborating with partners from the industry.
Sailing Yacht Hanse 445
The decision by HanseYachts to develop this remarkable manoeuvring support system was based on the results of a scientific study into the topic of “Stress when sailing”. One of its findings was that manoeuvring operations in particular, such as docking and undocking, placed helmspersons under high levels of stress. The findings also showed that larger yachts exceeding 12 metres in length were often helmed by small crews – married couples in many cases. Such yachts are also increasingly being helmed by less experienced persons who find themselves out of their depth when manoeuvring their yacht. This often leads to damage in adverse weather conditions in narrow, busy harbours.
Sailing Yacht Hanse 445
The field tests for the study were conducted with a Hanse 430 sailing yacht provided by HanseYachts.
One of the key findings was that an integrated manoeuvring support system contributes to safety and helps to reduce stress levels on board. This was the impetus for us to develop a system that tackles precisely this issue.
However, hanseYachts wanted to develop a system that is reliable, easy to install in our yachts and, above all, consists of standard components, to enable our customers to make use of service infrastructure around the globe. It was also important for the system to be as intuitive and easy to use as possible. The entire development process, from the initial stages right through to readiness for series production, took 18 months.
Three system-components, sideways pushing bow- and sternthrusters and the main drive with forward and reverse thrust, are united in a joystick control. Of course, all elements are as well independently operable.
To Enable / Disable the SMS system is on the joystick itself, the operation is signaled by colored LEDs.
Without active use of the steering wheel, the engine control (gear / throttle) and bow and sternthruster, the yacht is maneuvered with the joystick alone.
All movements (full rotations, bow or stern thrust, transverse travel, each also with an additional advance or reverse thrust) are generated by the joystick. The rudder is detected, the normal motor control is disabled.
HanseYachts´ models in which the installation of a bow- and sternthruster are provided, can be equipped later with the SMS system. Requirement is the use of a Volvo engine D2 – 75 (53 kW/72 hp) or smaller.
HanseYachts will present this system at boat shows in Hamburg, Barcelona, Paris and Düsseldorf.
Below is an image gallery for Hanse charter yachts.
Hanse Charter Yacht Images
More: Hanse Image Gallery
