Sailboat Hanse 590 for sale

The luxurious flagship: the Hanse 590 sailing express

When it comes to the flagship – the largest yacht in the current range – the shipyard usually allows its engineers and design firms to go the extra mile. There can be a little more space, a little more luxury, a little more solid wood and, of course, slightly better fittings and ancillary equipment. The idea behind this is, of course, clear: at yacht shows, every single visitor – and I mean every single one – will want to walk through this yacht – and they should all be impressed, amazed and inspired to dream. And then they’re free to buy the boats they actually want: 30 feet, 35 feet or 40 feet, but they should always have the flagship in the back of their minds. And believe that a little of that comfort and exuberant luxury will also be found on their own, smaller boat. We’re familiar with this effect from the world of cars: Schumacher drives the Ferrari, we drive the Fiat.

Seen in this light, congratulations if you can raise the necessary budget of around €1.3 to 1.7 million to seriously explore the market and make a purchase in this class of boat! Up here, however, the air gets a bit ‘thin’, and at the moment the competitive landscape among the major production yacht builders is somewhat less intense than in the smaller yacht segment.

The competition’s flagship models: a direct comparison

Building a 60-foot yacht is a stressful prospect for a mass-production manufacturer. This is because they are actually used to the very cost-effective, highly efficient ‘lowest common denominator’ approach, which allows them to offer the boats as affordably as possible and sell them in large numbers – the balancing act here usually ‘merely’ involves reconciling the differing requirements of private owners and charter fleet operators. With a luxury yacht of around 16 to 17 metres in hull length, the situation is different: sales figures are lower here, the expectations of owners and charter operators are, in most cases, actually quite similar (after all, someone who hires a 60-foot yacht with a skipper wants luxury and is willing to pay for it), but so too are the expectations regarding build and fit-out quality. Beneteau has responded to this, for example, by setting up its ‘Premium Service’: a dedicated department that looks exclusively after VIP clients, from (separate) production through to construction, handover and ongoing support.

In our view, with the Oceanis Yacht 60, this shipyard has also produced the Hanse 590’s fiercest competitor on the market. The design by Lorenzo Argento and Roberto Biscontini is timeless and elegant; the yacht looks incredibly sexy and fits perfectly at the luxury jetties of the Côte d’Azur. The interior layout – particularly the saloon and the truly unique owner’s suite – can be described as a stroke of genius. And it sails exceptionally well, too. Keep an eye on this yacht!

With the Jeanneau Yachts 60, Jeanneau is launching a slightly longer but narrower flagship model. With no fewer than 19 layout options, it is extremely adaptable to individual requirements and offers plenty of space. Jeanneau appears to place less emphasis on sailing performance, but certainly on luxury. In our view, the ambience below deck is rather disappointingly functional, but the mega-cockpit is stunning, offering an incredible number of large relaxation areas.

With the C57, Bavaria does not actually have a true 60-foot yacht in its range. It is slightly shorter than its competitors, but it is also the lightest. If you like the very angular and imposing Cossutti design, the Bavaria C57 will impress with what we consider to be the finest build quality in the interior. It is very modern, yet retains a sense of class. In a breeze, it also sails with surprising manoeuvrability and agility – a trait one might not expect from a yacht from Lower Franconia – but that would be a mistake.

Dufour does not (currently?) have any 60-foot yachts on offer; the range of yachts on offer ends at 54 feet. However, rumour has it (as of January 2026) that the shipyard is working on a brand-new flagship in this class.

Either way, apart from the smaller Bavaria models, you should have a budget of between €1.3 and 1.7 million available – and allow a little time as well. As the shipyards can’t build more than around two vessels per month, lead times of 8 to 12 months from the date of ordering are certainly to be expected with some brands. An alternative could be the second-hand boat market, which we’ll discuss in more detail at the end of this article.

Modern design, imposing presence: the Hanse 590 is a striking sight

Let’s turn to the Hanse 590 itself. The yacht is still very new. The Berret-Racoupeau design was unveiled at the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival and has been under construction ever since. So not many units are likely to have been built yet. In keeping with the French designers’ new stylistic language, the designers have endeavoured to keep the yacht’s freeboard as low as possible, as well as the cabin superstructure. The bulkiness of the previous Judel/Vrolijk models is thus a thing of the past, something that is particularly evident in the beautifully executed Hanse 460. With the flagship, however, this plan does not work quite so easily, as the Hanse 590 makes a ‘massive’ impression simply because of its dimensions: at 17.60 metres in length overall and 5.30 metres in beam, it is an impressive sight at the jetty. Even though Racoupeau has also given the Hanse 590 the currently fashionable negative bow, introduced a chine in the foredeck area near the waterline and fitted the stern with quite prominent soft chines, the yacht appears somewhat ‘clunky’ under sail, particularly when viewed from astern. That’s not to say it isn’t attractive – in our view, the lines of Argento’s Oceanis Yacht 60 are simply more elegant and sexier by comparison. The Hanse 590, by contrast, appears more technical and also a little more aggressive – more like a Mustang than a Mercedes SL, which certainly has its fans too.

Just sail! The concept behind the Hanse 590

Hanse sailing yachts – whether small or very large – are designed to do one thing above all else: sail well, and as easily as possible. Handling a 60-foot yacht is a challenge even for experienced skippers, because not only are the dimensions of the hull (especially in harbour) in a league of their own, but so too are the sail areas that need to be set to the wind on the mast.

Hanse therefore equips the 590 with a full furling rig as standard. This means that the mainsail (81 square metres) can simply be furled up into the mast, and the boat is fitted with an easy-to-use self-tacking jib measuring 60 square metres. This sail area is easily sufficient in moderate to strong winds to propel the boat’s empty weight of just under 23 tonnes. Anyone wanting more power can upgrade to a classic battened mainsail and an overlapping genoa. An interesting detail: on the Hanse 590, the reefing lines for the battened mainsail do not run externally, but are routed internally through the boom – which looks very smart!

So it aims to be a sailing boat and sees this as its strength. If, as a skipper, you’re planning to do some active sailing – perhaps long legs or even a grand tour – the Hanse 590 is well worth considering. You shouldn’t, however, rule out light-wind sails, as boats of this kind are, of course, primarily designed to provide the perfect holiday on the water – and such holidays usually take place in warm, summery sailing areas. And often in light winds. A yacht this heavy certainly needs a gennaker or Code 0 in wind speeds of under 10 knots. Even these blisters, which can reach a staggering 235 square metres in size, can nowadays be furled easily (at the touch of a button), making them very simple to handle. So don’t be put off by the large sails!

Buying a Hanse 590 – Hull, design, construction & sail plan

Mixing processes in manufacturing: Modern mass production

The Hanse 590 benefits during construction from the advantages of both the traditional hand-lay-up process and the modern vacuum infusion method. The shipyard utilises whichever method is more efficient for specific areas of the yacht in order to achieve the strongest, most torsion-resistant and durable structure possible for this boat. It is worth noting that, at Hanse (including on the smaller yachts), the bulkheads are not made from the traditional boatbuilding plywood, but are high-strength, resilient components formed using a composite process (under vacuum). These are laminated (not glued) to the hull and deck, and when combined, they later form an almost monolithically strong structure. This is a hallmark of quality that Hanse itself emphasises and which sets it apart from many other mass-production manufacturers.

The yacht consists of an outer shell – the hull – an inner shell that is inseparably bonded to it, the bulkheads and the composite deck. To save weight, solid lamination is used only down to approximately the waterline; above this and in areas of no structural significance, the shipyard incorporates a sandwich core into the laminate, which is usually made of lightweight balsa wood. The result is a robust, safe structure – naturally, the Hanse 590 is certified to CE Category A for unlimited ocean voyages in winds exceeding 8 Beaufort and waves over 4 metres.

Who is the Hanse 590 suitable for?

It is particularly difficult to make a clear recommendation when it comes to large luxury yachts. But it is precisely this wide range that makes the 60-foot class so appealing: as a couple, you can buy this yacht just as easily as a family, or as a classic charter combination accommodating 12 people. The Hanse 590 also offers a range of layout options, from a 3-cabin version (owner’s version) to a 5-cabin version (with a skipper’s cabin in the fore) for charter use.

Highlight: The cockpit!

The focus of this yacht is more on the sailing experience than on luxury at anchor. In our view, the Jeanneau Yacht 60 and the smaller Bavaria C57 have the edge here, as they offer more relaxation areas and greater versatility. What we particularly like about the Hanse 590 is the design of the cockpit – for the helmsmen and helmswomen!

No other manufacturer has gone to such lengths here, at least as far as the sailors and trimmers are concerned. Around the helm stations, the skipper can sit on a large L-shaped bench in every conceivable position, stretch out, lean back and enjoy active sailing. In theory, four people could sit here at the back! As the working winches, used to operate all standard sails, are positioned on the inside of the cockpit, quick, safe and comfortable operation is possible at all times.

The only downside: unlike on the smaller Hanse yachts, the two winches for the light-wind sheets cannot be operated directly from the helm. Hanse has once again positioned these on the cockpit coaming, as on the Judel/Vrolijk predecessors – but this time set well further aft. Directly behind them, the helmsman’s benches are, in principle, fitted once more: here, the gennaker trimmer can now also take a seat on a very generously proportioned L-shaped bench to operate the blister. This ensures no lines end up in the guest area. These slightly raised benches offer a wonderful view across the yacht and should make for great spots to enjoy a morning coffee whilst sailing and to keep an eye out for dolphins. However, the question arises as to whether the designers might not have used this space – much like Jeanneau – for larger sun lounges, as the double L-shaped benches do feel a bit like being in a cinema. But they are certainly a reflection of the boat’s focus on sailing.

In the passenger area of the cockpit, there are – as is typical for this class – two cockpit tables fitted for both benches. The standard version features fairly simple steel frames with folding tops. If you’re going to do it, do it properly – as we’d say: upgrading to the electrically height-adjustable cockpit tables is almost a must here! This is because it not only allows your guests to adjust the table size to suit the occasion (e.g. breakfast at the top with limited space, drinks and coffee breaks at the bottom, and dinner at the top with maximum space), but also to lower the tables completely to the level of the seats. Fitted with additional cushions, this creates two large sun lounges and chill-out zones – a must for a yacht of this size!

It is a little surprising that Hanse does not make use of the vast space available on the foredeck to incorporate additional fixed sun lounges here. Instead, there are portable ‘mats’ that you can lay out at the bow. In fact, in this class, only the Beneteau offers a fixed, beautifully integrated double sunbed: the perfect spot for sunbathing (as the bimini is usually up at the stern) or for reading a book, far away from the hustle and bustle of the cockpit. Combined with a sunshade on the forestay, this would certainly make for another favourite spot on the Hanse, even if it is just a mat.

Essentially a must-have: the fixed T-top.

We love the Hanse 590’s fixed bimini, made from GRP! Normally, the sprayhood and, above all, the bimini spoil the elegant lines of any sailing yacht. In our view, there are very few boats on which a fixed, rigid bimini really looks attractive. However, you should by no means do without effective sun protection, as the risk of skin cancer is particularly high amongst sailors.

Hanse’s fixed T-top can be opened at the stern above the cockpit using a horizontal roller mechanism – so you can let the sun into the cockpit from time to time or gaze at the starry sky at night. When sailing, a view of the rig is essential for a proper skipper – and this is no problem at all. We particularly like the fact that Hanse has designed the shape so that both helm stations and the gennaker trimmer’s position are protected, at least when the sun (or rain) is coming directly from above. Another advantage of the fixed bimini is that it provides a firm, secure footing here when packing the sails at the boom.

For skippers who wish to use solar power to ensure that the on-board batteries are constantly recharged, the roof is, of course, the ideal place to install an on-board PV system.

The T-top also features an attractive ‘windscreen’, which makes the classic, high-rising sprayhood redundant, at least in warm waters. It keeps wind and spray out of the cockpit and, in terms of design, complements the Hanse 590’s overall bold, modern look very well. Well done, shipyard!

A fantastic XXL swim platform with a huge dinghy garage

The huge tender garage at the stern is also a great feature. To access the dinghy, the bathing platform is lowered hydraulically. Much like on the slightly smaller Hanse 510, this platform is an impressive XXL size, making it ideal for sunbathing. The highlight: the platform can be lowered unusually far, to just above the water’s surface, which makes it easier for children swimming or older crew members in particular to get on or back onto the boat. The downside is that the waves slap against it from below, which some might find irritating.

The tender garage is the largest in the 60-foot class and can accommodate a dinghy up to 3.10 metres in length. The Highfield OM 310 or the Williams Turbojet 285 are particularly well-suited to the Hanse 590. What makes it special is the loading mechanism, which consists of an electric crane that – although it takes a bit of getting used to at first – swings the boat out sideways and back in again. The dinghy is therefore stowed across the direction of travel. This ensures that the aft cabins retain their maximum internal dimensions. On all other boats in this class, the dinghies are also pulled into the garage electrically, but lengthways to the direction of travel via roller racks. Both Beneteau and Jeanneau offer space for dinghies with a maximum length of 2.90 to 3 metres. If you wish to use larger dinghies, partially deflating the air chambers might make it possible to accommodate wider dinghies in particular. However, this should be thoroughly researched and tested.

Which colour would you like?

Hanse offers to paint the hull of the Hanse 590. In addition to the two gelcoat colours – white and grey – a total of six stylish hull colours are available, ranging from sky blue to ‘Premium Black’ and a vibrant Bordeaux red. You can also choose from eight synthetic deck finishes (synthetic teak). As far as we’re aware, no other series manufacturer offers this as standard ex-shipyard; elsewhere, paintwork or alternative film finishes have to be ordered separately.

Buy a Hanse 590 – comfort below deck

A real wow factor below deck: beautiful real wood veneer!

In our view, the interiors of the latest Hanse boats have turned out to be surprisingly understated. In contrast to the very eye-catching exteriors, with their distinctive lines by Olivier Racoupeau – which almost appear aggressively sailing-oriented – there is little of this reflected in the boats’ interiors. This may be because a yacht’s interior is intended to be relaxing – a calm, airy and bright atmosphere for a holiday. Even the flagship model appears surprisingly understated below deck – clean lines, a classically well-thought-out layout, no frills or fussy embellishments. Only the unusually ‘feminine’ shape of the dining table in the dinette and the slatted front on the central kitchen unit stand out: we like this, as it gives the design two visual highlights that are all the more striking for it.

Naturally, you can choose between different types of wood, panelling colours, colours for the lacquered furniture surfaces, colours for the Corian worktops in the galley and, of course, for the flooring and upholstery: All the options are designed to a significantly higher standard than on the smaller yachts – exactly as befits a luxury yacht and, above all, a flagship!

We are most impressed by the version with a real oak veneer. Genuine grain, beautiful, large surfaces, which in some places even feature a continuous grain pattern across the entire piece of furniture or the front. You’d normally only find this on boats from X-Yachts, Solaris and other manufacturers. Hanse doesn’t just apply this level of craftsmanship to the saloon, but carries it through into all the cabins and even the bathrooms: with such beautiful wooden surfaces, there’s no need for any frills!

As always, all the fittings – and particularly the stainless steel parts (such as the handrails) – are exceptionally stylish on Hanse yachts. Even if it’s just a small detail, we reckon the companionway stairs are among the most beautiful of any mass-market manufacturer. Down here, there’s a real palatial atmosphere, without that over-the-top ‘Dubai effect’. And we think this understated style is absolutely brilliant!

The layouts of the Hanse 590

In the standard layout, the Hanse 590 is always available as a 3-cabin model with 3 bathrooms. In the owner’s area, the shower and toilet are housed in two separate compartments, which we think is excellent. Please note: in the standard configuration, there is no dedicated ‘day bathroom’ – that is, a toilet that day guests can also use whilst sailing. This is because, in this configuration, the two aft bathrooms are exclusively ‘en suite’, meaning they can only be accessed via the aft cabin. This is great for guests’ privacy whilst underway, but rather awkward for outsider day guests. This can be remedied by fitting the port-side bathroom with a second door, which would then allow access to the bathroom from both the saloon and the cabin. The downside here is that day guests would then always have to go through the shower.

In another variant, you can replace the enormous sail load in the foredeck with a fully equipped skipper’s cabin. This would be of interest for charter yachts or boats where the owners wish to hire a skipper. However, it should be noted that this configuration results in a significant loss of storage space: the gennaker bag alone takes up a considerable amount of space on a 60-foot yacht (not to mention its weight), and you certainly wouldn’t want to cram that into an aft cabin …

In the 4-cabin version, the large owner’s cabin is ultimately divided lengthways, and the former owner’s shower becomes a toilet for the second forward cabin. This variant is certainly only used in charter operations; owners should not ‘ruin’ the space up here, as there is another interesting variation here …

Classic or loft-style? The owner’s suite.

That’s because, up here at the front, you have the choice between the classic island bed with a separate shower and toilet, or the ‘loft’. In this layout, the single bed is positioned in the direction of travel against the saloon bulkhead (no longer against the bulkhead separating the sail locker/skipper’s area at the very front), offset to the port side. The former shower on the starboard side is converted into a huge cupboard, followed by a small sofa/chaise longue, which is ideal for getting dressed or undressed, and there is also a small desk/dressing table.

The new owner’s bathroom is now right at the front: here, the toilet and separate shower have much more space, creating the impression of a genuinely large room. But be warned: this layout has its drawbacks when you’re out at sea – because the bed, which is now offset to port, becomes almost unusable when sailing with the bow to starboard in rough seas or, indeed, when the boat heels over, unless you have a leeward sail fitted. The toilet, now installed very far forward – furthest from the keel’s pivot point – will also experience a few metres more ‘up and down’ movement in the waves: seasickness. We therefore consider this ‘loft’ layout variant to be more suitable for use at anchor, in harbour or in very calm seas. If you are planning a long sea voyage, possibly across the ocean, the classic layout would be somewhat more practical.

Impressive aft cabins – a place where guests can really feel at home!

The big surprise for us is the aft cabins, which have turned out really well on board the Hanse 590! The slightly larger starboard cabin, in particular, offers plenty of light, plenty of space and loads of headroom! Plenty of storage space in the wardrobe and overhead lockers, loads of that stylish veneered wood and, above all, large beds. Your guests won’t want to leave these cabins!

As with all new Hanse yachts, both the cabins and the saloon are bathed in plenty of natural light. This is mainly thanks to the large, strategically placed hull windows, but also to the skylights in the saloon. All the saloon windows in the superstructure can be opened, whilst the large windows on either side of the companionway provide extra light in the aft cabins. A brilliant solution, Hanse!

Summary and conclusion

Is it worth buying the Hanse 590?

The Hanse 590’s very modern, slightly aggressive exterior design complements the yacht’s excellent sailing performance perfectly. The elongated hull ensures high speed when paired with the classic, easy-to-handle rig and high-quality sails. Inside, it impresses with a modern, rather understated interior design, featuring few – but all the more striking – highlights. The yacht can be extensively personalised with an incredible array of design options, which is almost a unique selling point compared to its competitors. In our view, it is ideal for sailors looking to buy a long-distance cruising yacht and spend a great deal of time on board, and it encourages you not to rely solely on the autopilot: a dignified, stylish and fast flagship!

The Hanse 590 on the second-hand market – an alternative?

There are few Hanse 590s to be found on the second-hand boat market. This is due to the fact that production of this boat model began relatively recently. Nevertheless, a few boats do turn up from time to time. When considering these offers, do ensure that you do not end up with the 4- or 5-cabin variant (from the charter fleet), unless, of course, you are specifically looking to buy a multi-cabin boat. You should also always check the VAT status, as for yachts of this size, net purchases and net financing are quite common for international and non-resident buyers; these require a subsequent VAT assessment (albeit at current market value) in the case of a private purchase.

Buying a Hanse 590 – What we particularly like about it:

• A striking, slightly aggressive exterior that matches its sailing performance.
• A huge range of customisation options.
• An impressively well-designed, understated and modern interior.

Buying a Hanse 590 – Here’s what you need to look out for:

• The exterior design may appear too aggressive, while the negative bow could eventually fall out of fashion.
• Wasted space in the cockpit (double L-shaped benches like at the movie).
• Complex options need to be carefully considered.

Further reviews and test reports: