Hallberg-Rassy 44

The yacht review video by Yachting World provides a comprehensive look at the new Hallberg-Rassy 44, a design that departs from the traditional style of the brand. With a plumb bow, integral bowsprit, and bow roller, this yacht showcases a sleek, modern design. The reviewer spends a few days sailing and living aboard to fully assess the vessel's features and performance, ultimately praising it for its effortless sailing capabilities.

Below deck, the Hallberg-Rassy 44 showcases classic design elements with a saloon flooded with natural light, thanks to numerous hatches and windows. This feature provides occupants with a sense of connection to the outdoors, even when anchored. The owner's cabin spans the full beam of the boat, offering ample space for storage and relaxation, along with an ensuite heads and shower room. While the large island bed is incredibly comfortable when in harbor, it isn't ideal as a sea berth.

The yacht's corridor galley is well laid out, providing full standing headroom and convenient work surfaces on three sides. Appliances such as the fridge, freezer, cooker, microwave, and dishwasher are all within easy reach. As one moves through the vessel, beautifully made grab rails and handholds are strategically placed for safety and comfort. Additional sleeping quarters include a corridor cabin with debunks and a v-berth in the forward cabin, both suitable for guests.

In the saloon, there is a long settee on the starboard side that can be transformed into a sea berth, with an option for double armchairs. The forward heads are spacious and can accommodate a washing machine if desired. The engine room has enough space for a generator and houses most of the boat's utilities, which are well-labeled and mounted separately for easy servicing or replacement.

The yacht's steering position is situated at the rear of the center cockpit, offering excellent visibility when handling the boat under power. The test yacht is equipped with electric roller furling, in-mast cockpit winches, remote controls for the anchor windlass, a bow thruster, and a stern thruster, allowing for nearly effortless sailing.

The reviewer concludes by highlighting the Hallberg-Rassy 44's exceptional performance, even in challenging conditions. The vessel provides an effortless and enjoyable sailing experience, making it perfect for exploring remote and beautiful locations. The yacht is seen as an evolution of the brand, demonstrating how Hallberg-Rassy has refined their designs and enhanced their features over time. Overall, the Hallberg-Rassy 44 is an excellent example of the brand's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

The yacht review video features the Hallberg-Rassy 44, a bluewater cruiser designed by Germán Frers. Despite its reputation for requiring a strong breeze to perform well, the reviewer demonstrates that this modern hull shape is capable of sailing gracefully even in light winds. In fact, the yacht proves to be surprisingly efficient, sailing at or near the true wind speed and generating its own apparent wind.

The Hallberg-Rassy 44 is characterized by a longer waterline length compared to its predecessor, the 43, and a more modern design that carries more beam aft and incorporates twin rudders. With a weight of 13.5 tons, the yacht moves elegantly through the water, aided by its modern sails. The Elvström in-mast furling system, which is standard for Hallberg-Rassy yachts, includes vertical battens that run all the way up, a roach, and even a headboard to maintain an optimal sail shape. By moving the mast further aft, the 44 offers a smaller headsail at 110% and a more powerful mainsail, resulting in easier handling.

The reviewer highlights the yacht's peacefulness, both under sail and when using the engine. This quietness extends to the cockpit as well as the yacht's interior, which is a trademark of Hallberg-Rassy designs. The interior of the 44 is spacious and filled with natural light, providing occupants with a pleasant environment for relaxation and enjoying the passing scenery through the hull windows. The boat in the video features armchairs, which have become more popular than sofas among owners, as well as a Pullman berth to starboard, a shared heads to port, and a small V-berth. The longitudinal galley, another favored choice over the C-shaped option, further contributes to the spaciousness and functionality of the interior.

In addition to the impressive sailing performance in light winds, the reviewer emphasizes the yacht's ability to maintain its pristine condition even after a challenging delivery from Norway. Overall, the Hallberg-Rassy 44 proves to be a versatile and elegant bluewater cruiser that can handle various wind conditions while providing a comfortable, quiet, and spacious environment for its occupants. Its modern hull shape, sails, and interior design make it an attractive choice for those seeking a yacht that performs well in a wide range of conditions.