The new bluewater Hallberg-Rassy 44 will celebrate its world premiere at the Boot 2017 in Düsseldorf. The 14.45 m long boat with a draft of 2.10 m is classified in category A for unlimited ocean travel.
For the first time, Hallberg-Rassy has used a twin-rudder configuration. The load on each rudder blade is thus reduced, which allows for more safety and better control when sailing at the limits. In combination with a larger steering wheel and the resulting better transmission, sailing becomes much more comfortable in windy and wavy conditions.
The cockpit, as typical for the shipyard, is generously designed and well sheltered. The cockpit length has been extended by 19 cm compared to the predecessor HR 43 Mk III. Thanks to the multifunctional chart plotter and well-organized pedestal head, navigating the yacht becomes easy. The great stability of the yacht in connection with the sail plan allows for consistently high speeds even at steep sail angles.
The code Zero, the gennaker or the anchor line can be attached to the integrated bowsprit. All lines run into the cockpit below the deck and line surplus can be kept in a separate box in the coaming. At the rear, the bathing platform can be equipped with an electric lifting system.
The aft cabin is generously dimensioned and can be fitted either with two separate berths or a double berth accompanied by a dressing table and extra seating. A large V-cabin with separate bathroom is offered as standard in front of the mast. Alternatively, the front cabin can be fitted with a double bunk bed.
The boat has six deck hatches, eight side windows and four hull windows. Apart from the hatch in the sanitary area, all windows have clear glass, the hull windows being somewhat larger than in the previous model.
Hallberg-Rassy 44 Insights
Integral Bowsprit
There is an integral bowsprit that serves many different purposes:
• It is an ideal and efficient tack point for a code zero, or gennaker
• It is ideal for carrying an anchor for the electric windlass
• It is ideal for a bow ladder, making it easy to get onboard from a low dock or in a natural harbour
Twin rudders
The twin rudder configuration, with one big wheel, means easy control in all conditions under sail, especially in tough weather. One big wheel means good rudder feeling and easy steering in all conditions because of the increased leverage compared to a small wheel.
Hidden control lines in cockpit
There is a winch on the starboard coaming in the cockpit. Ropes are hidden neatly, both excess lines aft of the clutches. In a storage box that is neatly hidden in the coaming, and between the clutches and the mast. If you have electric in-mast furling, you can control outhaul, vang, main halyard and code zero halyard from here.
Fold-out platform
There is a large fold-out bathing platform. The bathing ladder is comfortable with dedicated handholds on top of the ladder when folded out. As standard the platform folds out manually, optionally there is a push-button operation available. When the platform is not in use, the transom is elegantly closed.
Modern sail plan
The sail plan is modern. There is no need for any runners even with an optional cutter stay, either fixed with furler or detachable. The headsail is only slightly overlapping, making tacking easy. There is even a self-tacking option. The jib furler is a Furlex TD with under deck drum. The deck layout is clean and uncluttered with under-deck mounted electric windlass and all deck hatches flush-mounted.
The waterline is 12.88m, which is no less than 1.13 m longer than on the 43 Mk III. Frers speed prediction table tells that a loaded Hallberg-Rassy 44 will make 8.49 knots boat speed at 100 degrees in just 12 knots of true wind.
Hallberg-Rassy 44 specs
| Designer | Germán Frers, Argentina |
| Hull length | 13.68 m / 44′ 11″ |
| Maximum length | 14.45 m / 47′ 5″ |
| Waterline at rest | 12.88 m / 42′ 3″ |
| Beam | 4.20 m / 13′ 9″ |
| Displacement, empty standard boat | 13.3 tons / 29200 lbs |
| Keel weight | 5.3 tons / 11 700 lbs |
| Sail area with genoa/jib | 109.6 m² / 1180 sq ft |
| Air draft, ex Windex | 21.6 m / 70′ 10” |
| Engine | Volvo Penta D2-75 |
| Power at crank shaft | 55 kW / 75 HP |
| Diesel tank | 365 litres / 96 US gallon |
| Fresh water tanks | 650 litres / 172 US gallon |
| Hallberg-Rassy website |