hans sailing yachts

Hans Christian Yachts

Design Philosophy

Hans christian yachts is known for producing a series of high-quality, traditional-looking, long-distance cruising sailboats.

The design philosophy behind Hans Christian Yachts has always been to create vessels that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also robust and seaworthy. Their traditional lines, inspired by old-world sailing vessels, are combined with modern construction techniques to produce yachts that can handle the rigors of long-distance cruising.

Navigating the Market: Choice Vessels Ready for Open Waters

1976 Hans Christian 38t: A Timeless Seafarer’s Dream

“ Footloose “- revered Hans Christian 38t series . A vessel that harks back to the golden age of sailing, she’s built with the robustness and craftsmanship that Hans Christian is renowned for. Her interiors are a blend of tradition and comfort, featuring two private staterooms, a seagoing galley, and a spacious main salon. While she’s in need of some TLC, particularly in areas like refrigeration, stove/oven, and teak deck rejuvenation, this is a golden opportunity for a hands-on sailor to acquire a classic at a value well below market rate

Hans Christian 38 MK II: A Mariner’s Timeless Classic

Behold the Hans Christian 38 MK II, a vessel that embodies the very essence of traditional seafaring. With her unmistakable lines and robust craftsmanship, she stands as a testament to the golden age of blue water cruising. Every inch of this yacht speaks of adventures across vast horizons, from her sturdy full keel to the intricate woodwork that graces her interiors. Designed for the discerning sailor, the 38 MK II offers a harmonious blend of performance and comfort, ensuring safe passage through both calm seas and tempestuous waters. Whether you’re charting a course to distant shores or seeking a tranquil anchorage, this classic cutter is your trusted companion on the timeless journey of the sea.

1986 Hans Christian 33: A Nautical Legacy

Yacht seamlessly blends tradition with functionality. This classic sailboat, moored in Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles , boasts a fiberglass hull designed for displacement, ensuring stability and grace on the water. At a length of 10.06 meters, she’s powered by a Sole Mini 44 engine from 2010, with only 575 hours on the clock.

The interior reveals a well-maintained space, accommodating two single berths, a twin berth, and a head. Sailors will appreciate the new navigation equipment, overhauled systems, and the freshly painted mast & boom. The vessel also comes equipped with a range of sails, including a main sail, stay sail, genoa, and jib, all inspected and serviced by Doyle in November 2020.

Whether you’re charting new waters or anchoring in a tranquil bay, this Hans Christian 33 promises reliability, comfort, and the timeless charm of classic sailing.

Not  just a vessel

Why do we hold our Hans Christian in such high regard? Well, mate, she’s not just any vessel; she’s a blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and true blue-water spirit.

Traditional design

Hans Christian sailboats are easily recognizable by their classic, traditional design. They often feature a canoe stern, clipper bow, and a lot of teak woodwork, both inside and out

Blue Water cruisers

Hans Christian Yachts are often referred to as “blue water cruisers” because of their ability to handle long ocean passages safely and comfortably.

Heavy displacement

Hans Christian Yachts are known for their heavy displacement, which contributes to their stability in rough waters. This makes them slower in light wind conditions but more comfortable in heavier seas

The interiors of Hans Christian yachts are often noted for their warm, cozy, and traditional feel, with extensive use of teak and other high-quality materials

Yacht delivery

Frequently asked questions, what are the primary methods of transporting a yacht from the usa to europe.

Answer: The primary methods include shipping on a freighter (either as deck cargo or in a shipping container), hiring a delivery crew to sail the yacht, or sailing it yourself. W can arrange transport or support you in your passage.

How much does it cost to transport a yacht from the USA to Europe?</p> <p>

Answer: The cost varies based on the size of the yacht, the method of transportation chosen, and the specific starting and ending locations. It’s best to get quotes from multiple shipping companies for an accurate estimate. Push a Contact button and let us know 

What documentation is required to transport and import my yacht into Europe?

Answer: You’ll need the yacht’s registration, proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and potentially a Certificate of Conformity. It’s also essential to check the specific import regulations of the European country you’re importing to.

How do Hans Christian Yachts perform in rough seas?

Answer: Known for their heavy displacement and robust construction, Hans Christian Yachts are designed to handle rough waters with stability and comfort. Just be sure, your boat passed a boat survey ans she is prepared for planned passage. And … Bon voyage 🙂

BRUTAL take down of a Hans Christian 38T

The video discusses a Hans Christian 38T sailboat that is priced at $37,000 US dollars, whereas a good one typically costs around $130,000. The video seems to explore why this particular boat is priced so low. Questions raised include:

• What’s wrong with the boat?
• Why is it so cheap?
• Does it need a new marine diesel engine?
• Does it need new sails?
• Can you buy a bad boat and fix it up to go sailing?

Hans Christian models

Anchored in tradition and crafted for the open seas, Hans Christian Yachts’ models are the quintessential mariner’s vessels, blending old-world craftsmanship with blue-water performance, making every horizon a new adventure for the salt-blooded sailor 🌊🏴‍☠️

""Hans Christian Yachts: A harmonious blend of timeless craftsmanship and innovative design, these vessels are more than just boats; they are floating legacies that capture the boundless spirit and romance of the sea.""

Marcello ★★★★★

"Hans Christian Yachts: Synonymous with unparalleled comfort and steadfast safety, each vessel is meticulously crafted to ensure every journey is as serene as it is secure, embodying the true essence of luxurious and worry-free sailing"

Borys Borkowski ★★★★★

"Hans Christian Yachts: Crafted with an unwavering commitment to onboard luxury, each vessel offers a haven of comfort, where every nook and cranny is designed for the utmost relaxation and ease, making life at sea feel like a home away from home"

Oskar  ★★★★★

"Quis blandit erat. Donec laoreet libero non metus volutpat consequat in vel metus. Sed non augue id felis pellentesque. Semper leo et sapien lobortis facilisis aliquam feugiat ut diam non tempus et malesuada."

Preserving the Legacy of Hans Christian Yachts

Join our quest to preserve the legacy of Hans Christian Yachts. Contribute documents, blueprints, and photos to help keep the dream alive for future sailors. Your support is vital in safeguarding the history of these timeless vessels

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Hans Christian 34/36

In many ways this blue-water cruiser represents the best and worst of taiwan boatbuilding- heavy but maintenance-intensive construction..

The story of the Hans Christian 34 and 36, and their successors, is a microcosm of the history of the Taiwan/U.S. boatbuilding industry. That is to say, a mixture of good designs, fine hand craftsmanship, knockoff gear, occasional shoddy finish and detail work, double-dealing and broken promises. Sometimes out of the mix comes a well-built, good-sailing blue water cruiser like the Hans Christian 34.

The Designer(s) and Builder(s)

Hans Christian Yachts got its start 24 years ago when a former Long Beach, California high school teacher named John Edwards approached naval architect Robert Perry about a plan to build quality yachts economically on the island of Taiwan. It wasnt an original thought; the Formosa Boat Building Co. in Taipei and Cheoy Lee in Hong Kong had been at it since the 1950s. Edwards and Perry had collaborated on an earlier Taiwan-built boat, the CT 54. For Edwards, Perry came up with plans for the hull, keel and rig for what would become the HC 34.

Before the first 34 was built, Perry says he was informed that Hans Christian had blown up his design to a 36-footer but that, no, he wouldnt be getting any royalties. Thus ended, for a time. Perrys role with the design, although the company continued to credit (or exploit) his name in connection with the 36.

Under Edwards Taiwan arrangement, he owned the designs and controlled the distributorship. An outfit called Union oversaw construction, and the yard basically owned the tooling. House designer for subsequent designs such as the 33 and the 41, was listed as Harwood S. Ives of Cruising Design in Winterport, Maine (Perry says hes tried unsuccessfully to track down Woody Ives, has found no one who knows him and tends to doubt his existence. Hans Christians new president, Jerry Finefrock, who took over this year, says he understands that Ives is English, but that he hasn’t been able to locate him either.)

Finefrock, a lawyer who concedes his knowledge of the firms earlier history is somewhat incomplete, says that through some sort of Chinese chicanery someone took the HC 36 molds and began building the Union 36. He said a lawsuit, filed by Edwards after Union lightened the scan’tlings and reverted to the Hans Christian name, ended the chicanery. Perry, who meanwhile had retaliated by designing the Tayana 37, disagrees with that version. He suspects that Edwards somehow alienated the yard, which owned the molds, much as he had with the earlier project, the CT 54.

Later, the Union people asked Perry to lend his name to the 36 in return for royalties. He agreed to a compromise in which the yard could claim the boat was based on a hull by Bob Perry, which was true to the extent it was a knockoff of his 34. When the company continued to claim it as his design, he disassociated himself and the royalties stopped.

In the middle of all this, a Union employee asked Perry at a meeting in Taipei to redesign the 36s keel, paid for the job with a personal check, then took the design and began building his own boat at the Mao Ta yard. The 36, ultimately more successful than the 34 in sales, popped up as the Mariner Polaris 36 and EO 36. None did as well as the Tayana 37, however, of which 570 eventually were made.

Hans Christian went on to create a number of successful models (John Edwards has a good eye for a boat, Perry concedes), eventually parting ways with the Hansa yard, which had taken on the line land presumably dropping German-built from its advertising claims, claims that made a lot of people believe the boats were built in a little Bavarian village high in the Taiwan Alps). The boats then were built at several other Taiwan yards before relocating, in 1989, to Thailand. Edwards then faded from the scene (Hes out of the business, Finefrock said) and the new ownership took over early in 1993 from Edwards former partner, Geoffrey White. Hans Christian now consists of two distributorships, one headed by Finefrock in Annapolis, another in Europe, and a new plant in Bangsaray, Thailand. Finefrock said the factory has air-conditioned lay-up facilities, a new quality control program directed by Michael Kaufman of Annapolis, and is certified to build to ABS standards.

Gone from production, the president said, are the 33 and 38; the 33T (traditional) is suspended, the 38T has been idle since 1990, and the 38 MK II is dead and buried. The 43T, out of production since 1989, will be reactivated, while the 43 Christina, part of Hans Christians updated Euro line, will continue. The 40 Christina is gone, but a new version of the 48T will be made. Plans are in the works for a 60-footer. In all, there are some 1,100 Hans Christians sailing the oceans of the world, including the 34 and 36.

Dont ask Hans Christian for the plans or any data, however; all was lost when the company relocated from California to Annapolis.?You can, however, call Perry (Robert Perry Yacht

Designers, 6400 Seaview Ave. N.W., Seattle, WA 98107; 206/789-7212), who feels a connection to Hans Christian owners, even if he didnt design all their boats. His consultation fee of $250 entitles per- sons to ongoing access and consultation, drawings and any technical backup you need.

As designed by Perry, with a little help from Edwards/ Ives, the Hans Christian 34/36 is a heavy, double-ended, cutter-rigged cruising yacht designed specifically for ocean sailing. Like others of its kind, its often described as a traditional North Sea double-ender, although the tradition exists mostly in the imaginations of builders and owners rather than with any vessels that actually existed. They are exaggerated caricatures of old boats, says Perry. Nevertheless the 34/36 has pleasing lines that draw admiring glances. And it was boats like this that helped Taiwan expand its boatbuilding industry during the 1960s and 70s.

The boat is typical Taiwan in other ways-solid construction (it displaces 18,300 pounds), its real teak decks and all-wood interior. The craftsmanship is excellent and affordable only because native carpenters were paid a tenth of what their U.S. counterparts earned. All this weight, of course, tends to make it a poor light-air sailer.

The 34/36 has a low chin bow, a short canoe stern, a long flat run aft and a fairly straight deadrise in the mid-section over a V-bottom, similar to Perrys U.S.- built Valiant 40. Perry said he began rounding his hulls for boats like the Tayana 37 and FD 35 before realizing hed gotten it right the first time. Thats a hull shape I went back to as time went on.

The hull is solid (and thick) hand-laid fiberglass. The deck is 5/8″ teak planks over a sandwich of 3/8″ glass, 3/4″ plywood, and another 3/8″ glass layer. The cabin top is cored with 1/2″ plywood. Although the deck bungs are bound to loosen with time (this is a boat that requires lots of maintenance) we saw no evidence of deck delamination in the 1978 model we inspected. The hull-deck joint is glassed over on the inside and appears to be through-bolted as well. Solid bulwarks allow the lifeline stanchions to be mounted vertically for better strength than those through-bolted to the deck. Interestingly, the nuts are embedded in the glass, a practice used elsewhere on the boat. (Hans Christian, incidentally, in the future will drop the thick glass and wood-cored hulls in favor of lighter Divinycell foam-cored hulls.)

The solid bronze traveler is definitely heavy-duty, although its position well forward on the boom makes sheeting difficult (photos of other 34s show boom-end sheeting). The bronze, like the wooden blocks, is part of the traditional aesthetic. Despite the overbuilt nature of the boat, little flaws here and there can create problems. On the 34 we sailed out of Newport in the summer of 1993, the Rosalie, a worker had failed to drill a weep hole in the port stanchion of the boom gallows. The result was a persistent leak over the galley that took the owner many hours to track down and remedy. And theres occasional mismatching of metals-in one case we saw stainless steel screws inserted into a bronze fitting.

Another complaint was a squared-off leading edge on the 7,000-pound full keel, described by the owner as looking like a cheese wedge. Perry says that probably was his fault as a relative newcomer, who neglected to give precise enough instruction to the yard that built the keel. The best solution, he said, is to reshape the leading edge with foam and fiberglass.

Accommodations

This is a good-sized boat with commodious, if less than perfect, storage and space below. The galley, to port at the foot of the companionway stairs, is small, with a two-burner stove, ice chest for cold storage and limited counter space.

Rosalies owner, Frank Girardi, cut a door into the compartment under the sink to convert otherwise dead space to storage. To starboard aft is a quarter berth that the owner says is his favorite sleeping berth. Theres also a generous chart table, positioned and sized for the dedicated navigator.

In the saloon is a settee berth to starboard and to port a U-shaped dinette; theres plenty of stowage behind and under seats. Six opening bronze ports, oval in size, and a large rod-reinforced skylight introduce lots of light to the main living area. A second, smaller hatch and several more ports forward provide natural light for the head and V-berths.

This is a deep boat with a big bilge, good access to the systems including the engine, and lots of tank- age; the original boat came with two stainless steel water tanks under the main salon and a smaller one forward. A previous owner removed the saloon tanks and replaced them with a single fiberglass unit that holds 150 gallons-sufficient for almost any trip. Girardi installed filters between tank and head and galley for better-tasting water.

Other alterations made (and worth checking on any boat) included replacing an (illegal) T-joint in a propane line behind the dinette, leading to a LPG water heater, and replacing a gate valve in the head with a Wilcox-Crittenden seacock. The owner also cut another door under the head sink for better access to seacocks. A check of all the seacocks, which may or may not be cheap knockoffs, is a good idea.

Performance

At 18,000-plus pounds and with a 5′ 6″ full keel (with cheese wedge up front), this is not your ideal light-air cruiser, despite its three sails (main, Yankee and staysail) and total sail area of 676 square feet. In fact, it requires a good 15 knots to get up and go at anywhere near its hull speed. We were doing 5.6 knots close-hauled, relatively-speaking, in 13-15 knots and small Narragansett Bay waves. The owner has reached a top speed of 11 knots (while surfing in a following sea) and recorded a high of 9 knots on the return of this years Bermuda One-Two race. For the record, the only PHRF data for the 34 and 36 we could find, one boat each, was 204 and 186 respectively.

Despite Hans Christians one-time claim that the 34/36 has a genuine appetite to go to weather in a drifter or a blow. this boat is best on a reach. The highest youre likely to get to point is 45 degrees; we tacked through an even 90 degrees on our outing. A bigger jib should help the boats overall performance, according to comments Practical Sailor has received. In fact, Perry recommends sailing with a genoa and without the staysail to maximize light- air performance. Sailed as a sloop, he says the 34s performance compares favorably to other boars of this genre.

While hardly the boat for a drifter, its definitely a good boat to be on during a blow. Owners report that it rises exceptionally well to the steepest of waves. High-sided with big bulwarks, it may not be the aerodynamic ideal, but it is dry and safe. The cockpit, surrounded by teak staving, is comfortable in size and configuration, but small enough to be safe at sea and with adequate drainage. The bulwarks make going forward feel quite safe.

Although OSTAR and BOC veteran Francis Stokes calls a cutter sail plan the best for ocean sailing, it can be difficult to learn to trim. Perry agrees that the clutter rig is the most difficult for the beginner to master, noting that an over-trimmed staysail acts like a parking brake. We experienced some backwinding of the mainsail by the staysail tin part because its foot was too long for the club and had quite a hook in it) and felt occasional weather helm. Part of the problem may have been the extreme forward location of the mainsheet traveler, which made trimming difficult; a dodger also interfered with cranking the winch a full turn.?The boat itself balances well; the owner reports that his Monitor wind vane works well in most conditions. On the wind, he was able to simply lock the wheel and sit back and relax while the boat held its course.

Heeling was not excessive at 15-17 degrees in 15- knot winds. Reefing should not be necessary until well into 20 knots of wind; easing the mainsheet will buy some extra time without suffering undue consequences.

Hans Christians came powered with a variety of engines. Two 34s we know of, one with an Isuzu 40, the other with a 3-cylinder, 35-hp. Volvo, got about the same results in speed-about 6 or so knots at 1,800 rpm. Rosalies performance under power improved (for a time) to about 8 knots with a three-bladed propeller, but fell off during the season, possibly because of bottom fouling. The owner had switched from his two-blade because it thumped when passing behind the deadwood; fairing the aperture would help this condition.

While not a good boat for the weekend coastal cruiser, or for anyone who does much sailing in light-to-moderate air, this is an excellent choice for the serious blue-water sailor. This is a boat that will take you offshore to Bermuda or just about anywhere and will stand up to a gale. The 34/36 wont get you there fast, but it will get you there safely.

The teak decks and wood interior are attractive, but carry with them the burden of constant upkeep. This is a good-looking boat, particularly to those who like the traditional canoe stern and all the trimmings. And you can probably pick one up in the $50,000-$55,000 range.

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New yachts from HanseYachts AG

HanseYachts AG is the second-largest sailing yacht builder in the world in terms of the number of series-production sailing yachts built per year. The company is among the top ten manufacturers worldwide of  motorboats . More than 80% of the yachts built are sold for export. It has one of the most state-of-the-art and diverse ranges of yachts for sale, featuring over 40 different models. 

For many sailors and fans of motor yachts , purchasing their own boat is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. HanseYachts AG allows customers to choose from an almost infinite range of options as they configure the one-of-a-kind yacht of their dreams. One thing all our sailing boats and motor boats have in common is their unmistakeable design and unwavering ‘Engineered in Germany’ seal of quality.

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New Hanse 590: redefining comfort and innovative deck concept

Sailing boat

• Yacht industry

With the Hanse 590 as the biggest model, the world's second largest manufacturer of sailing yachts completes its successful new series from the collaboration with the yacht designers at Berret-Racoupeau. Her exceptionally high volume at 59 feet in length, her well thought-out and diverse layout variants and her numerous customisation options are unique in this boat class.

The striking design of the Hanse 590 with her typical Hanse chines not only provides stability and performance, but also an enormous amount of space and therefore an unusually high level of comfort in this class. With her innovative cockpit concept and luxurious extras such as an enormously large bathing platform that can be extended into a beach club, her tender garage for a dinghy up to 3.1 metres in length, the hydraulic gangway, a sun lounge with awning on the foredeck, a separate crew cabin and unusually large cooling capacities, the comfort of the Hanse 590 is tremendous.

Like all Hanses, the Hanse 590 stands for fast cruising and easy sailing. All the main lines are led to the two helm stations, from where the skipper has full control of the large yacht. Safe and comfortable - and at the same time, as usual with Hanse, fully suitable for single-handed sailing. The standard bowsprit with second forestay extends the sailing options for even higher performance of the yacht on the water. The new Hanse 590 will celebrate her world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2024.

Hanjo Runde, CEO of HanseYachts: "With the Hanse 590, the largest model in our current range, we have redefined comfort with many innovative solutions."

Hull: The hydrodynamic design with its slim waterline ensures a high hull speed. At the same time, the chines at the front and rear create a wide hull for maximum interior space.

Deck: The well-designed helm stations with folding seats give the helmsman full control of the Hanse 590 in every situation. All the main lines and winches are operated from here and all the information comes together here. With bow and stern thrusters, the 59-foot yacht can be manoeuvred perfectly even in narrow harbours.

The perfectly accessible storage space in the cockpit in front of the companionway can hold practically all standard life rafts for this boat size.

The large, lounge-like cockpit is covered by a particularly large T-top with folding top for a clear view of the sail. Clearly separated from the helm stations, the cockpit with its innovative meridienne seats offers a perfect connection between helmsman and guests. Free of steps, it is both safe and comfortable. The same applies to the hydraulic gangway for access to the cockpit from ashore. From the cockpit, the particularly large bathing platform is just as easily accessible via steps as the water from the bathing platform, which can be extended into a beach club using an inflatable module. Powerful hydraulic dampers ensure the stability of the platform even in rough water.

The tender garage behind the bathing platform can accommodate a dinghy of up to 3.1 metres in length, which can be easily and conveniently launched even single-handed using the Hanse Smart Tender System. A large sun lounge on the foredeck with a sun awning for sufficient shade is available as an option.

Rig: The tall and sporty rig of the Hanse 590 with its generous sail area of 151 m2 upwind and up to 326 m2 downwind ensures high performance potential. The bowsprit with integrated anchor arm and second forestay makes it easy and convenient to select the most suitable headsail for the wind and weather conditions at any time. Electric winches are just as much a part of the typical Hanse easy handling as the obligatory self-tacking jib. High-performance SPS Sustainable Performance Sails from Elvstrøm, made predominantly from recycled materials, are available as a particularly environmentally friendly material option for the sails.

Interior: The intelligent arrangement of up to 22 opening hatches and windows ensures maximum light and ventilation below deck. The optional electric sliding hatches to the side of the companionway provide an ideal link between the cockpit and saloon.

36 possible layout combinations allow the Hanse 590 to be customised to suit all personal requirements. The spacious owner's cabin including en-suite bathroom is available in two versions. Instead, two forward cabins, each with two double berths and their own bathrooms, as well as an additional separate crew cabin are also possible. As an alternative to the two aft guest cabins, each with its own bathroom, there is also the option of choosing a further single cabin on the port side instead of a bathroom.

With an area of around 21 square metres, the extremely spacious saloon offers seating for up to 12 people at the large table, which is available in two different versions and can be lowered to create a lounge area. Opposite is either another lounge corner or a multifunctional area for navigation and home office. The large island kitchen is perfect for catering for a large crew or guests, with plenty of storage space and all the technical options including an optional two-burner induction hob and a fullheight refrigerator. The maximum cooling capacity is an outstanding 398 litres.

A special upgrade for the Hanse 590 is the Flagship Package with, among other things, high-quality leather handrails, a designer table with folding table top in the saloon, luxurious saloon upholstery with multifunctional backrests, blinds for the hull windows, the kitchen island in slat design, coloured high-gloss fronts of the wall cabinets and upholstered headboards in the cabins.

Sustainable sailing: In addition to the Sustainable Performance Sails, which are primarily made from recycled fibres, the Hanse 590 can also be equipped with solar panels on the roof and the Ttop as well as a fuel cell. This ensures greater autonomy without shore power and makes you less dependent on a generator to enjoy the comfort of the yacht under sail or at anchor.

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Sailing yachts like Mike Lynch's are 'unsinkable bodies', CEO of boat manufacturing firm says

Bayesian superyacht which sank off Italy is an "unsinkable" vessel, Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, said.

By Ashna Hurynag, news correspondent and Eleonora Chiarella, producer

Thursday 22 August 2024 15:27, UK

Vessels like Mike Lynch's stricken superyacht are "unsinkable", according to the chief executive of the firm which makes and sells them.

Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, told Sky News there are no flaws with the design and construction of the Bayesian superyacht which capsized in a storm off the coast of Porticello, Sicily, on Monday.

Five bodies were found by divers on Wednesday - taking the number of confirmed dead to six.

The Italian Sea Group also owns the firm that built British tech tycoon Mr Lynch's Bayesian, and Mr Costantino said the vessels "are the safest in the most absolute sense".

"Being the manufacturer of Perini [boats], I know very well how the boats have always been designed and built," he said.

"And as Perini is a sailing ship... sailing ships are renowned to be the safest ever."

He said their structure and keel made them "unsinkable bodies".

Read more on this story: Why search of superyacht wreck has been so difficult Hero mum 'slept with baby on deck when storm sank yacht'

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Mr Costantino said news of the sinking "put me in a state of sadness on one side and of disbelief on the other".

"This incident sounds like an unbelievable story, both technically and as a fact," he said.

It is understood Italian prosecutors investigating the incident are continuing to hold interviews with the survivors.

On Tuesday they questioned the captain for more than two hours to help reconstruct what happened and provide useful technical details.

Four British inspectors are also in Porticello and have begun a preliminary assessment of events.

It is understood they will look at all relevant aspects of the incident, including the design, stability, and operation of the vessel. They will also examine the effects of the weather conditions experienced.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Twenty-two people were on board the vessel, 15 of whom were rescued - including Briton Charlotte Golunski and her one-year-old daughter Sofia.

Divers will resume efforts on Thursday morning to bring ashore a body they found earlier. One more person remains missing.

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Family of 15-Year-Old Killed in Boat Crash Files Lawsuit Against Parents of Teen Boat Driver

The complaint alleged that the parents allowed their son to operate their boat without "adult supervision" and "without checking for alcohol"

• Collin Moorefield, 15, died on March 3, 2024, after a boat driven by an unsupervised teenager collided with a dock, per the complaint
• The lawsuit alleged the boat operator was under the influence of alcohol and distracted by his phone
• “He was known for his ability to make you laugh, his handsome smile, genuine respect for others, thoughtfulness, adventurous spirit, and easygoing personality," read Collin's obituary

The family of a 15-year-old boy who was killed in a March 3 boat crash in Florida is suing the parents of a teen who was driving the boat at the time of crash.

The estate of the victim, Collin Moorefield, alleged the driver, who was also 15 at the time, was under the influence of alcohol. They cited his age as well as his level of experience when he drove the boat in a complaint  reviewed by PEOPLE.

Filed on Aug. 12 with the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit by Collin’s estate against the teen driver’s parents, Anjan Tharakan and Katherine Tharakan, the complaint said the Tharakans owned and controlled the 18-foot boat, the Key West . It alleged the couple purchased the boat so that their 15-year-old son — identified in the complaint as C.T. — could take out “his friends on the Key West alone, without adequate experience, adult supervision, and/or a lookout.”

The complaint added that the parents should have accompanied C.T. on the March 3 voyage but instead allowed him to operate the boat alone. On that day, according to the filing, C.T. invited Collin to ride on the Key West.  

“Anjan and Katherine allowed this—C.T. to take the Key West out on the waters of Tampa Bay without adult supervision, without a lookout, and without checking for alcohol—despite knowing that they were taking their other, larger boat out later that same day and could have taken the boys, C.T. and Collin Moorefield, with them,” read the complaint. 

C.T. drove the Key West southwest from Venetian Isles in St. Petersburg, asserted the complaint, adding that he operated the boat at or close to its top speed of 43.5 miles per hour “under the influence of alcohol and while distracted, focusing on his cell phone for a prolonged period. attempting to change the music he was playing over the Key West 's speakers rather than focusing on his surroundings.”

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The complaint said the Key West narrowly missed a dock before striking the next dock and lower unit of a boat in St. Petersburg. As a result, Collin “suffered massive blunt force trauma” and was "violently cast overboard."

Authorities arrived to search for Colin and C.T. in the waters. Colin was eventually found after being underwater for a while due to his injuries, according to the complaint. He was taken to a hospital, where he died of his injuries that day. The cause of death, read the complaint, was “blunt force trauma and drowning.”

“As a direct and proximate cause of Anjan’s, Katherine’s, and C.T.’s negligence, Collin Moorefield suffered permanent, fatal injuries, and other damage,” alleged the complaint.

The complaint also alleged that Collin’s survivors “suffered lost support and services, loss of Collin Moorefield’s companionship and protection, mental pain and suffering, funeral expenses, loss of instruction, and loss of guidance, and will continue to suffer these damages in the future for the remainder of their useful lives.”

Per the complaint, Collin’s family is seeking damages in excess of $50,000.

At the time when he was pulled out of the water following the crash, C.T. told those who assisted him that he had been looking at his phone to change the music before the collision, the complaint alleged. 

Ian Leavengood, an attorney representing Collin’s family, told PEOPLE in an Aug. 23 email that the family has declined to comment. PEOPLE has reached out to the Tharakans' for comment.

According to a published obituary , Collin was born in Illinois. His family moved to St. Petersburg when Collin was about 3 years old. At the time of his death, Collin was in the eighth grade. 

“Athletic and a devoted team player, Collin participated in sports year-round, including, cross country, soccer, football, basketball, track, and lacrosse,” read the obituary. “His passions were music, fishing, and food. He played guitar and bass guitar, memorizing songs from reggae to classic rock.”

Collin is survived by his parents, two siblings and grandparents. 

“He was known for his ability to make you laugh, his handsome smile, genuine respect for others, thoughtfulness, adventurous spirit, and easygoing personality,” the obituary also stated. 

The court filing did not list the Tharakans' legal representation.

Related Articles

Powerboat operator sentenced to jail for cruise boat crash

OSHKOSH, Wis. (WBAY) - The man convicted in a boat crash on the Fox River was sentenced to five months in jail on Thursday.

A Winnebago County courtroom was packed for Jason Lindemann’s sentencing hearing Thursday afternoon. Lindemann, who is a prominent businessman and has been called a leader in the community, apologized at the hearing, saying that he takes responsibility for his behaviors and asking the judge for leniency. The state asked the judge to treat him like any other person and to hold him accountable.

In addition to five months in jail, he’ll spend 3 years on probation. The judge put many stipulations on his probation, including 50 hours of community service every year, counseling, and an Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) assessment. The judge decided on 50 hours a year for each year of probation based on the number of people’s lives Lindemann put in danger that night. Requests for restitution, which Action 2 News has heard may be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars range, will be decided at a hearing in January.

Lindemann, now 54, crashed his powerboat into a paddlewheel cruise boat with 44 people on board in July 2022. Witnesses said he then turned off the lights of the powerboat as he fled.

A jury convicted him on 14 counts, including Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, Failure to Render Aid after a Boating Accident Resulting in Injury, and Negligent Operation of Boat. He was acquitted on one of the Failure to Render Aid counts.

“Mr. Lindemann affected 50 other people’s lives that day. Had he stopped and rendered aid, we may not be here. It would potentially have been a week-long story about another accident on the water.” said judge Michael Gibbs. “There were pleas on the shore and in his own boat to stop and do the right thing. Your actions that day were cowardly and this most offensive to the boating community.”

Copyright 2024 WBAY. All rights reserved.

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Sailing schools and courses (ISSA, RYA, IYT) in Russia

The possibilities for yachting in russia are unlimited, since this is a country with a long maritime history. you just need to choose where you want to sail. small and big lakes, full-flowing rivers, warm and cold seas — all this is available to those who want to try sailing in this country..

Practical yachting

You will be able to master the skills of sailing; learn to feel the boat, approach and leave the pier, learn about the safety measures on the water and much more.

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International Bareboat Skipper (IYT) Course

Having received the International Bareboat Skipper Certificate, you can independently charter a yacht on a charter and operate it in the waters of any country.

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ISSA Offshore Skipper course

The certificated confirms the skills sufficient to sail the yacht in light and dark hours at a distance from a sheltered port up to 100 sea miles.

IYT International Crew course

This is a certificate of excellence for those candidates who wish to train to become an active crew member on a power or sailing yacht. It includes Introduction to Boating for power and sail yachts.

IYT Introductory Sailing Skills course

This course is great for groups of friends or like-minded people to get together for a few days of fun sailing while learning skills to better help as crew onboard.

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It’s a fun hands-on course to enjoy being on the water while learning basic sailing skills.

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In three hours of training, you will learn the basic techniques of managing a yacht, learn some of the specifics of working with a yacht, a helm, sails.

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Advanced skippering techniques for yachtsmen with considerable knowledge of sailing and navigation, wanting to undertake coastal passages by day and night.

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A course for aspiring skippers with some yachting experience and basic navigation and sailing skills.

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Russian River Cruise – Waterways of the Tsars

Updated December 14, 2017

// By Margherita

Back to Russia! Did you follow our Russian river cruise in August and September? We travelled between Moscow and St Petersburg on the Waterways of the Tsars Viking River Cruise – here’s what we got up to!

We both share a deep connection with Russia. I was named after the heroine of Master and Margarita , one of the best Russian books of the 20th century. Nick is actually of Russian ancestry – his maternal great-grandparents were from St Petersburg, and spent the best part of 50 years wandering around Europe escaping wars and revolutions, before settling in Australia .

Russia has been at the top of our travel dreams for several years , but somehow something always came up whenever we made plans to visit. Once we couldn’t get a visa on time. Another time we couldn’t get time off. Winter is too cold, summer is too hot.

This year, Russia was one of our travel resolutions . Our desire was for the trip to be special – something different from what we’d done so far. We wanted a higher level of comfort, help with visa arrangements, and a trip that would help us understand the country we longed to visit for so many years . The Waterways of the Tsars river cruise with Viking ticked all boxes, so we made arrangements for a departure from Moscow in late August.

Things to Know Before a Russian River Cruise with Viking

When we announced our friends we would be travelling on a Russian river cruise , some of them were really surprised. A CRUISE? You guys are such hardcore independent travellers! What are you doing ON A CRUISE with all those OLD PEOPLE? True, the average age on a Viking river cruise might be a fair bit higher than 35 – but really, who is to say we wouldn’t enjoy the experience?

This awesome post by One Modern Couple  really nails the point – a Viking river cruise is an experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In their words ‘River cruises are cultural, experiential, educational and scenic. Enjoy the ride, take in the surroundings, learn about the countries you are visiting – from history to local life, food to language – and experience the destinations in a thoughtful way.’ 

Whether you’re 30, 60 or 90, it doesn’t really matter.

Secondly,  who’s to say that travelling in a group is not ‘real’ travel? We have always been (and continue to be) lovers of independent travel, but sometimes you just can’t beat the insights given to you by a local guide . Viking River Cruises offer plenty of guided tours included in the cruise price, all led by experienced local guides.

Meals were always excellent – breakfast and lunch included a combination of buffet and à la carte specialties, while dinner was always à la carte. Every day we were given the choice to sample some Russian specialties, like beef stroganoff, borsch, pelmeni, solyanka and lots of delicious desserts.

Another great plus of a Russian river cruise with Viking is that during sailing time lots of cultural activities are on offer – things like cooking demonstrations, Russian language lessons and lectures about Russian history and culture, led by the local tour escorts who were with us for the whole duration of the trip. On top of that, every day we received a briefing detailing the following day’s activities, optional excursions and that night’s menu.

Whenever we passed points of interest on the boat, such as Mother Volga statue or the sunken Kalyazin Cathedral, we were always called out on the loudspeaker to make sure we wouldn’t miss them. There was no pressure to join in any of the activities – we could spend the whole day chilling on the deck or on our veranda, looking at the beautiful colourful churches built on the riverbank, surrounded by nothing but nature.

Waterways of the Tsars – the Itinerary

The Waterways of the Tsars cruise is 13 days long, starting either in Moscow or in St. Petersburg . Most Russian river cruises had always been described to me as ‘Volga Cruises’ – in fact, our boat cruised along a variety of waterways, including the Moscow Canal, the Volga-Baltic Waterway, the Rybinsk Reservoir, Lake Onega and Ladoga (the two largest lakes in Europe) and the Neva River (the shortest in Europe!)

Here’s a map to give you an idea of the route.

Days 1-4 Moscow

Three days were barely enough to get an idea of how amazing Moscow is. Our days were packed from morning to night with tours and activities – from visiting Moscow must visits like Red Square, the Kremlin, the Moscow Metro and the Arbat, to quirky locations like the Museum of Cosmonautics , located in one of Moscow’s best districts for Communist architecture (one of our passions!)

Even though our itinerary was packed full, we managed to spend half a day touring Moscow independently , visiting some of the sights mentioned in The Master and Margarita – Patriarch’s Ponds, both Bulgakov Museums and Sparrow Hill. Let’s just say that we need to get back to Moscow soon to explore more! Meanwhile, here’s our things to do in Moscow for first timers article, detailing our Moscow visit with Viking.

Day 5 Uglich

After setting sail from Moscow, our first stop was Uglich , a cute town on the Volga River, famous for its pretty churches and for being the location of one of the darkest chapters in Russian history .

After the death of Ivan the Terrible, his youngest son and heir to the throne Dmitry was exiled to Uglich, where he was murdered at the age of 10. Suspicion fell on the tsar’s chief advisor, but Dmitry’s cause of death (i.e. throat slitting) was ruled to be an accident. This episode started a period of political unsettlement, that ended with the start of the Romanov dynasty.

We spent an afternoon around Uglich , starting with a home visit of a local family where we had the chance to try homemade grain vodka (the best we’ve had in Russia) and a variety of pickled vegetables, tea and cakes. Then, we toured the Kremlin – the word ‘kremlin’ actually means fortified city, and several Russian cities have one. Moscow’s Kremlin just happens to be the best known!

Day 6 Yaroslavl

The following morning we reached Yaroslavl , a much larger city compared to Uglich. It looked like the perfect Russian city – large enough not to get bored (there was even a cat cafe!) but small enough not to get frustrated with the traffic and crowds found in Moscow or St. Petersburg.

Our Yaroslavl visit was centred around four points of interest . The centre of Yaroslavl is located on the Strelka, a promontory formed at the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl rivers. Our first stop was the covered market , where we tasted some local products, and then we headed to the Church of Elijah the Prophet , where we had a guided tour (and played with some cute cats). Afterwards, we visited the Governor’s Mansion , now an art gallery. We were welcomed by some beautiful ladies in period costumes, and treated to a music concert. Our final stop was the Yaroslavl Kremlin , where we admired the façade of the Dormition Cathedral, destroyed by the Bolsheviks and rebuilt and reopened in 2010 in time for Yaroslavl’s millennium celebrations.

Before heading back to the ship, we stopped at the lookout over the Millennium of Yaroslavl Park at the end of the Strelka – the flowerbed right in the centre displays a bear (Yaroslavl’s coat of arms) and the city’s age – 1006 at the time of our visit. Looking good!

Day 7 Kuzino

Kuzino is a small village in in the middle of nowhere – we visited on a chilly and rainy morning, to visit the stunning Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery , the largest in Europe. The Monastery is surrounded by walls and located on the shores of Severskoye Lake, with waters so pure that boat traffic is prohibited.

Kirillo-Belozersky was founded at the end of the 14th century, and had its heyday between the 15th and 17th century, when Russia’s tsars and noblemen (including Ivan the Terrible!) paid frequent visits and showered the monks with icons and precious gifts. Luckily the Bolsheviks spared the monastery from destruction, turning it into a museum instead. The day we visited was the feast of the Assumption and the churches were crowded with locals, but we had a lovely guided tour of the museum and time to appreciate its beautiful icons.

Day 8 Kizhi (Sailing)

Whenever travelling, you always need a plan B. Autumn was well on its way by the time we reached the northernmost section of our cruise, and we were held at a lock for the best part of one night due to thick fog . This meant we had to sail the whole day and miss out on Kizhi , a tiny island on the northern side of Onega Lake, famous for its spectacular wooden churches.

We were all disappointed when boat staff made the announcement – personally, Kizhi was one of the stops I was looking forward to the most, after reading about it on the Guardian and knowing that the site is very difficult to visit without a river cruise. However, we didn’t mind too much because we were both suffering the consequences of the previous night’s vodka tasting , organised by Frank, the hotel manager who also happened to be a real vodka connoisseur!

Viking staff were really amazing at keeping us busy during the sailing day with activities like guided tours to the wheelhouse, the room where the captain and sailors pilot the ship.

Day 9 Mandrogy

The last stop before reaching St. Petersburg was Mandrogy , a village on the banks of the Svir River, built in 1996 as a replica of a village destroyed during WW2. A Russian businessman had the idea of ‘rebuilding’ Mandrogy to provide a stop to river cruise passengers before reaching St. Petersburg. So, the village is not actually ‘real’ – it’s more of an open air museum. Cute little painted houses were built around a little forest, with people in traditional dress showcasing traditional crafts and selling souvenirs.

Those in search of souvenirs loved Mandrogy – the quality of matrioshka dolls, icons and other handicrafts was far higher than anywhere else we had been. We are not into souvenirs, but if there was a place to get something, Mandrogy would be it. The village was pretty, but it felt a bit fake for us – kind of like a tourist amusement park. Which in a way, it is.

However, we did enjoy Mandrogy for two reasons – the first was the chance to attend matrioshka painting workshop  where we decorated our own matrioshka dolls. That’s the best kind of souvenir in my opinion! The second was the delicious piroshki place where we had some delicious buttery pastries filled with green onion and egg. Just ask Viking staff and they’ll point you the way to the piroshki place!

Days 10-13 St. Petersburg

After 6 days spent cruising, covering a distance of 1800 kilometers, we made it to Saint Petersburg . We had three gorgeous sunny days, and the city dazzled us with its beauty and artistic wealth – after all, it’s UNESCO-listed ! There’s no way I can convey everything we saw and did in three days in just a couple of paragraphs, so watch this space – a St. Petersburg article is coming soon!

There are several St. Petersburg experiences already included by Viking in the tour price – a visit to the Hermitage Museum, a ballet performance, a visit to Catherine Palace in the village of Pushkin and a St. Petersburg city tour, either on foot or by bus. On top of that, we also joined some optional tours – a river cruise, a morning tour to amazing Peterhof Palace and my very own favourite, a Cossack performance!

Things to Know Before Travelling to Russia

• Make sure you sort out your Russian Visa on time . Viking Cruises helps with an invitation letter that you can use to apply for your own Russian visa at your closest consulate – the process is pretty straightforward, provided you are applying in your own country, and takes approximately 2-3 weeks.
• You can also ask Viking to sort out your Russian visa for an additional charge . This is especially convenient if you live in the US or if your hometown doesn’t have a Russian consulate.
• River cruises of Russia only run between April and October, when the waterways are not frozen. The weather can be change dramatically between Moscow and Saint Petersburg , the latter usually being much colder than the former. Make sure you check the weather reports before packing!
• English isn’t widely spoken around Russia , not even in the main cities. If you’re planning to spend some time travelling independently, learning a bit of Russian is a VERY good idea. The Russian language classes we had on board came in very handy!
• Russia’s currency is the rouble , which fluctuates quite a bit. Larger cities are full of moneychangers, and some souvenir shops (like those in Mandrogy) also accept euro and USD.

We would like to thank Viking Cruises for having welcomed us aboard the Waterways of the Tsars cruise.

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2 thoughts on “Russian River Cruise – Waterways of the Tsars”

Truly amazing place & photography! I loved the view of church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, looks awesome. I enjoyed reading. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Thank you for reading! It was a fab trip!

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