The famous Swedish builder Hallberg Rassy has long been known for delivering yachts of exceptional quality and seakeeping capabilities. The new HR 69 that was launched at the end of 2023 is the yard’s new flagship and takes all of the German Frers distinct HR design style and stretches it into a modern, graceful and powerful looking blue water cruiser.
The 69 is a family cruising boat and has been set up with all of the modern sail handling gear for true push-button sailing and docking. With in-mast mainsail furling and a high aspect 110-percent roller furling jib, the sail plan will be efficient and very easy to handle in a wide range of sailing conditions. A roller furling Code 0 on the bowsprit will add horsepower in light conditions or when broad reaching. All sails can be handled from the cockpit.
The new design has a very broad transom which provides a lot of stability and power off the wind and has ample interior volume for a dinghy garage in front of the fold-down swim platform. Due to the design’s beam, Frers has gone with twin spade rudders instead of a single rudder; these will give the helm a very sprots-car-like feel and will definitely help with tracking when running downwind in a seaway. But, they are unprotected by the keel and somewhat vulnerable to damage from flotsam. That said, virtually all new design over 40 feet these days have twin rudders.
The cockpit is huge with twin wheels and a large center-line table with folding leaves. A HR style hardtop is an option that many owners will go for since it provides dry and protected shelter for the on-watch crew and for those wanting to dine al fresco in less than perfect weather. Also, the roof provides a good spot for mounting solar panels.
The interior is vast and all on one level so you don’t have to negotiate steps when you move into the sleeping cabins fore and aft. There are three sleeping cabins in the forward third of the boat with a VIP guest cabin in the fore peak, a smaller double cabin just aft to starboard and a pullman cabin with upper and lower berth across from it. These cabins share two full heads, each with a full shower.
The master cabin aft occupies the full width of the hull and has a full-size double berth on the centerline. There is a vanity to starboard, a bench settee to port and ample hanging and storage lockers. The after head is large and has a separate shower stall. An after cabin like this offers the owners a lot of privacy and will be quietest cabin on the boat.
The saloon is open and has the galley next to the companionway, which enhances ventilation and allows food to be passed to the cockpit easily. The dinette to starboard will seat eight, while across from it are two built-in easy chairs with a table between them. The full and traditional chart table will command central for all navigation and communications.
One design feature that experienced boat owners will covet is the walk-in engine room. The main engine has access on both sides, while the genset, watermaker, AC units and other systems are also easy to service and maintain.
Hallberg Rassy has always built handsome, beautifully crafted ocean sailing yachts. In the new 69, they have stepped over a threshold into mega yacht territory. For discerning sailing families, this may well be the ultimate family cruising boat.
Check out the website here.
Watch the HR 69 video here.