Ultimate ocean cruiser? Sailing the Hallberg-Rassy 50

Frers design combines with Swedish build quality for a bluewater yacht with seriously refined performance, volume and layout. The dream? asks Toby Hodges, sailing the first Hallberg-Rassy 50
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[@ditto1958]

The interior of these boats look like boats are supposed to look. So classic and beautiful!

[@06barcafan10]

One of the few builders that still designs for actual blue water and not the latest issue of Vogue magazine. Well done HR….well done indeed.

[@captainswoop8722]

But it isn't particularly designed for 'blue water' I would at least expect some sea berths that would allow sleeping on either tack and provision for lee boards or cloths. On long ocean reaches they are more or less essential. A double berth should also have a split mattress to allow a centre cloth or board, again to allow comfortable sleeping on either tack. A handy pilot berth near the companion to the cockpit is an essential too. Similarly with seating and tables, you need to be able to sit and eat comfortably on either tack. Without this a yacht is just a weekender no matter how well it sails.

[@06barcafan10]

The saloon settee doubles as a pilot berth as noted in the video.

[@1corinthians15.1-4kjv]

It got a dual helm and rudder and a modern sleek but beamy hull design, much like Beneteau has sported for years. For some reason, in the cruising puritans mind, the Beneteaus are not blue water cruising yachts, even though most likely is the most common boat brand, also doing Atlantic crossing, but this overpriced Hallberg-Rassy is, even though it essentially sports the same overall design. Granted, the build quality, especially interior, is far superior on this boat than any Beneteau, but so is the price, for crying out loud! A Beneteau Oceanis 62 or Jeanneau 64 (which essentially are sister boats, Jeanneau being an inhouse design studio of Beneteau) cost the same brand new in US Dollars, as this 50 feet Hallberg-Rassy do in Pound Sterling, so really a much larger yacht 20-30 percent cheaper! I could not make the choice to buy this. Even, if I wanted to go down the road buying that little extra on a blue water exploration ready boat, Then this boat cost the same as the 50 feet Garcia Exploration CATAMARAN! A catamaran of course offers vastly more space on the same length hull, and that is a boat build in marine grade aluminium and it takes a full 1½ year to build each boat, because of not least the time and labor demanding welding process. Allures 51.9 cost half of this Hallberg-Rassy, the hull is build in marine grade aluminium, again, on same shipyard, which build Garcia boats and the accommodation is easily as luxurious and no compromise, as this Swedish luxury brand is. When it comes to the indoor accommodation especially and also the protected helm position, I much prefer Amel 50 over this Hallberg-Rassy too, and this almost make that seem like a bargain in comparison, which is fantastic to me: My one gripe with Amel indeed is, that they are expensive! They however also got things for them, as solid stainless steel rails all around and watertight bulkheads and doors between multiple compartments through the entire accommodation, which virtually makes Amel unsinkable. The best part of Amel is however, that they have not yet caved to the popular demand and made aft exposed dual helm positions, but still got a single very protected helm position, double enclosed in the central cockpit and often under a hard dodger too. That is the way to do it, if you want to go blue water cruising, and not just weekend sail in nice weather during summer time. The helm position of this Hallberg-Rassy, as they also are on Beneteau and Jeanneau for the same reason, will be terrible in bad weather sailing conditions!

[@nilsliljeberg8690]

I guess you won't be buying a Hallberg Rassy then 😊

[@jo3ywils0n39]

Halberg-Rassy never ceases to amaze me, the attention to detail is spot on and really separates them from the rest. What a nice boat.

[@Halcyonyachts]

We have just delivered a new Hallberg Rassy 50. Fabulous yacht!

[@mgmcd1]

Always happy to hear from Mr. Rassy. His insights really sell the boat.

[@itsodelay]

This is one of the best laid out sailing yachts I’ve seen.

[@Metal_Auditor]

This is probably the most nicely laid-out 50' boat I've seen. Great job with the tour, Toby!

[@yachtingworld]

Thank you!

[@Metal_Auditor]

@@yachtingworld actually, watching more sailboat tours, it does have some stiff competition, like the Amel 50 and Oyster 495. I'd have a hard time deciding among those three (except considering the Oyster's price tag). I may now be leaning toward the Amel. I know you've toured their 60. Any chance of getting onboard a 50?

[@KSMsails]

@@Metal_Auditor From what I've heard, the newer Amels are not the same boats as when Henri Amel ran the boatyard. Just food for thought, not saying they are bad boats in the least, just different.

[@dangallagher8034]

I like how the openings from engine access up through the helm accommodate the off-chance then engine needed to be hoisted out. Hallberg-Rassy are superb vessels in so many ways. Well done on the presentation as well. You have a new, and happy, subscriber. Many thanks.

[@yachtingworld]

Thank you Dan and welcome aboard!

[@SBF_FTX593]

My grand parents sailed a halberg rassey 49 around the world twice. fantastic boat.

[@esr243]

Hands down, this is the best review of the HR50 on all counts. Well done and convincing.

[@imid-ltd]

Thank you Toby for this realistic say to join the fray in making way!

[@mariuspotgieter9716]

Beautiful yacht, perfect for sailing anywhere, and a very good video. Congratulations.

[@CustomYachtShirts]

Just a beautiful little ship.

[@10080407]

Красота, собранность, вода и небо!

[@triedproven9908]

Great work! The attention to sailing detail is second to none.

[@paulpaul9914]

A lot of the newest cruisers often look ugly & silly to me but this HR 50 looks sweet inside & out.

[@robertlee8042]

Nice review. Pretty boat. I’d like to see these reviews video single handed sailing maneuvers like coming about. Heaving to. Attaching preventer. Docking. Etc.

[@J.Smith-rc6wh]

very pretty look to it, fantastic cockpit position

[@N330AA]

I love the interior, such a warm and cosy look to it.

[@yousontheloose]

Dream yacht. Time to start saving!

[@HopeOfJoe]

Beautiful boat‼️‼️ Toby Hodges you have the best job✌🏻️

[@shaneriehl223]

Very pretty, and no doubt, a well built boat. I’ve been in a 40-something one of these in crappy stuff, and it performed beautifully.

[@skousend]

Maximum livability, effortless performance, no compromise build quality. This is what happens when you start with a design that pushes the LWL closer to the LOA. It's like all the space and sailing capability of a 65 foot boat in a 50+ foot package.

[@waltercastillo6842]

I really like the black sails.. a beauty!

[@tallesttreeintheforest]

i love when a solid nav station is prioritized

[@frankthorne5187]

Nice boat but like many others is it really aimed at the true world cruisers. Where are you going to put 2 kw of solar. Where is a hard top Bimini for shade and protection with clears etc.

[@martigrey5872]

You really need to get Toby on some nice dutch steel sailing yachts. Would love to see that

[@esr243]

The alu yachts from KM in the Netherlands come to mind. The Bestevear for instance.

[@MyCornerinTaiwan_JLU]

What an awesome looking boat. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@mattvalade2609]

If there was one boat I would purchase I believe this would be the one ! So we’ll thought out I can see long term or full time living on this

[@BadYossa]

I guess there will be some, especially in the comments, who will remark upon her straightened fore and aft. At the end of the day, you will get the benefit and pleasure of that change by being onboard and sailing. Sure, it's important that your boat is visually appealing, and some boats can be really pretty, but most of the time you're just blissed out to be sailing, to be bothered about how she looks from outside. I'd happily sleep in the sail locker, to have a chance of sailing that beauty. Nice vid Toby!

[@howe-is-god1871]

Like it a lot. Huge space for a 50’er

[@jim_glasgow]

I really appreciate Magnus, proving that really over-weight t people can still enjoy his yachts. And his yachts are marvellous.

[@jimheaven]

Really beautiful……coming away from multihull back to traditional!

[@jeromehebert3184]

wow that is a beautiful boat inside and out.

[@andrewlabat9963]

Another fantastic sailing yacht.. More dreams of many..

[@Nils_Hammarsten]

The 40c miss the extra cabin and head. But saves some bucks.😁

[@intelectualize]

My Dream Boat.

[@TraneFrancks]

Gosh, what a beautiful boat.

[@dherman0001]

So smooth!!

[@denislyons8723]

What a lovely boat. Great video as usual, Toby

[@centarforbr.9.529]

Love this yacht! On min 12:12 you can see a bag of first class coke 👌 in the locker 😂😂

[@welitonoliveiraoliveira8558]

eu estou sem palavras, vcs são as pessoas mais sortuda do mundo. eu gostaria de velejar em um desse e não posso. ter uma maravilha dessa é um verdadeiro milagre.

[@BRuas9080]

Beautiful boat.

[@Texaca]

...ok, this was a very nice video.. You did good job at Actual Showing the Inner workings of this magnificent sailing ship, and not "Focusing On "Me"" like so many other idiot presenters do, who turn their video/show into a "Me Me" production for themselves. And they just do a terrible job of talking about the object, or car, or yacht, or fail to show us anything about the Product they are suppose to be "Reviewing." The builder did a good job of selecting you for the job. Thanks for the good job.

[@Antipodean33]

Ok I want one, take my money. That is truly beautiful and by the sounds of it pretty quick. i wonder how long it would take to get one, I'd imagine a lot of people are putting their orders in.

[@HenElton96]

This seems like an amazing boat! Would be a joy to be able to sail and own this! Shame that it will more then likely never be within my price range.

[@dankyden]

you can get an older halberg rassy for quite cheap!

[@HenElton96]

@Danny Law From what I can see Online, it starts arround 1.2 million Euro. but I assume the price will increase a lot with options.

[@InLoveWithCities]

@@dankyden Still the price of a house.

[@dankyden]

@@InLoveWithCities depends on the house I guess, you can get a dope apartment in Medellin for 50 grand!

[@wynnroberts5388]

Has anyone obtained an opinion from Dick Beaumont? Also, I recently watched RR2 review of the 400 which questioned the wide flat transom, suggesting it would ‘roll like a pig’ when sailing down wind. Isn’t this 50 just more of the same? Having said that this does seem to be a fantastic boat with amazing space. Rig and controls sound (and look) excellent. I know I would love it. Assuming my fears about downwind sailing are misplaced it would be perfect for my projected ocean passages. Thank you Mr Rassy. Great presentation Toby, as usual.

[@p.d.smithjr.3277]

The twin helms seem to much. Love the carbon fiber. Love the three cabins!

[@JohnOrtynsky]

Absolutely amazing yacht! One question though. Why does this yacht have a Yanmar Diesel instead of a Volvo?

[@j.walker3498]

Sailing is amazing, I've been almost 100mph in a performance boat, but the feeling you get when those sails fill, the boat leans over and takes off. probably 10 mph. Love the aft masters.

[@KSMsails]

I wish there were more powerboaters like you. You don't have to love sailing, but at least be civil and appreciate the form and function.⛵

[@lisaoakley8032]

Very nice commercial for a HR 50.

[@williieloman1549]

Magnificent, I want one.

[@RomainLagrange1]

really like it ! Still found odd that the performance package doesn't include a mainsail track

[@RockDodger]

The Perfect blue-water Boat. Great review as always

[@kodiak7]

I’d like to see Magnus and Dick Beaumont (Kraken yachts) have a discussion about skegged rudder and encapsulated keel vs bolt on and twin rudder. Currently inclined to putting my money into the Kraken.

[@danielbateman6518]

I'm far from an expert on these things, but on paper I'd go with a kraken if i had the money and inclination to buy a new boat. Not only for the solid construction, but well thought out systems (which you can see in the kraken engine room tour). Although if the boat was only going to be used for coastal sailing, island hopping and chilling in the med, I would think going for the boat that's most enjoyable to live aboard is best.

[@paulnorman8274]

Neither's opinion would really be worth all that much...... Just differing opinions. It's the quality of their workforces and processes which matter. Once dealing with cruising yachts, where not every single gram of weight counts against you, it's quality of execution which determines how well similarly shaped keels and rudders are affixed to the hull. Not headline "design philosophy" Just as is the case wrt hull material. Both the HR and Kraken ways can be made rock solid, or flimsy and unsuitable, for cruising appropriate moderate aspect keels and rudders.

[@blegi1245]

That hull shape would be unsailable with single rudder. There is no point in any discussion.

[@kodiak7]

@@blegi1245 the conversation would be about the philosophy of blue water boats with bolt on/blade vs encapsulated/skegged I’ve listened to both sides. I would like to put both sides in a room and have a debate.

[@blegi1245]

@@kodiak7 naval architect for hr is German Frers. I don't know who kraken uses. I don't see what yard managers can contribute to a naval architecture conversation that mostly happened about 20 years ago.

[@iainhunneybell]

A beautiful yacht and a beautifully set set of sails. Now, where did I put that spare 2M… 🤔

[@niki7040]

Lovely boat!

[@stephanechollet5863]

Beautifull boat, and food layout. So i see laundry machine, solar pannels .... It s boat for large trip

[@simonjohnson1]

I know it's a lot of money but it is actually cheaper than I expected. Pretty well perfect too.

[@METALITHrevetments]

Less expensive, not cheaper.

[@stevenbatley8666]

Magnificent 🤩

[@ericvuille1956]

Every things are perfeckt...

[@twotfreigh4946]

Beautiful...

[@bsdguy]

Very nice...

[@jeremyprice679]

Beautiful boat, but pity about the clacking lens cap......

[@ianscott3180]

Straight Swap for a Contessa 26? Only about 10 owners. Thought not, I'll keep dreaming until my numbers come up.

[@thetigergod]

I really like this one! What's the price?

[@1corinthians15.1-4kjv]

It is definitely a beautiful boat with no compromise made in quality and design, but neither is there no compromise in price: This 50 foot monohul cost as reviewed 1.6670.000 Pound Sterling! For crying out loud, that makes it more expensive than a Neel 65 or an Outremer 55! Just crazy! One of a few boats, which manages to make even Amel 50 seem like a bargain. And I sure like the Amel more, if it comes to that.

[@Сергей-д8т8п]

У этой верфи вообще все лодки уютные...

[@paulleconte7658]

someone please tell me,why white with a blue stripe? what's wrong with some color?

[@chrissnyder7968]

Looking forward to a new 470/47 to replace the “retired” 48 MK II. Would be awesome !!!

[@EJL2004]

Man... I am so far behind the times! I still think of our C&C 29 MK II as a modern boat... I'm still stuck in the pre AIS days despite being a professional ship's officer well up to date in modern navigation etc. One day my wife and I hope to go blue water cruising and Halberg Rassy is at the top of our list.

[@michaeltca3103]

,,,you must be Canadian, right?

[@EJL2004]

@@michaeltca3103 However did you know? XD😅

[@michaeltca3103]

@@EJL2004 ..I find that Canadians really like those sailboats for some reason. Not sure why, but anyone I meet or hear from has a Canada flag...

[@kentaylor5133]

Nice boat

[@andrewhardy6221]

Just Proper!

[@michaelellipsis980]

Beautiful interior, not a huge fan the hull design(exterior seems antiquated), maybe looks better in real.. Center cockpit always use up exterior space: do you spend more time in your cockpit or living down below ..

[@pierrevanhalteren5733]

For sure way more confortable (at harbour at least) and faster than the older German Frers of the 90's HR's but to me looking clumsy and bulky on the water.

[@dilligafwoftam985]

What? No Gin and Tonic seats? I hope they're an option, Magnus 🥂

[@paulnorman8274]

They are. Problem, is, these new boats are now so big and wide, that the seats have been relegated to the back of beyond. Somewhere in a different postal code, and weather system, than the rest of the saloon..... It pains me to say so, but it looks like the Frenchies was proven right in the end, again: On boats as wide as they are now getting, the traditional sailing yacht saloon layout no longer works. While the more French style linear galley next to the saloon, then becomes the way to preserve some remnants of closeness and coziness around the saloon table.

[@SuspectAccount]

Lovely looking boat, but I don't see how it competes with modern ocean going catamarans with their massive amount of (mostly level) space, way more solar panels and outdoor shade/protection when you want it. I'd have a HH 44 over this tbh.

[@erickrueger6464]

What is the material used lining the engine compartment ?

[@MrFroglips69]

Very groovy

[@bbauer1973]

I’ll take two

[@METALITHrevetments]

@13:42...what do you suppose people in China call their good dishes/plates?

[@richardsimpson2599]

Thats better.....real quality !

[@Fintan1000]

Interesting that they compare it to the 55 and yet it is really closer to the 48.

[@BilldalSWE]

They are comparing it to the older 55 because it has more interior space than that one even if it's a much shorter boat... The 48 which is also part of the older hulls is WAY smaller than then new 50 in terms of interior space.

[@stuartcrane9409]

Toby which is better HR50 or Amel 50?

[@yachtingworld]

That comes down to how much you value spending time on the helm Stuart - together with very different traditional v modern style layouts and finishes below decks. Both are excellent boats but certainly very different choices

[@sambassil7825]

How much?

[@bigbopper143]

Beautiful boat Toby and build quality is renown. I wouldn't spend the outrageous amount of cash required for the carbon sails and mast package. Not for global cruising. Cheers

[@miketybring4700]

If you had outrageous amounts of money, you could probably be convinced to get the carbon fibre mast set up.I am sure this system would benefit you and the boat greatly.I would but l guess thats just my opinion.First off the lottery win.

[@bigbopper143]

@@miketybring4700 I disagree it's a vulgar amount of money and it's certainly not a racing boat, it's a global cruiser so arrival times and departure times become almost irrelevant. Basic sails albeit good quality ones and self furling and tacking would be prudent and less grief long term. Good quality aluminium mast is all that's required for cruising. Imagine trying to have a carbon fibre anything repaired in remote destinations. Put the money into the bank for the trip I say

[@Nlsmhs]

@@bigbopper143 carbon masts have especially for cruising boats many benefits. It doesn't even make that much of a difference in speed. It's more about stability and comfort of the boat, which cruisers can appreciate

[@bigbopper143]

@@Nlsmhs Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

[@captainswoop8722]

@@bigbopper143 Carbon mast and boom etc increases the stability of the boat, you are losing a lot of weight up top. Plus, just because you are cruising doesn't mean you have to have a boring sluggish boat.

[@jontus9925]

A fantastic boat, but a Yanmar in a Swede??? What happened to VolvoPenta?!?

[@Antverva1]

Volvo Penta should go out of business because they can't supply many crucial spare parts for their engines. It's a downright SCAM ! Have lost 2 yachting seasons because the SUS (Steering Unit Systems) for my IPS 500 system were nowhere to be found. The support of Volvo consisted of one comment......"We don't know" ! Go figure, a Multinational company without a "Plan B" ? This is totally unacceptable for a company the size of Volvo, totally unacceptable, and I'm staying polite....🙈😱😱 So next time, yes, I'll act like Hallberg Rassy.....No more Volvo Penta, their support is a shambles....go inquire with Volvo Penta dealers and ask them to be honest, you will get wise soon.

[@briandale8386]

On a stormy ride those windows would make it a wild ride

[@kylelee8685]

You go inside.long distance sail mostly use auto pilot.

[@briandale8386]

@@kylelee8685 I was talking about the inside windows. The one where the water hits . I can’t remember but either the swans or oysters have the windows that have three vertical ones behind the couch. And on the otherside. I like the vertical ones the best. I wonder if it will make sea sickness worse when your already sick

[@peterdodge6563]

How do you curl with vertical battens.

[@peterdodge6563]

How do you Furl with vertical battens?

[@SoorinSeptimiuCooman]

Just…nb 1 🤷‍♂️

[@mercedesrepair6838]

Do black sails shorten the life of the sails? I would think more heat absorption. Anyone with expertise?

[@robertscholz4486]

I absolutely love the brand, but I think that my definition of bluewater yacht is different. To begin with I would like to see some significant cockpit protection for foul weather -- that small dodger isn't going to cut it for major squalls. With a boat of this size the dinghy davit system is a must -- I don't want to have to manhandle the dinghy or the motor off of the fore deck (I didn't notice anywhere to even mount an outboard -- saillocker? That sounds like fun -- not!!!). With a draft of close to 8 feet it's not designed for sailing to many favorable destinations (Caribbean, French Polynesia, Seychelles, etc) where people sail to experience the beauty of the reefs. Finally, spending over 100,000 € for the mast, boom, spreader, and sail system just doesn't sit well with me -- just imagine needing to find parts for a 100,000 € set of standing rigging in a remote anchorage in French Polynesia --- welcome to your new home for the next few months!!! Lastly, I did love the engine room with both front and rear access to the engine, but I wonder about the access to the sides of the engine -- with all of the beam that they were so proud of mentioning, I can't help but think that an extra 3" per side might just make the difference between an easy repair and a difficult repair out at sea.

[@maxcaysey2844]

While its an absolutly magnificient boat, and for what I'm told top class build quality, I personally prefer the look of Oysters boats!

[@gregorydamario7977]

Beautiful boat! Fine nautical interior. I prefer the darker mahogany but this oak, which I would not ordinarily like, looks great! My only disagreement is that a boat of this size is too small to need dual helms. Waste of money and systems. Excellent engine room on a 50 footer. Where are the batteries? Did I miss them? Up wind sailing performance seems to be outstanding. Well done!

[@dilligafwoftam985]

batteries under owners berth along with the stern thruster

[@paulnorman8274]

Even center cockpit 50s have gotten wide enough to need twin helms now....

[@anthonyellis9804]

A lot of water slap noise in the aft quarters

[@DiederikAms]

What is this with designers? They always forget to integrate a tiny shelf to put your shampoo and other necessities in the shower area. So you end up with having to put everything on the floor of the tiny area and you have to crouch down to get it. Weird. Don’t these designers ever use their own boats?

[@markriobr]

Close to my dream boat , beautiful and plenty of space . Just get my clothes , wet suits , my surfboards and move in . . Hope would could be that easy , Have no idea how much it costs but is clear way above my budget . Time is coming , will sell my apt ,car even my socks buy my boat and sail away .

[@-TruthHurts]

why the heck would you need two helms so close to each other?

[@heartysailorman5719]

Agree , it was the first thing I thought…more $, less room. What’s the big advantage?

[@tomcarr1358]

@@heartysailorman5719 Advantage: so that the helm can look down the side of the wheelhouse and have a better view down the gunwhale on the windward side. If helming from the leeward side the helm is better able to watch the boats to leeward on a converging course on the other tack and to watch for any back-winding in the slot.

[@-TruthHurts]

@@tomcarr1358 this could have easily been done with one tilting helm (versa helm), even if your argument is kind of correct there is virtually just a few inches of space between the wheels..... i think it has more to do with the twin rudder layout and a cost effective engineering solution connecting both rudder stocks...

[@brentthibault3467]

I don’t understand the reasoning behind the pod that sticks up at the nav station only to give you more unusable horizontal surface that can’t be used if you are actually sailing this boat. There also seems to be a contradiction between creating a large spacious feel and then making pinch points like the narrow hallway.

[@wilyjetset]

That’s the thing about sailing, you want the spacious feel but without ever being too far from a surface to lean on or hang off

[@robertlee8042]

Even they have knuckled under and put in a superfluous helm.

[@captainswoop8722]

Why is it 'superfluous? On a broader beam boat it gives you a proper view. It's a sailing boat, not a motor cruiser.