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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[@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.

[@itsodelay]

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

[@SBF_FTX593]

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

[@mgmcd1]

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

[@Halcyonyachts]

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

[@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?

[@ksmsailing]

@@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.

[@esr243]

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

[@ditto1958]

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

[@mariuspotgieter9716]

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

[@triedproven9908]

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

[@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!

[@N330AA]

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

[@paulpaul9914]

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

[@imid-ltd]

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

[@CustomYachtShirts]

Just a beautiful little ship.

[@MyCornerinTaiwan_JLU]

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

[@andrewlabat9963]

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

[@HopeOfJoe]

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

[@waltercastillo6842]

I really like the black sails.. a beauty!

[@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.

[@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.

[@jeromehebert3184]

wow that is a beautiful boat inside and out.

[@tallesttreeintheforest]

i love when a solid nav station is prioritized

[@TraneFrancks]

Gosh, what a beautiful boat.

[@10080407]

Красота, собранность, вода и небо!

[@dherman0001]

So smooth!!

[@howe-is-god1871]

Like it a lot. Huge space for a 50’er

[@BRuas9080]

Beautiful boat.

[@denislyons8723]

What a lovely boat. Great video as usual, Toby

[@J.Smith-rc6wh]

very pretty look to it, fantastic cockpit position

[@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.

[@niki7040]

Lovely boat!

[@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.

[@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

[@stevenbatley8666]

Magnificent 🤩

[@twotfreigh4946]

Beautiful...

[@williieloman1549]

Magnificent, I want one.

[@Nils_Hammarsten]

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

[@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.

[@jimheaven]

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

[@centarforbr.9.529]

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

[@intelectualize]

My Dream Boat.

[@p.d.smithjr.3277]

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

[@simonjohnson1]

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

[@RockDodger]

The Perfect blue-water Boat. Great review as always

[@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.

[@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!

[@bsdguy]

Very nice...

[@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.

[@RomainLagrange1]

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

[@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...

[@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.

[@lars7935]

@@dankyden Still the price of a house.

[@dankyden]

@@lars7935 depends on the house I guess, you can get a dope apartment in Medellin for 50 grand!

[@kentaylor5133]

Nice boat

[@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.

[@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.

[@ksmsailing]

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.

[@stephanechollet5863]

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

[@ericvuille1956]

Every things are perfeckt...

[@andrewhardy6221]

Just Proper!

[@JohnOrtynsky]

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

[@erickrueger6464]

What is the material used lining the engine compartment ?

[@MrFroglips69]

Very groovy

[@chrissnyder7968]

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

[@richardsimpson2599]

Thats better.....real quality !

[@iainhunneybell]

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

[@thetigergod]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 ..

[@bbauer1973]

I’ll take two

[@deanc685]

Maybe Hallberg can explain why they went with two unprotected rudders vice one protected one. It seems that Kraken is the only one building true blue water cruisers then.

[@paulleconte7658]

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

[@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.

[@SoorinSeptimiuCooman]

Just…nb 1 🤷‍♂️

[@sambassil7825]

How much?

[@andre1987eph]

I would definitely be ecstatic if I was given one of these for free.

[@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.

[@AirstripBum]

This might be a dumb question. What's the purpose of the bowsprit? On some boats it's obvious but on some there seems to be no purpose.

[@valeriesorrells]

someday....

[@UTube-gs1yf]

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.

[@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

[@mercedesrepair6838]

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

[@xxxxxxxxxxxx_xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

4K when?

[@chikken_soup]

I'm not liking this boxy trend German Frers has been designing aesthetically unpleasing

[@jpdj2715]

The advantage, when you are in one, is that you don't have to look at it

[@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!

[@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.

[@hogey74]

These boats. Whoa. For their intended use they're kind of perfect. I'd just skip on the racing-style sails and rig and sail away.

[@pioneer_1148]

A) if it's not got an integral keel then it isn't a go anywhere cruiser

[@corradodeluca1320]

This is the only time I wish I were rich ! 😁

[@peterdodge6563]

How do you curl with vertical battens.

[@peterdodge6563]

How do you Furl with vertical battens?

[@daijones101]

The ultimate long distance cruiser

[@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.

[@robwestern7702]

Yes please Magnus can you send one over so I can play with her

[@anthonyellis9804]

A lot of water slap noise in the aft quarters

[@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 .

[@giuseppesilj9738]

Look like a Hanse

[@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?

[@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.