Simplicity, Accessibility & Sustainability
The International Hansa Class Association are pleased to partner with Sailors for the Sea in their important work in looking after our waterways. Being more mindful and respectful of our impact on and off the water ensures a safer and better environment for sailors and for the flora and fauna that call it their home.
Shauna Phillips, Vice President Development
The Hansa Class champions the idea of “sailing for everyone” and is the first member of our Clean Class initiative focused on parasailing. With almost 4,000 Hansa sailboats on the water in 35 countries throughout the world, Sailors for the Sea will be collaborating with the class to introduce their members to more sustainability initiatives.
With their emphasis on environmental impact and accessibility to all, the Hansa Class is a perfect fit for the Clean Class Initiative. Recent sustainability efforts of the Hansa Class include refurbishing secondhand boats to share with grassroots or emerging nation programs, supporting growth of the class through reuse of resources.
History
Since the first Hansa design in 1992, Hansa Sailing Systems’ principal and designer Chris Mitchell has been leading the design and development of accessible boats. Hansa Sailing Systems and Japan Universal Socio Engineering Research Institute (Japan USER), work closely to promote the concept of “sailing for everyone”. In an ideal world, access should not disadvantage anyone going about their everyday life. The company’s association with disabled sailing came about because Mitchell’s designs are weighted to avoid capsize and because he spent many years refining the boats’ fit-outs to make it possible for people of any age and ability to go sailing without fear. As such, the boats were adopted by Sailability and other disabled sailing organizations internationally.
Hansa Sailing aims to combine simplicity in design with value for money. The company strives to achieve efficient manufacturing procedures and minimal waste, provide an enriching and positive work place for its employees, and minimize negative impacts on the environment.
