Some projects are run-of-the-mill – and others stick in your mind – just like this one
Before handing over a Hanse 590 to Kathrin and Alan, there was a special task to be completed: the entire cockpit needed to be fully enclosed. No part was to be left unprotected – and for good reason.
The challenge of Gruissan, France, as a home port
The home port of this sailing yacht, which is just under 18 metres long, is Gruissan on the Mediterranean. It sounds idyllic – but it comes with its own set of problems: large populations of starlings and regular sandstorms.
The result: boats quickly become dirty in the harbour, and because washing is prohibited there, regular cleaning is virtually impossible. This is not an ideal situation for a yacht that is in constant use.
Living on board
Kathrin and Alan love living on their Hanse 590 and use the cockpit as an extended living area – in both summer and winter.
This means that shelter is not just a matter of comfort, but an absolute necessity. At the same time, the cockpit cushions need to be able to stay outside permanently without getting wet, fading or getting dirty.
The solution: a bespoke cover for the entire cockpit.
A bespoke solution rather than a standard one
There was no off-the-shelf template for this project.
Before production began, a bespoke template was created to ensure the T-top was integrated perfectly and all transitions were planned with precision. Absolute precision is crucial, particularly given the dimensions of a cockpit in this class.
Every millimetre counts – and every detail must be just right to ensure that the end result is watertight, sturdy and functional.
The result: fully protected and fully functional
The result is a cockpit that is now fully protected – from wind, weather, birds and the typical conditions found in a Mediterranean harbour.
For the owners, this means:
- greater comfort on board
- significantly less cleaning required
- year-round use of the cockpit as a living space
- furnishings and upholstery that remain protected
And most importantly: Kathrin and Alan are completely delighted with the result – and can now enjoy life on board even more: “We’re thrilled with how the canopy has been made. We come from an industry that also involves tailoring, and we’re absolutely delighted with the details and the execution.”
Now the cockpit is perfectly equipped to withstand wind, weather and anything else that might come from above.
We wish them both many cosy hours during their Mediterranean cruises – whether at anchor or in the marina.