Hanse 315

The smallest Hanse distils the marque's shorthanded philosophy into a nimble 31-footer. A self-tacking jib and every control line led aft to twin wheels mean the 315 is genuinely a two-person yacht — trimmed, tacked and berthed without leaving the helm — while a stiff, powerful hull keeps her quick and sure-footed as the breeze builds.

Named European Yacht of the Year 2016 in the Family Cruiser class, she carries far more boat than her length suggests: a bright saloon, a proper galley and a separate heads with shower, wrapped in Hanse's clean, contemporary joinery. A choice of shallow (1.35 m) or L-keel (1.85 m) lets you match her to your cruising ground.

For a first yacht, a weekender or an easily-handled second boat, the 315 remains the most accessible way into Hanse ownership — with none of the entry-level compromises.