Hansa Dinghy

aero-naut Hansa dinghy – classic RC sailing boat kit based on a maritime model

History and model

The Hansa dinghy was introduced in 1947 by Henry Rasmussen, founder of the renowned boat and yacht builder Abeking & Rasmussen (A&R) in Lemwerder near Bremen. It was based on a design created in 1920, which Rasmussen developed for two friends from Copenhagen. This first boat, named VISKA, was used for single-handed long-distance sailing in the Scandinavian Baltic Sea region and impressed with its seaworthiness and reliability.

The positive experiences with the VISKA provided the decisive impetus for a new start for the shipyard after the Second World War. Due to Allied occupation regulations, larger boats were not allowed to be built at first, so there was a demand for a compact, safe cruising boat. The original design was further developed and given more freeboard, greater draught and a solid, lockable cabin superstructure.

Under the name Hansa-Jolle, Abeking & Rasmussen produced this boat in large numbers for around 20 years. A total of 224 boats were built. Thanks to its excellent sailing characteristics, the Hansa-Jolle was soon to be found in many sailing areas and was recognised as a national class by the German Sailing Association (DSV) in 1960. In the same year, A&R released the construction plans so that other shipyards could also build the Hansa dinghy.

Strictly speaking, the term ‘dinghy’ is not correct. With its moulded ballast keel, fixed fin and a draught of 50 cm, it is more of a centreboard boat. The 150 kg ballast keel and a width of 1.65 m give the boat a high degree of dimensional stability. Although the Hansa dinghy is unsinkable thanks to its sealed, foam-filled buoyancy tanks, it is not considered capsize-proof.

With a length of 5.85 m, it was designed as a small, safe cruising boat for inland and coastal waters. The cabin was compact but offered enough space for two berths. In 1958, the price was around 7,000 DM. The Hansajolle No. 79 ‘Solveig’ became particularly well known when Rollo Gebhard sailed it to the Red Sea in 1960/61.

To this day, the Hansa dinghy is an active class in the DSV.

Model description

The aero-naut Hansajolle kit recreates this traditional sailing boat as a functional RC model. The model combines classic lines with good-natured sailing characteristics and is aimed at model builders who want to realise a larger, true-to-life sailing project. Thanks to its balanced hull shape and ballast keel, the model exhibits calm, stable handling, especially in light to moderate winds.

Construction and material concept

The Hansajolle from aero-naut combines a deep-drawn plastic hull with laser-cut wooden parts for the deck, fittings and superstructure. This construction method enables a clean, dimensionally stable structure and at the same time offers the possibility of customising the wood finish. Careful sealing of the wooden parts is recommended to ensure long-lasting enjoyment of the model.

RC conversion and sailing

A remote control with at least two channels is required for RC operation. Rudder and sail adjustment can be achieved with standard servos. Thanks to its generous dimensions, the hull offers sufficient space for the receiver, battery and a clear installation of the RC components. Trimming is carried out in the traditional manner via ballast keel and rig tuning.

Area of application

The aero-naut Hansajolle is a ready-to-sail RC sailing boat for ponds, lakes and sheltered coastal waters. It is suitable for ambitious beginners with patience for construction as well as for experienced model sailors who appreciate a traditional model with good sailing performance.

Technical data

Scale 1:6.5
Length 940 mm
Width 260 mm
Weight approx. 1,400 g
Mast height 1,050 mm
Sail area mainsail approx. 25 dm²
Sail area jib approx. 10 dm²