wind dancer sailboat

Hanse 455 "Wind Dancer"

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• Owner's Notes
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• LOA: 45' 7"
• Beam: 14' 4"
• Draft: 7' 4"
• Keel: Fin keel with bulb
• Displacement: 25,570 lbs
• Bridge Clearance:
• 3 staterooms plus 2 heads. Master stateroom (forward) features an island queen berth, and en suite head with electric Jabsco toilet, and separate en suite shower room. Two equally-sized guest staterooms aft, each with a queen-sized berth, hanging locker and shelf storage. Guest head (aft) offers electric Jabsco toilet and separate stall shower.
• Starboard settee converts to a double berth
• Sleeps up to 8; ideal for 6
• Espar diesel forced air cabin heater (x2)
• Leather upholstery
• LED interior lighting
• Seated nav station
• Cockpit and companionway courtesy lights
• Screens and blinds for hatches, blinds for ports
• Fusion stereo with Bluetooth audio link, docking station and cockpit remote
• Salon and cockpit speakers
• Flat screen TV with Bluray DVD player
• New (2024): Starlink internet connectivity
• 55HP Volvo diesel engine with saildrive and 3-blade MaxProp feathering prop
• Retractable bow thruster
• Cruising speed: 8 knots
• House battery bank: 3 x 160 aH AGM batteries (new in 2020)
• Start battery: 1 x 90 aH AGM (new in 2020)
• Thruster battery: 1 x 90 aH AGM (new in 2020)
• Shorepower (30 amp)
• Victron battery monitor
• Victron Multiplus 2000 watt inverter/charger
• 110v and 12v outlets throughout boat
• LED navigation and anchor lights
• Eno gimbaled 3-burner propane stove with oven
• Isotherm refrigerator with top and front access
• Separate freezer drawer
• Double SS sink
• Hot/cold pressure water
• Quartz black countertops
• Propane BBQ mounted on stern rail
• B&G Zeus 3 chart plotter display at starboard helm
• B&G Zeus 2 chart plotter display at port helm
• B&G 4G broadband radar
• AIS (send and receive)
• B&G Triton 2 multifunction repeater at each helm
• B&G Autopilot
• Wind speed and depth transducers
• B&G VHF with wireless remote
• Elvstrom FCL Cruising Laminate full-batten mainsail with 2 reefs, lazy bag and lazy jacks
• Elvstrom FCL Cruising Laminate self-tacking furling jib
• Rigid boom vang
• Electric primary winches
• Large sail locker in forepeak
• Primary anchor: 44lb Delta anchor with 200' chain and 100' rope rode
• Secondary anchor
• Electric windlass with remote
• New (2022): Dodger and bimini
• Full enclosure available by advance request
• Cockpit and helm seat cushions
• Folding cockpit table
• Fold down transom with swim ladder
• Hot/cold pressure cockpit shower
• 9' 5" AB aluminum-bottom RIB dinghy
• 9.9 HP Honda outboard
• Stern dinghy davit
• Water: 118 gallons
• Fuel: 58 gallons
• Holding: 29 gallons
• Summer: $6750
• Spring/Fall: $6075
• Early Spring/Late Fall: $5400

Special Opportunities

T. 360-671-4300 (charter) | T. 360-671-8339 (school) | T. 360-671-0829 (brokerage)

2615 South Harbor Loop, Suite 1, Bellingham, Washington 98225

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Wind Dancer 42

It is a beautiful sailboat, comfortable spacious, and excellently equipped. Interior: Spacious cabin, with its seats, kitchenette, bathroom and bedrooms. Exterior: Wide bathtub and padded seats, extended bow and with cushions too. You cannot wait to sail in this beautiful sailboat...

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Everything little by little is no longer important, except for those paradises at sea and navigating and navigating.

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Wind Dancer Charters

A serious boat for serious fun.

Reserve your perfect boat today! 

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Join us on our private yacht built at the renowned Nautor boat yard in Finland. Swan yachts have been long known as racing and cruising yachts of the very highest quality and have won many prestigious races including a round the world race. Wind Dancer has been exceptionally well cared for over the years as will be apparent as soon as you step aboard. 

We sail from Sag Harbor for 2, 4, 6 or 8 hours from 9 am till a bit after sunset. Cost is $375 for 2 hrs with per hour discounts for 4, 6 or 8 hours. Sail with us around Gardiner's Bay and Northwest Harbor. Let us show you one of the beautiful anchorages in the area to stop in for a swim, or do a circumnavigation of Shelter Island for example. (Please note: a 6% surcharge is applied by booking platform FareHarbor if self-booking, no surcharge if we book for you manually - call for that if desired).

 Rate includes United States Coast Guard (USGS) Licensed Captain and crew

Custom cruises can also be designed. For example, excursions to Block Island or other destinations in the general area. 

Big sail boat handling and maneuvering lessons also available.

Available On-Board

Fridge/Freezer

 Oven/Stove

 Cold water bottles

 Glassware, dishes, cutlery

 Blender

2 Bathrooms

 Hot and cold outdoor or private indoor shower

 Stand-up paddle board

 Inflatable water toys

 Life jackets and all required safety gear

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Watch as we set sail with Captain Morgan on the SV Wind Dancer!

We are planning many more voyages in 2024 & beyond!

Sunset Sail from Traverse City with Food, Wine & Cocktails

• Includes wine tasting, local beer, cider, and Wind Dancer signature cocktails by Mammoth Distillery. Non-alcoholic options are also available.
• Snacks made from some of Traverse City's favorite makers.
• A delicious & generous turkey sandwich, two side salads, and dessrt from Folgarelli's, one of Traverse City's favorite delis. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A VEGETARIAN OPTION.
• Beach towels
• Non-skid footwear for boating
• 615 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA We respectfully request that guests not bring additional alcoholic beverages. Free parking is available at the check-in kiosk, which is located at The Delamar Resort, 615 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Please contact us directly if you need a vegetarian or gluten-free option
• Please contact us directly if you have a service animal
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• j29NewYork 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Don’t Miss a Trip to Power Island Captain John took us out to Power Island and told great stories about the area. We had a blast and learned a lot! Views were amazing and the water was perfect. Definitely jump off the dock! Read more Written January 30, 2024
• kimwT1256UE 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Pontoon tour We took a 2 hour pontoon ride tour with some friends with captain John. He was so knowledgeable of the area and such a nice guy. We really enjoyed our afternoon. Would definitely recommend and using captain John! SO fun Read more Written September 24, 2023
• JosephM543 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A wonderful way to spend a few hours on the water. A wonderful experience. We did the lunch sail and had a great time. The crew Charlie, Chris, and Dan were all wonderful. The drinks and food were all from local establishments. We had wine, beer, cocktails. A very nice selection. For lunch there was a choice of sandwiches. Read more Written September 23, 2023
• charlesbX4114IM 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great I was the caotain. It was a really Fun time I enjoyed it very much with alll of my friends. Great time Read more Written September 18, 2023
• Q109ISjoseg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great service despite weather The team was super friendly and had fun demeanors. Unfortunately we were unable to go out due to weather, but the crew made every effort to get us on the water without being reckless. I appreciated the safety call and the team was quick to issue us a full refund. Read more Written September 10, 2023
• franksA5541UT 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Sail! We had an amazing time on Wind Dancer. John was a great host and captain. Highly recommend if you're looking for a fun time on the water. Read more Written September 6, 2023
• ChicagoAlleyCat 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome time!!! My husband and I and another couple rented the pontoon for 3 hours and had an awesome time! I had called to make the reservation and they were very friendly and easy to work with to set up our preferred day and time. Captain John was great – fun, informative, accommodating and very skilled in boating. He gave us a tour of the bay (loved the tiki bar stop!) and then took us to Power Island at our request so we could sit at a picnic table to enjoy the bottle of wine and snacks we brought with us. The pontoon boat was very comfortable – lots of room for the 4 of us. We thoroughly enjoyed the 3 hours and will definitely be requesting another boat trip with Captain John the next time we are in Traverse City during the summer! Read more Written September 5, 2023
• johnhR9075WU 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun in the sun! Fun times with crew! Good lunch, drinks offered plus a snack before lunch. It was a gorgeous sunny day. Read more Written August 31, 2023
• N6274YVcindyp 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Grand Traverse Bay sail was grand On a Saturday afternoon, we easily found The Wind Dancer. The sail was delightful and beyond my expectations! We made fast friends with the others in our section of the craft. . . the weather was cool and breezy, the wine and cocktails flowed freely, and the food was phenomenal. The crew were so hospitable while they were very mindful of piloting the boat. I will come back and do it again for sure! Read more Written August 25, 2023
• L845BSjohnr 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wind-dancer Day Sail Excellent sail. Thoroughly enjoyed our trip. Attentive crew and delicious local food & drinks. Took our house guests with us & we all had a lovely time. Highly recommend it for a leisurely outing! Read more Written August 21, 2023
• nicolewO8091NQ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Must Do for Couples We enjoyed a beautiful sail! The crew was friendly, informative, and hospitable . The locally sourced food and beverages were a nice touch. It was fun to see so many interesting boats on the Bay. We would definitely book this adventure again. Thank you, Wind Dancer family! Read more Written August 21, 2023
• R6690EDbrookeb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 5 Star Experience Phenomenal sailing and even better service! The food and drinks were top notch. Would definitely repeat this experience on a future trip to Traverse City. Read more Written August 17, 2023
• 601clinto 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Everything we hoped it would be The crew was the perfect mix of information, professionalism, and fun. The boat itself was in excellent shape, and was just the right size. Read more Written August 17, 2023
• 7519jenniferb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful lake We did the pontoon ride with Captain John!! perfect view of the lake and the beautiful, luxurious homes. Great conversation and gave excellent advice as to what we were going to do after our ride. Seen a Bald Eagle flying around the lake. What an awesome experience highly recommend to anybody and we will definitely be back!! Read more Written August 6, 2023
• R2267ZIjeremyf 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Power island trip 10/10. BOOK WITH JOHN AMAZING EXPERIENCE, Captain John is the guy you want for your adventure. Informational, comical, and overall 10/10 experience. Can’t wait to come back and make sure he is our captain for future endeavors. Thank you for everything John! Read more Written August 6, 2023

More to explore in Traverse City

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Sunset Sail from Traverse City with Food, Wine & Cocktails provided by Wind Dancer Traverse City Tours

Wind Dancer Charters

Location & Hours

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301 N Harbor Dr

Grand Haven, MI 49417

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• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

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Overall rating

We joined the sunset sailing cruise, which starts at 7p, and comes back into dock around 9p (maybe a bit later). Captain and First Mate were great - very helpful. Captain runs a tight ship - very observant of all rules, keeps boat very clean. Both were willing to answer any question about the boat (even though they've probably answered every single one a thousand times or more - you'd never know from their response). Kind of unusual - if you want to, they will let you help a little bit on the boat - letting out sails etc. My son was *thrilled* to be given the duty of hoisting the gibb sail. The cruise is accompanied by suitable and inoffensive music - the night we rode it was toward the Jimmy Buffet side of things.... like I said - inoffensive. The evening we were on, the weather was quiet - too bad! Would have been nice to have had a slightly more exciting cruise - but not the charter boat's issue. (Does anyone know how to review Mother Nature on Yelp?) Before you go: - Call for reservation - they seem to regularly fill up their cruises. - Check the weather, and dress appropriately. It's always colder and windier on the water than you think it's going to be. - Leave everything you can on on shore - limited storage and you don't want to be messing with purses, camera bags and the like. - Budget $30 to $40 per person (2009 pricing) for the tour. - Bring extra cash for the bar service, if you want a beverage. - Non-marking shoes only, barefeet are fine. - No food allowed on board. - If you are prone to sea sickness, take your dramamine/gravol before you get on board. :-) - Children under a certain age (13?) must wear a life jacket - it's the law. My daugher was unhappy about this - oh well! - Sunset cruise is a bit more expensive than daytime cruise - about $6 a person, going from memory. - Remember your (compact) camera! You'll get some beautiful shots out there. Would I recommend: Yes. Would I return: Yes. Kid's loved it.

If there was an option for zero stars that is what I would rate this. I can't tell you how the cruise was because we never went. We got to the boat and we noticed that the seats in the back were filling up. We told the guy that if we didn't have a seat than we will not pay. He said you are already checked in. Everyone under 50 was told they had to go the front of the boat. We said we did not feel safe. He said " too bad I already have your money." After we argued with he said he would give us our money back if we promise not to come back again.". Some people moved to the front so there were seats in the back. We said there are seats there now does he want us to stay or go. He said he wants us to go. He gave us our $90 ($45 each) back and we left. He was very rude and did not even try to accommodate us. I guess if we were over 50 we would have had better treatment.

Loved this adventure - a 2-hour cruise at sunset is definitely the best way to cap off a week-long vacation in Grand Haven. The captain is just the right amount of salty, love that you can ride barefoot, and they serve cocktails! Great for a romantic date or as an anniversary night.

I sailed with this charter company in October of 2013. Captain was good and accommodating, first mate handled most affairs. The waters were very choppy that day, and my Uncle was offered to steer the ship. After a while he asked if I could helm, and the Captain gave me a crash course on how to navigate by compass, hold the rudder so as not to lose control of the ship, and how to keep the ship in the wind. He stayed with me for a while before heading off to help his first mate with other things. Eventually we had to head in. As we were doing so Captain told me to stay near the wheel because he needed to help the first mate take the sails down. Most of the other passengers were older men and women or young kids who couldn't keep on their feet. I ended up steering the ship into the channel with other boats so the Captain could work. Honestly one of the best times of my life and so far my only time helming a boat that large. I will never forget the experience and I plan on taking my wife on their ship next year.

Visited Grand Haven and we came across this! We did the sun set cruise. It was cloudy and no wind so not much sailing or a nice sunset. But they still made it fun and was a great activity. Would for sure do it again!!

1 other review that is not currently recommended

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You don't need to own a boat to experience Traverse City from the water! Choose from one of several tour companies in the area, and you can spend a leisurely and memorable day cruising the sapphire blue waters of Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan.

Embark on the  Nauti-Cat , whose 29’ beam allows plenty of space for passengers to relax on the nets or sightsee from the high and dry decks. Enjoy a sail on one of Traverse City's schooners including the Wind Dancer , the Tall Ship Manitou , or with the Inland Seas Education Association . All of these options are great for couples, small groups, families and friends. 

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WIND DANCER - SAILBOAT

Wind Dancer is a 42-foot sailboat, with an elegant and comfortable design, ample sundeck and a part with shade. It has a wide sundeck in the bow and has a capacity of 8 passengers that can be extended to a maximum of 14 people with an extra charge per person. It is a perfect sailboat for sunsets and during the day. It is equipped with life jackets equipment, snorkeling equipment, sound equipment and other equipment.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

British couple stranded after lightning strike causes £36,000-worth of damage to their boat

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A retired British couple are stranded in the Bahamas after their yacht was struck by lightning.

Mike Beech, 63, and wife Helen, 61, face a race against time to get moving again before hurricane season arrives.

The lightning fried electrical navigation equipment, causing £36,000-worth of damage.

They were moored off a small island near George Town when the bolt, which was captured on camera from a distance, hit the mast of their boat on March 23.

The couple – who have three children Alice, 30, Charlie, 29, and Jessica, 27 – were getting ready to have supper when suddenly they heard an ‘almighty bang’ and saw a powerful flash of white and blue light.

While their insurance company is expected to cover most of the bill, they could face costs of around £6,000 and fear their retirement dream could come to an abrupt end should their beloved boat be written off altogether.

Mike, a former truck driver, and Helen, who was a midwife with the NHS for 34 years, cannot afford to pay for the repairs themselves. They spent their life savings on buying and renovating the boat, and only receive a modest pension.

But time is of the essence as the Bahamas prepares to enter the hurricane and tropical storm season on June 1, for which they are not insured.

A friend and fellow sailor has launched a fundraiser to help them cover their insurance excess and any extra costs including renewing their visas and cruising permit.

‘I never want to experience anything like that again, at all,’ Mike told PA Real Life.

‘It’s really scary at the moment because all the other boats are racing back to the US to get out of the hurricane and tropical storm belt and we’re stuck here.

‘I have never seen an electrical storm like it.

‘But we’re alive, because I’m not sure what would have happened if we had been on deck.’

Mike and Helen bought their 38-foot yacht, Mistral Dancer, from Hamble-le-Rice in Eastleigh, Hampshire, for around £50,000 in July 2018.

‘As a small child, growing up on Trencrom Hill in Cornwall, I always wanted to go sailing across the Atlantic but never accomplished it,’ said Mike.

‘Obviously it’s money and then we had three children and family life came first.

‘So it wasn’t until my wife retired that we could afford to do it, because it’s really her pension that drives us along and keeps us afloat.’

Before braving the Atlantic, the couple decided to put their nautical skills to the test in the Mediterranean.

‘We had done our skippers ticket and off we went,’ he said.

They set sail from Lowestoft a year later, passed through the Strait of Gibraltar and headed east until they reached Finike in Turkey before circling back.

The journey proved successful and in December 2022 Mike and Helen began their 35-day Atlantic crossing, stopping in Lanzarote and Cape Verde on the way.

‘We had a great sail down to the Canary Islands,’ he said.

‘Then we really did pick up some speed, we were flying along.’

They arrived in St Lucia and spent the year island hopping before dropping anchor in Crab Cay, a small island a few miles away from George Town in the Bahamas.

It was here that disaster struck.

The couple decided to move anchorage after hearing that an electrical storm was headed in their direction.

‘First we heard the crickle crackle and then there was this all mighty bang,’ said Mike.

‘At first I thought someone had crashed into the side of us or something – it was that big a bang.

‘With it was this massive flash of white and blue light that just lit the inside of the boat up.

‘It was like a flashbulb but 100 times brighter and with blue light added to it.

‘Obviously it’s over and done with by the time you hear it.

‘There’s no time to panic.’

Mike peered through the saloon window and saw the boat’s wind direction indicator and aerial fall into the water.

‘I didn’t know what it was at the time, all I saw was a cloud of smoke with sparks,’ he said.

‘That’s when I realised we had had a direct strike.’

The bolt was captured on video by fellow boaters who were anchored more than 1,000 feet away.

‘You can’t see our boat but you can see the strike doesn’t actually hit the ground because that’s where it’s hit our mast,’ said Mike.

While they were unharmed, the surge has destroyed all of their electrical devices bar a few lightbulbs.

In particular, their GPS system, autopilot, depth sounder, speed log, and close-hauled gauge have all fried, as well as the alternator and electrical relays.

‘The bill from the surveyor is horrendous,’ said Mike.

‘I had no idea that it would be so expensive.’

The couple, who rely on Helen’s pension to live, cannot afford to pay for the repairs out of their own pocket.

They are also extremely concerned about the mast and fear their insurance company, Pantaenius, could decide to write the boat off altogether.

‘The guy who did the survey said since an EMP (Electromagnetic pulse) has gone through the boat none of the stuff is reliable for ocean sailing now,” explained Mike.

The hurricane season starts in the Bahamas on June 1, and time is running out for Mike and Helen to get their boat to safety.

‘That’s really worrying,’ he added.

Another challenge is that Mike and Helen’s visas are set to run out later this week as well as their cruising permit unless they pay an additional £400 (500 dollars).

The couple are yet to find out how much their insurance will cover but said the local boating community has been extremely helpful and supportive.

To help them get back on the water, one of their friends, Tony Wells, has launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe for £6,000.

Mike and Helen had only been planning on staying a few more days before setting sail for Jamaica and then heading south to Colombia.

Had it gone to plan, they were hoping to continue their journey and visit their son Charlie in New Zealand.

‘We were just passing through here, we weren’t meant to stay,’ said Mike.

‘Maybe it wasn’t meant to be and my mother is up there laughing at me.’

You can support Mike and Helen via their GoFundMe page .

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

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