“Ingrid-Marie is a Hallberg-Rassy 45, hull number 44 built in 1991 on the Swedish west coast. [They are] known far and wide for their sturdy construction, superb craftsmanship and signature seaworthiness.“
Ingrid-Marie, Hallberg-Rassy 45
Interview with the Captain — Anders
Why did you choose to buy a Hallberg-Rassy?
My wife and I wanted to upgrade to a safe and secure long-term blue-water sailing vessel. As a Swede, Hallberg-Rassy in particular is a safe and well built boat and we also know that you get what you pay for. But honestly we had not really looked at any boat at all other than in pictures because we were very happy with our existing boat. When we ran into this boat, you can safely say that it was love at first sight – we immediately felt that this particular specimen was meant for us.
Ingrid-Marie is a Hallberg-Rassy 45, hull number 44 built in 1991 on the Swedish west coast. Known far and wide for their sturdy construction, superb craftsmanship and signature seaworthiness, these easy to handle Germán Frers designed models are globally respected for their elegant lines and spirited performance. Hallberg-Rassy 45 was built during 1988 – 1996. A total of 71 hulls were built. When the Hallberg-Rassy 45 was launched in 1988 it was a trendsetter. This was the first Hallberg-Rassy designed by Germán Frers. The Hallberg-Rassy 45 introduced an external lead keel, sturdy hull stiffener along and across the boat, between the floor and the keel, which reinforces the construction considerably.
What other kinds of boats did you consider before buying this particular model (and how did they compare)?
We had looked around at other brands, mostly Swedish such as Najad and Malö. These are also very nice boats but as I said, love at first sight…
How did you come to find/locate her before purchasing (and what’s the boat’s history if you know it)?
I found her for sale one late autumn / winter night on the web at a Swedish broker. Throughout the winter, I peeked at her from time to time and in the end I showed her to my wife. If that boat is left in the spring, we will go and have a look at her I said… with the same result as when you “only” are going to have a look at a puppy…
Ingrid-Marie was built 1991 in Sweden, designed by Germán Frers. We are the fourth owner family. She has sailed in Swedish waters during her lifetime with only some smaller excursions to Norway, England and France. In 2015 and 2017 she had a very extensive overhaul carried out so you can say that she was in mint-condition 2018 when we bought her.
Who first introduced you to sailing?
I grew up on a Maxi 95 (Swedish brand, 9.5 meters) and spent my childhood at sea with my family. But I did not sail, I would rather lie and read comic books in my cabin. After that, I was on land during my teens and I didn’t become curious about boating again until my wife and I had children.
My wife had never been to sea and our children were 3 and 5 years old. We bought a small sailboat and it turned out that we all loved the boatlife and that is where our boating career began…
What boats have you previously owned?
Our first sailboat was a Maxi 77, 26ft x 8.5ft, a perfect beginners boat. Safe, secure and surprisingly much space. Then we bought a Wasa 55, also a Swedish brand, 45ft x8.5ft. Fantastic lines! Long, narrow and brutally beautiful on sails. We renovated her from a wreck to mint condition over seven years. The same day she was finished, we sold her.
Before the purchase of our third boat, each family member had different requirements. Our daughter wanted her own cabin, our son wanted double steering wheels, my wife wanted a U-shaped sofa and I wanted standing-height inside. The choice fell on a Bavaria 42, Cruiser 2005. We sailed her for seven years and were super happy with her.
What are the features you like most about your boat?
Everything, she is fantastic on sails and comfortable to stay on. If I have to point out one detail, it’s the dodger. Lovely in bad weather, cooling in hot weather, warm in cold weather…
What features/improvements have you added or do you plan to add?
As I told you, she was overhauled when we bought her, which means that most things were done. We have added 4x solar panels, right now we are installing a washing machine and also davits. We are also planning for a wind rudder.
Do you belong to a yacht club or other boating organizations (and what’s your homeport)?
We are members of the Swedish organization “Kryssarklubben” or “SXK”. Home port right now is in Lake Vättern, Sweden
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
Since we are Nordic sailors, we have to winter preserve the boat during the months we are on land. No water may be left in pumps, pipes, etc. If there is anything left, that thing freezes to pieces…
Do you have any advice for those looking to buy a Hallberg-Rassy like yours?
In my opinion (and experience), there are no free lunches… you get what you pay for and unfortunately there are no shortcuts!
After completely renovating one boat wreck, greatly upgrading another and buying a “completely renovated” third, my conclusion is that it is about the same money but different amounts of your own time. If you have a lot of spare time but a smaller budget… buy a wreck cheaply and upgrade over time… if you have less spare time but can handle the budget, buy a completely renovated one.
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
The story behind the name is that her name was Ingrid-Marie when we bought her…
We have renamed a boat once and we had our share of bad luck with that boat so we do not rename boats.
If we want to decide the boats name we will have to buy a brand new one…
We happen to like the name Ingrid-Marie, which is a tasty Scandinavian apple variety.
Where have you cruised so far, and where are you heading next?
We sail the Swedish waters, in the summers we enjoy exploring the archipelago along the east or west coast, in the spring and fall we sail the lake of Vattern. Our plan is long-term sailing within a few years.
Check It Out
Click the gallery below for more photos and information about Ingrid-Marie and follow their adventures at Ingrid-Marie.com or on their instagram profile here!
