About Sailing Kingfisher
Meet Jim and Liz Fisher, two laid-back sailors from Auckland who are all about sailing the Hauraki Gulf aboard their Hanse 400e, Kingfisher, and dreaming up their next big adventures on the water.
The Crew
Liz Fisher
Loves the sea, the sun, and exploring the islands and waters of the Hauraki Gulf.
Sailing along our picturesque coastline, kayaking or paddle boarding the rocky coasts, or enjoying a walk on one of our beautiful islands. Each trip feels like a new adventure
Jim Fisher
Mad keen fisherman lucky enough to have a great wife who puts up with his fishy smells and sailor’s B.O.
Spends many a night sitting on the duck board of Kingfisher, rod in hand, chasing the next meal while Liz reads in bed waiting for his ice cold feet to slip in beside her.
The Boat
Kingfisher is a 2008 Hanse 400e, a popular, German-built performance cruiser celebrated for its blend of speed, ease of handling, and modern interior volume. The “e” denotes an epoxy vacuum-bagged hull, which is lighter, stiffer, and highly resistant to osmosis compared to traditional fiberglass.
Key Specifications
Length Overall (LOA): 39′ 7″ (12.10 m)
Beam: 13′ 3″ (4.04 m)
Displacement: ~18,519 lbs (8,400 kg)
Draft: 6′ 9″ (2.05 m)
Sail Area: 1,136 sq. ft. (105.6 m²)
Deck and Performance
Judel/Vrolijk Design: Designed by a renowned racing naval architect firm, the 400e boasts a plumb bow, flat sections aft, and a tall fractional rig for impressive light-wind and upwind performance.
Easy Sailing Concept: Hanse’s signature self-tacking jib makes tacking effortless, especially when short-handed or sailing solo.
Control Layout: All halyards, sheets, and control lines are led aft to the cockpit.
Interior and Accommodations
Volume: Thanks to a generous beam and high freeboard, the 400e feels remarkably spacious for a 40-footer.
Layout: Features spacious owner’s cabin forward and two double cabins aft. The saloon is bright, airy, and features modular “Bauhaus-style” joinery.
Galley: Equipped with an L-shaped galley featuring top and bottom-loading fridges, and a gimbaled stove/oven.
Sailing Kingfisher 