New Boat: Hylas H57

A Hybrid Cockpit that blends laidback socialising with easy sail-handling is at the heart of the new H57 bluewater cruiser from Hylas Yachts.

Designed to be sailed by a couple – but with the flexibility of either three or four guest cabins – the H57 is the latest world-cruiser from family-owned Taiwan builder Hylas.

The new Hybrid Cockpit is flanked by twin aft helm stations and the thinking behind the concept is to offer an uncluttered space that lends itself equally to the serious business of sailing or relaxing sundowners with friends.

“The spacious Hybrid Cockpit’s versatility for line handling and also the optimisation of headroom below deck will tell a sailor quite a bit about the thought that went into the design,” said Hylas sales executive Kevin Wensley.

Moving forward from the cockpit, dedicated trim stations confine the sailing work of the H57 to specific deck areas, while electric winches add fingertip control to furling and tending the sails, and in-mast furling simplifies reefing.The hydraulic backstay and boom vang are both controlled from the twin helm stations as well.

Meanwhile, the mainsheet can be managed through an innovative trumpet in the arch that keeps the line vertically oriented and convenient to both helm stations, or by German sheeting atop the arch – the choice is yours.

“Our clients are experienced sailors, who know what they want,” says Andy Huang of Hylas Yachts.

“As a semi-custom builder, Hylas Yachts can help them achieve their goals for the next phase of their cruising lives.

“With the technology on board Bill Dixon’s design, the H57 gives them the sailing performance they want, and a layout that lets them do it all with style and in comfort.”

The Hylas H57 is available with a three or four-cabin layout, with each designed to create an easy-living space for a cruising couple who will live aboard or cruise extensively with family and friends.

Over that Hybrid Cockpit, there is also the option of a hardtop bimini designed to flow with the H57’s lines, while enhancing versatility and comfort on deck.

Designer Bill Dixon has continued that concept onto the uncluttered side decks that allow sailors and non-sailors alike to get around the boat easily and safely. At the stern, owners can choose between traditional transom stairs, or an optional hydraulic fold-down swimplatform.

The H57 is constructed of FRP-composite, cored with closed-cell foam and infused with vinyl-ester resin for a strong, lightweight build. Five barrier coats of epoxy help ensure the lamination holds up over time, as do stainless steel anchor strike plates and deck hardware.

Below the waterline, twin spade rudders are positioned well above the keel plane to optimise upwind performance while providing redundancy – essential for bluewater sailors.
Twin anchor receivers equipped with self-launching rollers also speak to this yacht’s long-range cruising sensibilities.

QUICK SPECS

LENGTH (overall) 17.3m
BEAM 5.2m
DRAFT 1.95m (shoal draft)
DISPLACEMENT 29 ton
FUEL 1000L
WATER 900L
SAIL AREA 152m2
ENGINE Volvo Penta 150hp

The full review featured in issue #505 of Trade-a-Boat magazine. Subscribe today for all the latest boat news, reviews and travel inspiration.