Please select your home edition
Edition
Rooster 2025

Hylas Yachts incorporates a sleek hard-top option into the design of the Hylas H57

by Hylas Yachts 11 Dec 2018 17:22 PST
Hylas H57 new sleek hardtop option unveiled © Hylas Yachts

Hylas Yachts has added a hard-top option to the H57, which adds additional comfort and versatility to this sleek bluewater sailing vessel. The hard-top will compliment the builder's goals of providing updated technology, proven construction, and fresh design lines to accomplished sailors.

Hylas Yachts made its name building ocean-capable cruisers with excellent seakeeping for sailors with a globe-trotting spirit. Designed by Dixon Yacht Design, the H57 captures the essence of the cruising sensibility. With the addition of the hard-top, Dixon and Hylas were able to evolve the yacht's concept further with features that make her more enjoyable to sail in a range of conditions, while continuing to employ automated technology and an open and inviting layout.

The hard-top enhances the arch on the H57, providing shelter from sun and rain to the innovative Hybrid cockpit and dual aft helm stations. Because the original H57 design employed an innovative trumpet in the arch to keep the mainsheet vertically oriented and convenient to both helm stations and out of the cockpit social area, the new hard-top will use the same design. Another rigging option is to employ German sheeting on the hard-top.

"The sailors that buy Hylas Yachts know what they're looking for " says Andy Huang of Hylas Yachts. "When they tell us what they want, we listen. And as a semi-custom builder, we can use advanced technology and Bill Dixon's creative designs to meet their needs for cruising comfort, and with a distinctive style."

A Fresh Addition to the H57

The hard-top is positioned on supports in the same position as the original arch. The design is intended to provide shade and shelter yet blend with the pleasing lines of the H57. The hard-top is high enough overhead as to be unobtrusive both to the cockpit social area and to the lines of sight from the helm.

The hard-top will use carbon fiber in its construction for rigidity and strength. Tubular stainless steel stanchions provide structural stability to the forward end of the hard-top, and add the benefit of serving as an additional grab handle for passing crew. While the hard-top provides excellent shelter, options are in development for a forward windshield with an isinglass enclosure or a canvas dodger to better shelter the hybrid cockpit in adverse conditions. Designed to add minimal windage, the hard-top can be fitted with an optional, automated canvas bimini that can be extended aft over the dual helm stations when needed yet stows at the touch of a button.

Designed to be handled easily by a couple

With an inventive use of technology, the H57 is designed to be handled by a couple. A Solent rig with a 135% genoa on the forestay is matched to a self-tacking jib for upwind legs to make sail-handling easy, even in heavy air. An asymmetrical spinnaker can supplement the reaching sail.

The hull shape is true to Hylas principles offering speed and comfort offshore, with a solid-lead fin keel designed to reduce side slip while stiffening the hull to manage the large 1,636-square-foot (152 m") sail area. Twin spade rudders are positioned well above the keel plane to optimize upwind performance while providing redundancy in the case of unforeseen damage below the waterline, two qualities appreciated by bluewater sailors. Twin anchor receivers equipped with self-launch rollers also bespeak the boat's cruising sensibility.

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

The Hybrid Cockpit: Better Than Ever

With the new hard-top in place, the hybrid cockpit adds versatility to socializing, with shelter from the hot sun and occasional precipitation. The cockpit is still convenient to the aft helm stations, where the business of sailing may be conducted. The hard-top presents no obstruction to onboard movement: Uncluttered side decks allow sailors and nonsailors alike to get around the boat easily. Owners can choose between the traditional transom stairs and an optional hydraulic fold-down swim platform.

"This hard-top is about more than just shelter in the spacious hybrid cockpit on the H57," says Kevin Wensley, a sales executive at Hylas Yachts. "Strong enough to stand on, a great location for solar panels and design lines that compliment Dixon's vision for the yacht. The original design incorporated many cruising features to make the most of onboard spaces. With the addition of this hard-top, Bill Dixon and Hylas have added another dimension to the versatility and comfort of the cockpit and indeed the whole yacht. It's the kind of innovation cruisers look to Hylas to provide."

The owner input on the interior

The Hylas H57 is available with a three- or four-cabin layout. Each accommodations plan is designed to create an easy-living space for a cruising couple who will live aboard or cruise extensively with family and friends. Because Hylas is a true semi-custom builder, owner input on the interior is a key part of each H57.

Bill Dixon's design has a substantial 17-foot beam and makes the most of the almost five feet of freeboard to offer good headroom throughout the layout, including the aft owner's cabin. Wraparound windows and no fewer than a dozen large portlights add to the airy, bright ambience belowdecks. Flexibility in the saloon and galley layouts ensure owners get the kind of convivial spaces they expect in a contemporary yacht.

The owner's cabin includes a queen berth on centerline accessible from both sides, as well as his-and-hers hanging lockers and drawers. The cabin is served by its own air-conditioning zone, ensuring owner comfort. Comfortable easy chairs positioned in the aft corners of the cabin make the most of the space and offer solitude from guests for reading or conducting business.

The Hylas H57 is constructed of FRP composite using isophthalic gelcoat, cored with closed-cell foam and infused with vinylester 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.

Related Articles

Rooster Sailing's 2025 Collection Just Dropped
From the redesigned Technical Shorts to the all-new SB2 Deck Trainers From the redesigned Technical Shorts to the all-new SB2 Deck Trainers, the 2025 collection has been developed with real sailors, for real conditions. Posted today at 4:00 pm
2025 Santa Maria Cup in Annapolis, USA Day 2
Final four skippers emerge from a competitive qualifying double-round robin stage A thrilling second day of racing at the 2025 Santa Maria Cup saw the final four skippers emerge from a competitive qualifying double-round robin stage. Posted today at 4:47 am
SailGP to Kick Off Summer in New York
With this Weekend's Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix An unforgettable weekend of high-speed, close-to-shore racing and world-class entertainment will take place this weekend when the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix takes place in front of the most famous skyline in the world. Posted on 5 Jun
Scandinavian Gold Cup at Sopot, Poland Day 1
A slow start with very little wind The Scandinavian Gold Cup opened Thursday in Sopot, Poland, with seven 5.5 Metres competing for this historic and iconic trophy that dates back to 1922. Unfortunately, there was not enough wind to even complete one race. Posted on 5 Jun
Brooklyn kids launch 7 ft boats they built by hand
Join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our boat-building students Brooklyn Boatworks, a local nonprofit that teaches NYC public school students—mostly from underserved communities—to build and launch their own wooden sailboats from 3 sheets of plywood, a set of plans, and tools. Posted on 5 Jun
49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 Europeans Day 3
A six-hour bake on the water Veteran and multi-Olympic race officer Sulis was clear at the morning briefing, "Our priority is to get three races for the 49er so they can progress to the gold fleet." Posted on 5 Jun
Galicia 52 Super Series Royal Cup Day 3
Platoon Aviation turn up the heat but don't dent American Magic Quantum Racing's lead After a disappointing first regatta of the season when they finished in an uncharacteristic last position in Saint-Tropez, the fortunes of the German flagged 2023 52 SUPER SERIES overall champions Platoon Aviation seem to have turned for the better. Posted on 5 Jun
Diverse international fleet for 5th AEGEAN 600
The race start is a little over 1 month away In a sign that this newest of the world's 600-mile classic offshore races has reached maturity, organizers from the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club are pleased to announce yet another large international fleet will be assembled for the 2025 AEGEAN 600. Posted on 5 Jun
Newport International Boat Show joins Sail Newport
Premier northeast boat show donates $5,000 to community efforts The Newport International Boat Show, presented by BankNewport announced today its continued involvement in supporting Sail Newport to aid in a shared dedication to attract new boaters to a lifetime of making memories on the water. Posted on 5 Jun
Sinclair Championship Preview
Noroton Yacht Club (NYC) at the center of thriving Women's Sailing Program Up to a dozen of the country's top women sailing teams will come to the Noroton Yacht Club (NYC) again to compete in the 2025 Susan Widmann Sinclair Women's Championship June 13th-15th. Posted on 5 Jun
Maritimo 2023 S-Series FOOTERZhik 2024 DecemberHyde Sails 2024 - One Design