All-new Hylas H57 performance cruiser sea trials on San Francisco Bay
by Hylas Yachts 15 Jul 2020 05:02 PDT
- The H57 is designed with cruising couples in mind, and is available with a three- or four-cabin layout
- The H57 embraces the latest sailing technology with fresh lines and proven construction
- A spacious hybrid cockpit with full control at dual helms keeps the driver engaged with guests relaxing nearby
- World debut at the Miami Boat Show 2021
- First sailing photos now available
The first Hylas H57 made its "sailing debut" on San Francisco Bay. A new bluewater sailing vessel that brings Hylas Yachts' core values to discerning sailors seeking a mix of proven construction, updated technology, and crisp fresh lines.
"Tacking the new Hylas H57 through the typically breezy San Francisco Bay thoroughly impressed", says Christian Pschorr, Hylas Yachts Program Director, after the sea trials. "The simplicity of the solent rig's self-tacking jib, in particular, stood out as the boat turned nimbly through the wind. She maintained speed, accelerating swiftly on each new heading, and it all came so easily. Rolling out the reacher off the wind offered another treat. Even when we weren't paying attention to sail trim, we'd suddenly realize speeds in the 9 and 10 knot range. Switching headsails with push-button hydraulics meant that having the right combination of sails for a given wind direction was super easy, and thanks to in-mast furling, shaking out a reef in the lee of Angel Island took only a minute or so."
Hylas Yachts builds ocean-capable cruisers highly sought after by globe-trotting sailors for their seakeeping and comfort. The H57 is designed by Dixon Yacht Design to uphold that legacy, yet evolve the concept with a host of features that make her easy to sail with automated technology and a layout with more open social spaces to enjoy.
"Of course, this new model preserves the tradition of all the creature comforts Hylas owners have enjoyed for decades," adds Christian Pschorr. "From watermaker to washer/dryer and the client's choices regarding interior personalization are quite stunning."
Designed for a couple
The H57 is designed to be handled by a couple with a hull shape that offers 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 handling performance and provide a built-in backup if a rudder is compromised. Dedicated trim stations confine the sailing work of the H57 to specific deck areas. Electric winches and hydraulic furling systems add fingertip control to tending and reefing the sails. The main, reaching genoa and self-tacking jib all come with powered furling controls as standard.
A Solent rig with a 140% 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 or code zero can supplement the reaching sail.
The cockpit is convenient to the aft helm stations, where the business of sailing is conducted. The addition of the optional hard-top is in keeping with the lines of the yacht and has negligible impact on visibility, while uncluttered side decks allows easy movement around the yacht.
The hard-top adds comfort and versatility
This first H57 incorporates a sleek hard-top, which adds additional comfort and versatility to this bluewater sailing vessel. The hard-top compliments the builder's goals of introducing updated technology, the most advanced construction techniques, and fresh design lines.
The hard-top Is supported by a carbon reinforced arch, providing shelter from sun and rain to the social cockpit. An automated awning extends aft to cover the reversing helm seats to shade the expansive aft deck. The H57 design offers two mainsheet configurations. The original design uses an innovative trumpet in the arch to keep the mainsheet vertically oriented and lead to winch pedestal between both helm stations. German sheeting Is also available. This works through blocks on the arch that allows for the mainsheet winch pedestal to be removed and creates a wide open and unobstructed walkthrough cockpit for easy transition to and from the helm stations.
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. 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.
A three-stateroom interior layout
This first Hylas H57 has a three-stateroom layout 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 has been a key part of the project.
Bill Dixon's design has a substantial 17-foot beam and makes the most of over 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.
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 to ensure the underwater surfaces are uncompromised for the lifetime of the yacht.
The second H57 will arrive to the US this fall and will be available for showing and test sail in Riviera Beach, Florida. The world debut will be at the Miami Boat Show 2021.