The Hylas H57 embodies a seamless blend of luxury, functionality, and renowned craftsmanship. Launched to critical acclaim, including Cruising World’s 2022 Best Boat Overall, the H57’s design by Bill Dixon emphasizes performance, spaciousness, and intuitive sailing systems, making it an ideal choice for both adventurous cruises and comfortable on-water living.
Construction and Hull Design: Stability and Reliability
The H57’s core hull construction incorporates closed-cell Divinycell foam, providing a 40% increase in strength while reducing weight. With twin helms and twin rudders, the H57 ensures balanced control and a more efficient response in various sea conditions. These features, along with a second autohelm drive, offer additional safety, allowing redundancy should any primary system fail during long passages.
Cockpit and Deck Layout: Integrated Social Spaces
The H57’s cockpit is optimized for comfort and versatility. The standard setup includes an integrated hardtop and a stylish tempered glass spray shield, ensuring the cockpit remains protected from the elements while maintaining excellent sight lines. An optional hydraulic swim platform and fold-down wings extend the aft deck by 20 square feet, creating a generous space for socializing, lounging, and easy access to water sports equipment.
Both helm stations are fully equipped with navigation and control systems on either side, allowing easy docking and maneuverability. The hardtop also supports solar panels, which power the yacht’s lithium-ion batteries, providing sustainable energy for extended trips.
Sailing Systems: Simplified and Effortless
The H57’s Solent rig setup with a self-tacking jib provides ease of maneuvering, especially in upwind conditions, while the larger genoa offers enhanced performance in downwind and reaching scenarios. The furling systems are all power-operated, with the in-mast furler and hydraulic outhaul providing effortless control. These power furling options make the H57 easy to handle with minimal crew, perfect for couples or short-handed sailing.
Interior Design: Light, Airy, and Inviting
Entering the main salon, you’re met with a spacious, light-filled area. The cabin sole is slightly raised, allowing panoramic views through the oversized port lights, creating a continuous connection with the surroundings. With a 17-foot beam, the main salon offers ample space for dining, lounging, and socializing. All materials used echo the quality and attention to detail that Hylas is known for, from the Megalith countertops to the elegantly crafted woodwork.
Galley and Nav Station: Efficiency Meets Sophistication
The H57’s galley, located aft of the main salon, is designed for safety and functionality. With ample countertop space, two freezer drawers, an upright refrigerator, an ice maker, and a trash compactor, the galley has everything needed for extended voyages. Moving to the nav station, this forward-facing setup allows for complete system control, with the option to install additional electronics or a CAN-bus system for intuitive management.
Accommodations: Luxurious Private Quarters
The H57 offers flexible accommodation with a large VIP suite forward, complete with an en-suite bathroom and excellent natural light from the overhead skylights. This layout ensures privacy and comfort for guests, with additional hanging lockers and storage. The forward starboard cabin, typically configured as over-under bunks, can also serve as a utility space for added functionality with options like a washer/dryer.
In the aft master stateroom, the 15.5-foot beam allows for a full queen-size bed, ample hanging lockers, and custom storage options. The oversized port lights bring in abundant natural light, making this an ideal retreat. The en-suite bathroom features a spacious shower, ensuring a comfortable experience for extended stays on board.
Systems and Engineering: Sustainable and Efficient Power Management
The H57 features a Volvo D3 150hp engine and a Northern Lights 9kW generator, with access points at both the nav station and the master cabin for easy maintenance. The lithium-ion batteries power the air conditioning system, which can operate silently for up to eight hours at anchor, enhancing the comfort of a peaceful night on board. This setup is especially advantageous for energy efficiency, extending both the generator’s lifespan and the yacht’s eco-friendly capabilities.
Conclusion
The Hylas H57 stands as a sophisticated, capable yacht that combines luxurious accommodations with practical, intuitive systems for an enhanced sailing experience. Its thoughtful design makes it as ideal for day sailing as it is for long-term cruising, seamlessly blending Hylas’ legacy of craftsmanship with modern innovations.
