Hylas 55 Information, Review, Specs

The Hylas 55 entered production in 1997, emerging from the reputable Queen Long Marine shipyard, which has been exclusively dedicated to Hylas production since 1985 [13,. The yacht's design by Germán Frers aligns with Hylas's long-standing tradition of collaborating with elite naval architects to deliver yachts that balance performance, comfort, and safety. While specific details of Frers' design philosophy for the Hylas 55 are not extensively documented, his work is widely recognized for producing performance cruisers that handle well and offer impressive sailing characteristics. During this era, Queen Long Marine was known for its robust fiberglass construction methods, ensuring durability and strength that became a hallmark of the Hylas brand. The Hylas 55's production paved the way for subsequent successful models in the larger Hylas range, building on the brand's reputation for quality and blue water capability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hylas 55 is equipped with a fin keel featuring a bulb and a spade rudder. This combination is characteristic of performance-oriented cruising designs, providing good lift and control. The fin keel helps reduce leeway and contributes to the yacht's stiffness, allowing it to carry its sail plan effectively.

Analyzing its specifications, the Hylas 55 boasts a displacement of 47,184 pounds with a waterline length of 45.75 feet. This yields a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 220, placing it in the category of a moderately heavy cruiser. This suggests a boat capable of a comfortable motion in a seaway, with good momentum through waves, rather than a light, agile racer. The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio is approximately 0.424 (42.4%), which is a healthy figure indicative of excellent stability and stiffness. This high ballast ratio means the Hylas 55 is designed to stand up to a significant amount of wind, providing a stable and secure platform for offshore passages. While a specific total sail area for the Hylas 55 is not readily available for a precise Sail Area to Displacement ratio calculation, the masthead sloop rig type suggests a powerful sail plan designed for efficient performance across various wind conditions. Hylas yachts, in general, are lauded for their impressive design and sailing characteristics, engineered to be versatile and easy to sail.

Accommodations and Layout

While the Hylas 55's specific interior headroom is not detailed in the provided data, Hylas yachts are renowned for their custom-designed interiors, expansive volume, and meticulous finish quality, 17]. Expect the Hylas 55 to offer a generously appointed interior, typically featuring warm teak wood joinery that is a signature of the brand's craftsmanship.

The layout of a Hylas 55, consistent with other larger Hylas models and the brand's blue water cruising focus, would typically include a comfortable and secure center-cockpit configuration, which allows for a spacious aft owner's cabin. The salon would likely be bright and airy, often featuring ample seating and a large dining area. A well-equipped, large galley is a common characteristic of Hylas cruisers, designed for offshore living. Storage is a priority on Hylas vessels, with numerous lockers and compartments integrated throughout the interior, often fully finished. While specific configurations could vary due to Hylas's semi-custom building approach, owners could often personalize their interiors to meet unique demands. Good ventilation would also be a key design consideration for comfort in diverse climates.