Hylas 56 Information, Review, Specs

The Hylas 56 began its production journey in 2011, continuing the legacy of Queen Long Marine, which has exclusively built Hylas yachts since 1985. The yacht is a direct descendant and a lengthened version of the acclaimed Hylas 54, a model introduced by company owner Dick Jachney in 1997. The design philosophy behind the Hylas 56, championed by German Frers, consistently seeks to marry high performance with elegant luxury and comfort. This approach results in a vessel that is not only visually striking but also delivers stability, solidity, and inspiring confidence, while achieving commendable speeds across various points of sail.

Queen Long Marine's enduring ethos, reflected in the Hylas 56, emphasizes meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering reliability. The shipyard has a long-standing tradition of equipping its yachts with exquisite standard features and a comprehensive array of top-quality, name-brand gear, essential for active cruisers (Builder Article). Construction involves robust fiberglass solid hulls and decks, with modern Hylas yachts increasingly incorporating lightweight cored hulls utilizing infused construction techniques for enhanced strength and durability (Builder Article). While no significant production variations like MkI or MkII are widely noted, Hylas yachts are known for their semi-custom build options, allowing for unique upgrades and personalized design elements that differentiate individual hulls.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hylas 56 is designed for impressive sailing performance, particularly for a yacht of its size and robust construction. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 21.41, she exhibits a strong sail plan relative to her displacement, suggesting good responsiveness and the ability to perform well even in lighter air conditions. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of nearly 0.40 indicates substantial stability and stiffness, allowing her to stand up to stronger winds and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 230.24 places her in the category of a moderately heavy performance cruiser, capable of long-distance voyaging while still offering respectable speeds. Her theoretical hull speed is calculated at 9.09 knots.

Anecdotal reports confirm that the Hylas 56 is a stable and solid performer, inspiring confidence in her capabilities. While she is noted to be particularly happy in blustery conditions exceeding 20 knots, she also demonstrates good speed once underway in lighter breezes. The yacht's expansive and secure center cockpit is strategically designed for ease of handling, even by a crew of two. This is facilitated by features such as electric primary winches and modern furling systems, making sail management straightforward and efficient. The single spade rudder contributes to responsive and controlled handling, ensuring the yacht remains a very able performer on the water.

Accommodations and Layout

Below deck, the Hylas 56 offers a luxurious and thoughtfully arranged interior designed for extended living aboard. While specific headroom dimensions are not provided, Hylas yachts are generally known for their generous interior volumes. The design prioritizes comfort and functionality, offering expansive living spaces with custom-designed interiors and ample storage (Builder Article).

Typical layouts often feature a spacious owner's stateroom, frequently located aft, with a private head and shower. The main salon is usually a focal point, providing comfortable seating and dining areas. The galley is well-equipped for offshore cooking, often with extensive counter space and storage. Forward, additional cabins, usually a V-berth or Pullman-style berths, accommodate guests, also with access to a dedicated head. Hylas maintains a reputation for high-quality finishes, utilizing carefully chosen materials and exquisite standard features that contribute to an elegant and durable interior (Builder Article). The emphasis on robust construction extends to the interior, ensuring that the joinery and systems are built to withstand the rigors of blue water cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

The Hylas 56 benefits from a strong and active community, primarily centered around the Hylas Yacht Owners Association Forum, which serves as a valuable resource for owners to connect, share experiences, and offer support. Owners consistently praise the Hylas 56 for its solid construction and its ability to meet or exceed expectations for offshore cruising. The ease with which the boat can be handled by a couple is a frequently highlighted strength.

While no widespread "common problems" are explicitly noted in owner discussions, forum topics often revolve around practical enhancements and minor maintenance, such as optimizing staysail sheet leads or replacing interior components like the navigation station chair. The overall sentiment among owners suggests high satisfaction with the Hylas 56 as a reliable, comfortable, and capable yacht for serious blue water passages, reinforcing Hylas's reputation for building dependable cruising vessels (Builder Article).