For over four decades, Queen Long Marine has stood as a beacon of quality and craftsmanship in the global yachting industry. From its origins in Taiwan, this family-owned shipyard has meticulously built a reputation for producing robust, luxurious, and highly capable yachts, most notably under its esteemed Hylas Yachts brand. Known for their meticulous construction and thoughtful designs, Queen Long Marine's vessels have become synonymous with comfortable, safe, and elegant blue-water cruising.
The Origin Story
Queen Long Marine Co., Ltd. was established in 1978. Founded by the Huang family, with Joseph Huang serving as its Chief Executive Officer, the company embarked on a journey to build high-quality marine vessels. While specific details about their very first boat are not widely publicized, their early work included building Peterson 44-footers for Stevens Yacht Charters, showcasing their foundational commitment to robust offshore designs. By 1985, Queen Long Marine would launch its own brand, Hylas Yachts, which quickly became the core of their identity and output.
History and Evolution
From its inception, Queen Long Marine has embraced a philosophy of continuous improvement and adaptation. The shipyard in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, became a hub for fiberglass yacht construction, a material that revolutionized boat building in the latter half of the 20th century. Over the years, the company transitioned into a wholly dedicated facility, focusing exclusively on the production of Hylas Yachts. This singular focus allowed them to refine their processes, maintain stringent quality control, and integrate advanced techniques into their builds. The sustained family ownership, with members like Andy Huang serving as CEO of Hylas Yachts International and Commercial Director of Queen Long Marine, has ensured a consistent vision and commitment to their founding principles.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Queen Long Marine, through its Hylas brand, has cultivated a reputation for building semi-custom, center-cockpit cruising yachts that excel in blue-water conditions. Their vessels are celebrated for blending robust construction with luxurious interiors and exceptional seakeeping abilities. The shipyard's design philosophy emphasizes reliability, expert engineering, comfort, and style, making their yachts well-suited for extended voyages and global adventures.
A significant hallmark of Queen Long Marine's success is its enduring collaborations with some of the world's most renowned naval architects. For over four decades, they have partnered with legendary designers such as Sparkman & Stephens, Germán Frers, and Bill Dixon, ensuring their yachts benefit from cutting-edge naval architecture. Notably, Germán Frers has designed the Hylas range of semi-custom cruising yachts for Queen Long Marine for more than three decades, shaping the distinctive look and performance of many of their iconic models. More recently, collaborations with Zurn Yacht Design have also contributed to new design innovations within their range.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The legacy of Queen Long Marine is intrinsically linked to the success and enduring appeal of Hylas Yachts. While specific production numbers for individual models can vary, the entire Hylas line represents the company's commitment to quality and thoughtful design. Iconic Hylas models, such as the Hylas 47, Hylas 49, Hylas 54, and larger yachts like the Hylas 56 and Hylas 70, have become favorites among discerning cruisers worldwide. These vessels are known for their spacious interiors, robust hulls, and ability to handle diverse ocean conditions, embodying the spirit of comfortable and capable offshore passage-making. The company also expanded into luxury power yachts, further diversifying its offerings.
The Builder Today
Today, Queen Long Marine remains a thriving, family-owned and operated shipyard, firmly positioned in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. They continue their exclusive dedication to the Hylas Yachts brand, maintaining full control from design to delivery, with an unwavering focus on quality at every step. Modern Hylas yachts appeal to experienced sailors and power boaters seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and the semi-customization that allows owners to tailor their vessel to their specific needs.
The ownership experience of a Hylas yacht extends beyond the purchase; it often involves becoming part of a passionate and supportive global community. A strong Hylas owner community exists, bringing together enthusiasts who share experiences, offer advice, and celebrate their shared love for these exceptional vessels. This vibrant community underscores the lasting impact and satisfaction that Queen Long Marine, through its Hylas Yachts, provides to its clientele.
