Sailing Performance & Handling
The sailing identity of the Mylius 50 is defined by its extreme stiffness and a high power-to-weight ratio. According to technical insights from the Mylius Yachts Official Site, the vessel displaces approximately 10.5 tons, which is significantly lighter than production cruisers of the same length (often weighing 14 to 16 tons). This lightness, paired with a high-modulus carbon mast and a deep T-bulb keel—usually drawing nearly 3 meters—results in a boat that is exceptionally "pointy" upwind.
Handling is characterized by high sensitivity at the twin carbon wheels. Because the hull is designed with a relatively narrow waterline that flares into a wide beam aft, the boat remains balanced even when heeled, though it rewards active trimming. Reviewers from European marine publications often note that the Mylius 50 feels more like a 40-foot sportboat in its responsiveness, tracking with precision due to its deep rudder. In light air (under 8 knots), the boat generates significant apparent wind, often matching wind speed on a reach. The deck layout is optimized for "cleanliness," with all lines led under the coachroof to winches positioned near the helmsman, facilitating short-handed sailing without cluttering the social areas of the cockpit.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Unlike many performance-oriented yachts that strip out the interior to save weight, the Mylius 50 maintains a high standard of Italian luxury, proving that carbon construction allows for more "weight budget" in the living quarters. The standard configuration features a classic three-cabin layout: a spacious owner’s suite forward with a dedicated head and two twin guest cabins aft. The use of lightweight sandwich panels for the cabinetry—often finished in teak or oak veneers—ensures that the interior aesthetics do not compromise the vessel’s performance goals.
The salon is characterized by a "clean" Italian minimalist aesthetic, often featuring a linear galley to port or a more traditional L-shaped configuration depending on the specific hull's semi-custom choices. One of the notable siblings of the Mylius 50 is the Mylius 48, which shares much of the 50's DNA but in a slightly more compact frame, and the larger Mylius 55, which offers a broader beam and additional volume for long-term cruising. On the 50, headroom is generous for a performance boat, generally exceeding 1.95 meters in the main salon, and the integration of flush deck hatches provides an abundance of natural light that contrasts with the dark carbon accents often found in the build.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective owners of a pre-owned Mylius 50 should focus their due diligence on the specialized systems inherent to high-performance carbon yachts.
- Hydraulic Systems: Many Mylius 50s are equipped with hydraulic backstays, vangs, and occasionally winches or swim platforms. A thorough inspection of the Cariboni or equivalent hydraulic power pack and rams is essential, as seals can wear and require specialist service.
- Carbon Rigging Inspection: As these boats are almost exclusively fitted with carbon fiber masts and often utilize rod or composite (PBO/Carbon) rigging, a professional ultra-sonic or visual inspection of the standing rigging is mandatory every five years to check for micro-fractures or "milking" of the fibers.
- Keel Attachment: Given the high righting moments and the deep T-keel configuration, the structural floors and keel bolt areas should be inspected for any signs of stress crazing in the epoxy, particularly if the boat has a history of offshore racing.
- Delamination Checks: While carbon-epoxy infusion is incredibly durable, any past hull impacts require specialized carbon repair. A moisture meter is less effective here; a tap-test or thermal imaging by a surveyor familiar with carbon composites is recommended.
Community & Resources
The primary resource for technical data and original build specifications remains the manufacturer, Mylius Yachts. The brand maintains a close relationship with its owners, often organizing or participating in the "Mylius Cup" during major Mediterranean regattas like the Rolex Giraglia or the Copa del Rey. While no independent "Mylius Class Association" exists in the traditional sense, the shipyard’s headquarters in Podenzano provides a centralized hub for refit and technical support, which is a significant advantage for owners within the European circuit.
The Verdict
The Mylius 50 is a "connoisseur’s yacht" that successfully navigates the difficult middle ground between a racing thoroughbred and a luxury cruiser. It is best suited for an owner who prioritizes the sensation of sailing and the aesthetics of modern Italian design over the cavernous interior volumes of a mass-produced cruising yacht.
Pros:
- Exceptional Speed: Competitive in IRC/ORC circuits and faster than almost any production cruiser in its class.
- High-End Construction: Full carbon/epoxy build offers superior longevity and stiffness compared to traditional fiberglass.
- Aesthetic Appeal: One of the most visually striking yachts on the water, featuring flush decks and a sleek, low-profile coachroof.
Cons:
- Draft Limitations: The deep keel (2.85m+) limits access to many shallow cruising grounds and smaller marinas.
- Maintenance Costs: Carbon rigging and advanced hydraulics require a higher annual budget and more specialized technicians than standard yachts.
- Complexity: The boat is system-heavy; a high level of sailing competence is required to extract its full performance potential safely.
