Hylas Yachts has set a new standard in the luxury sailing world with the new H60 performance cruiser. She is the most advanced yacht in the storied 40-year history of the shipyard, which has launched over 520 boats so far. Each model coming from star designers, such as Germán Frers, Bill Dixon, Doug Zurn, Sparkman & Stephens and Dean Salthouse.

Strong duo
The combined works of designers German Frers and Hot Lab are responsible for the exterior and interior, respectively. The Hylas Yard's latest cruiser made its official world debut in February at the Miami Boat Show 2020.

"We're excited to share images from the first photo shoot of our latest yacht," commented Andy Huang, CEO of Hylas Yachts. "Our entire team is very proud of the results. She is a beauty to see under sail and the interior exudes luxury. Durable and seaworthy to the very core. This is what Hylas Yachts are all about."

The Argentinian naval architect, Frers was responsible for many successful projects with Hylas. He's also famous for his works for a number of the world's top shipyards, from Nautor's Swan to Wally and Royal Huisman. In turn, Hot Lab developed the H60's customizable interior. The Milan-based designers brought their signature styling to the new Hylas, the style they perfected in projects with Baglietto, Numarine, Arcadia, Heesen and other top shipyards.

"The Frers and Hot Lab combination is a perfect match," commented Andy Huang, CEO of Hylas Yachts.

Technology & enhancement
The Hylas 60 represents the next step forward for Hylas Yachts in the performance cruiser market. Embracing the latest construction techniques with cored hulls that deliver improved performance, more sophisticated quality assurance techniques and significant strength advantages.

The hull design and sailplan that Frers has created means today's voyaging couples can expect to stretch daily cruising distances. Handling the yacht is very manageable when short handed. The introduction of CZone digital switching has made interior system controls easy through portable devices and dedicated touch screens.

Even the introduction of the highly efficient Volvo D3 engine brings a more sophisticated level of monitoring and control of the fuel and power systems. As prospective clients tour the yacht and look behind the scenes they will see improvements in every area from fresh water pumps to the use of hydraulics for in-mast furling, backstay control, vang control and the lowering swim platform that opens up the dinghy garage.

Stylish and oceangoing
Hylas Yachts has collaborated with German Frers for over 40 years and built a reputation for yachts that combine ocean sailing capability, classic lines and exquisitely finished interiors.

Now the company is staking out new territory with the H60. Still ocean capable, still with an exquisite interior but also embracing some of the contemporary demands of today’s cruising sailors.

The H60 is a performance cruiser with all the seaworthy attributes Hylas is known for and boldly embraces the clean sweeping lines of a yacht for owners that want Hylas quality and dependability but favor a more modern look.

“This new development looks even better in the water than she did on paper,” says Christian Pschorr, Hylas Service & Program Director.

Longtime Hylas fans will not be disappointed by her performance. Built using the most advanced construction technologies, the H60 has been designed to excel in all conditions with excellent seakeeping ability. A plumb bow and broad transom make the most of her waterline length underway, providing speed with optimal comfort.

“Her overall style is timeless and we expect this new model to have a long, successful life in the market,” says Germán Frers.

Smart inside
The builder partnered with Milan-based firm Hot Lab, known for their elegant designs in the superyacht world, to offer interiors that immediately set the new Hylas on a new level.

“We worked in close contact with the yard’s team. The development of a soft and gauzy mood-board has been the result of this relationship,” says Enrico Lumini, partner and interior chief designer at Hot Lab. “This is how we ended up with a whitish, oiled wood, warm, polished-nickel elements, and creamy leathers. All materials and details which blend together in an incredibly soft manner, keeping the traditional feeling of a pure sailing yacht interior, yet contemporary and tranquility-inspiring.”

Clean lines are emphasized, taking advantage of the yacht builder’s reputation for fine interior joinery, while exhibiting a stylish and modern sensibility. Large hull-side windows, a cabin trunk with wrap-around windows, skylights and overhead hatches all bathe the interior in natural light.

Owners can choose between three- and four-stateroom layouts. The three-stateroom layout places a master suite aft, with a large berth on centerline. A VIP stateroom with queen berth is forward, with private access to a head that is shared with a portside double with up-and-down berths. Amidships, a large salon area with an L-shaped settee with dining table and stools also has a starboard-side settee. The navigation station is to port and a walk-through galley to starboard. The four-stateroom layout places the master in the bow, using the aft sections for a pair of mirrored double staterooms.

Ready to sail
Cockpits are huge and come in two versions according to the owners’ layout preferences. The deck is flush and clean, with all halyards and control lines run in conduits beneath the deck. There are two keel options, both with twin rudder configuration, for positive control under sail in all weather conditions and good maneuvering under power in close quarters. A telescopic keel is also an option.

The sweptback spreader rig is simple and efficient. Runners will be auxiliary, required only in heavy weather or when the self-tacking staysail is set. The main and working jib set up makes for easy boat handling. The generous sail area performs very well and the A sail can be set from the bowsprit without a spinnaker pole. The yacht has every modern cruising convenience, including a self-deploying anchor, a hydraulic transom swim platform and an optional automated passerrelle. A dinghy garage aft eliminates the need for davits and maintains the clean, uncluttered look on deck.

“At Hylas Yachts, we have proven our yachts can take cruisers around the world in comfort,” says Andy Huang, CEO of Hylas Yachts. “As our clients have become increasingly knowledgeable and sophisticated it is imperative we keep up with new looks as well as technologies. We will continue to be very open to customization but with Hot Lab, the H60 will give our clients an optional convenience of a “turnkey package” with enhanced styling.”

Pricing
The H60 is available with a sail-away price of $2.08 million.

New arrival
Another exciting yacht from Hylas has reached the US West coast. The new Bill Dixon-designed H57 is built-to-order for her owner. The yard will present her later in 2020.