Hylas H57 is equipped with advanced systems and high-end accommodation facilities and is the winner of Blue Water.

During and four days after the American Sailing Show in Annapolis, Maryland, Cruising World judges inspected and sailed 27 sailing boats in an effort to gain recognition. Learn more about ships in our 2022 ships of the year »

The category of uncompromising world cruisers from different corners of the world is appropriate: Far East, Sweden, France. Most importantly, the three ships vying for victory in this full-size category testify to the fact that there are many ways to skin the well-known cats in terms of systems and structures. Electric propulsion (Salona 46); metal structure (Cigale 16); dual rudders and advanced airborne power storage and distribution (Hylas H57). In different ways, each of these nominees is the most advanced. Together they proved that if you want to sail, you can go your own way.

The French shipyard Alubat has a long and impressive history of building aluminum sailboats that have taken adventurous sailors to high latitudes. The Ovnis series at the shipyard dates back to 1974 and uses a central plate design that allows them to travel through the ocean and then slide into thin waters where other cruisers might not be able to venture. In 1994, the shipyard began to build the Cigale series of keel yachts. The company also offers the 48-foot aluminum multihull Ovnicat.

Cigale 16 shows evidence of how the company has evolved over time, this is the boat that our judges inspected and sailed in the 2022 annual boat competition. "This is Marc Lombard's design, so it pays more attention to performance than earlier boats," Judge Tim Murphy said. "There is more luxury here; this is a new direction. 

"The layout under Cigale is really interesting. The salon and dining table are located under the cockpit. There are also a series of berths, including several pilot berths. The very experienced shipowner said during the passage that they had never advanced at sea. . It’s smart and well-proven.” In front of the salon, a passage leads to a double berth and the front of the cabin, and there are two additional cabins, one on both sides.

The ship is equipped with a multifunctional cutting machine. Driving in the wind, the support of the sail is easy to manage. Drive far away and launch Genoa, you can change gears slightly. Then at a further place, hang the colorful sail on a continuous line curling machine, you have another choice, how to get from here to there.

The judges have two reasons to look forward to the sea trial of Salona 46, which is the latest model shipped from the Slovenian company’s shipyard to the United States. First of all, in terms of fit, surface treatment and equipment, the flagship product of the series is expected to become an exquisite sailboat, which is built in cooperation with the Johnson & Johnson design team. Secondly, with its dual Oceanvolt ServoProp variable pitch sail drive device, the 46 imported by San Francisco Green Yachts is definitely one of the main supporters of American electric propulsion. 

Judge Murphy pointed out, "There is a lot to say about Salona, ​​they are very powerful. They have a galvanized grid structure, which is a good way to build a sailboat. It connects all the loads from the rig and the keel together, It forms a very sturdy boat. Our sailing tests are very good. The boat is lit under the sails, and maneuvering and adjustments are a pleasure."

indeed. In the breeze of 8 to 10 knots, we sailed close within 6 knots, and when we cracked and reached a range, we added another half knot. The single rudder/two-wheel steering is light and stable, and the boat will immediately respond to any drag or relaxation of the traveler.

The all-electric propulsion system is also fascinating. Salona installed a set of quite large lithium batteries to replace the engine located under the stairs, all of which are controlled by the battery management system, which monitors charging and battery health to avoid any potential hazards. The batteries in turn power the two Oceanvolt sail drives installed on the hull under each rear berth. Each drive can be regenerated while the ship is sailing, and the theory behind having two drives is that the charging speed of the battery can be doubled, and the cost is about half the speed of the ship.

The importer stated that in the long-range power mode, the 46 should be able to travel approximately 70 miles at a speed of 3 to 3.5 knots. Want to go home quickly? You can cruise about 15 miles at 6.6 knots. Car owners who wish to cruise are likely to install diesel generators for auxiliary charging.

The additional benefit of dual drives is that you have dual propellers and greater maneuverability. The importer demonstrated how to use this method in a small space in open water, and it seems to work well.

Even with two powerful sailing ships chasing the highest honors, Hylas H57 still managed to improve one or two grades in the dock and sailing. When the judges reviewed their notes and considered the entry for the full-size cruiser, there were many reasons that made it top in this highly competitive category.

Judge Gerry Douglas summed it up very well: “Hylas 57 is obviously driven by experienced builders who have a vision for a modern cruise ship. This is a brand new design that is different from the traditional Hylas appearance, but It retains the company’s well-known structure and build quality. From the Bill Dixon design, integrated sail handling system, deck shape and interior decoration, H57 is a brand-new method that shows that nothing is taken for granted, but by Experienced sailors conduct analyses to promote safe navigation and comfortable life on board."

Hylas Yachts has a good track record with the previous Jury of the Best Ship of the Year. They have often used the systems and techniques of these long-range cruisers in the past. These cruisers were built at the Empress Dragon Naval Shipyard in Taiwan. This is a family shipyard that has only recently been handed over to the next generation, and H57 marks this transition to some extent.

The ship is equipped with a system designed to enable cruising couples or understaffed crews to handle its powerful multifunctional cutter. The sails are set and retracted mechanically, and the camera system can monitor their trim (and many other areas on the ship) and send video input to the steering gear located below the navigation station and the multi-function display below. Coupled with a cockpit, it has a hard Bimini head and side panels that can close it, keeping watch in bad weather to a whole new level.

Judge Ed Sherman pointed out the idea of ​​how to use various technologies to simplify ship operations. "Actually, I think they did a good job designing the navigation and maneuvering controls. It's near the helm. It works very well. I like that." The same goes for his colleagues, it's just that they rated the H57 as the best One of several reasons for full-size cruisers.

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