Striking new interior photos of the capable H57 cruising yacht from Hylas Yachts have been released.
The images of this first hull of four showcase all the Taiwanese yard’s finishing skills and design nous. A contemporary mixture of warm woods and neutral upholstery sets the tone, all expertly lit with efficient lighting.
Legendary designer Bill Dixon penned the lines of the yacht and produced a compelling vision for the interior styling which Hylas has realised with great intelligence. It runs to rich teak flooring contrasted with white oak cabinetry, mirrored stainless steel fittings and deep grey suede upholstery. Livability is always placed first.
“There are almost an unlimited number of options but for wood then teak would be a Hylas classic,” explains Peggy Huang, COO of Hylas Yachts. “The increased popularity of white oak and on occasion ash has really brought a new brightness to our yacht interiors. Faux leather and suede are nice and manageable for interior furnishing and the classic Sunbrella works well for exterior cushions.”
A sophisticated lighting concept below deck
Material choices are divided between a standard and a premium range, but both are brought to life by a sophisticated lighting concept below deck. It masterfully blends direct, indirect and natural light sources to create a really welcoming atmosphere. “This seems to be where people really start to get excited,” explains Huang. “Our clients expect to have all the same digital switching, mood lighting and dimmable options with accent colours as they do at home.”
Together, Hylas and Dixon have brought their experience to bear on the way the interior space is used. By carrying the beam of the boat well aft, Dixon has created so much useful volume – something he has compounded with a generously glazed coachroof. Meanwhile, the hybrid cockpit preserves headroom in the cabin below.
“The raised salon and oversized portlights bring a huge amount of light into the salon and cabins,” says Huang. “The fact that there is also great visibility to the outside from down below is something our clients really enjoy. Every inch of the 5.2m (17ft) beam is felt in the salon and, as the beam is carried well aft to about 4.7m (15ft 6in) across the transom, the master stateroom is huge as well as beautiful. ‘Wow’ is what we were going for, and that was the reaction we heard at the recent autumn boat shows.”
Hylas has long believed that the galley should be located aft of the salon, freeing up all-important central living space. The new H57 is no exception, with a fine linear galley down two steps on the starboard side. The use of warm teak continues here, set off by a marble-effect composite worksurface.
Meganite is the product used here, as is in the heads, because it is less porous and hence more stain resistant than alternatives. Deep fiddles and splash backs make this a practical as well as a beautiful space. It is well equipped with a gimballed four-burner stove, microwave, dishwasher, drawer freezer and fridge.
Smart cabin layout
“The three-cabin layout is certainly the most popular, as folks don’t want to give up the gorgeous walk-through galley,” says Huang. “What has been popular has been the use of the third cabin as a utility space. There is still a usable bunk in there, but the focus of the cabin has become a workroom and laundry room.”
This is really a tale of two staterooms: the huge full-beam aft cabin and a luxurious double with island bed forward. The owner’s cabin aft runs to a vast double bed flanked by sofas and copious storage, desks and vanity tables. Double hull lights on each side and hatches overhead fill the cabin with light. There’s lots of hanging and storage space, and an ensuite shower and heads.
At the bow, a luxurious VIP guest cabin also boasts a full island double berth and ensuite access to the shared shower room. Both these cabins feature seamless oak panelling with built-in cupboards and lockers. Just the headboard, headlining and the borders around the frameless hull lights are in clean, white faux leather.
“The vision for the interior is contemporary but warm,” explains Huang. “The Hylas craftsmanship is self-evident. The interior layout really is well suited to a voyaging couple who want to live comfortably and have occasional friends and family visiting wherever they are in the world.”
The salon is naturally the social hub of the boat, with plenty of seating down each side and a lavishly polished fold-out table that can be raised or lowered on stainless steel pedestals. Being a bluewater cruiser at heart, the H57 also offers lots of storage and stowage space, and there is a well-appointed chart table behind the salon on the port side.
It is all part of the core concept of fast, easy sailing which informs this design. Despite its 57ft overall length, this is a boat carefully designed for short-handed sailing by a family. Twin rudders and a lighter foam-core layup, plus a comprehensive rig with self-tacking jib, electric primary winches, hydraulic backstay and the German sheeting all contribute to uncluttered decks and fluid handling. There’s even the option of a hydraulic bathing platform aft.
“We work hard to accommodate most requests but it’s important to remember that we have seen all kinds of interesting ideas and have a good sense of what works well,” said Huang.
This hull is one of two featuring the Bill Dixon/Hylas interior. Another one has a radically different interior by Italian designer Hot Lab, with Newport Yacht Interiors working on number four. The fifth hull is on the drawing board now.
For more information, see: https://www.hylasyachts.com/sailing-yachts/h57/
