Abner Kingman photo

Under sail

On a chill afternoon, we were happily ensconced in the cockpit, keeping warm under the dodger with the cabin heater adding to the warmth as we powered out of  Port Annapolis on Back Creek. Maneuvering was a breeze with the joystick controlling the thrusters, and the Volvo Penta 150-horsepower engine made quick work of the trip out into Chesapeake Bay at
10 knots.

The Solent-rigged 57 is set up for shorthanded sailing, with an in-mast furling main  and the 140% genoa and self-tacking jib on powered Furlex units. With just a push of the buttons, we set sail in minutes. The breeze was mild-mannered and slowly built to 10 to 13 knots. Sailing at 30 degrees apparent, the 57 moved at 8 knots.

The twin spade rudders gave the boat good control, and tacking was smooth as I turned the boat toward Back Creek. The wind was fading, so we pushed the buttons to furl the sails and headed in.

The boat was leaving for a trip down the bay for a Hylas rendezvous at St. Michaels before heading to the Bahamas as part of the Salty Dog Rally. I longed to stowaway so I could get the true measure of this offshore passagemaker in its element. The 57 is an elegant and powerful boat meant to stretch her legs and cross oceans.

Principal dimensions: LOA: 56’10”; LWL: 52’11”; Beam: 17’; Draft: shoal 6’5”, deep 8’2”; Displacement: 57,685 lb.; Ballast 20,556 lb.; Sail area: 1,636 sq. ft.

Sailaway price: $2.14 million

Hylas Yachts

850 NE 3rd Street, Suite 209

Dania Beach, FL 33004

954-866-0750

www.hylasyachts.com