The Hylas M49 is set to make its stateside debut this summer—an introduction that has been met with great anticipation by American boaters thanks to the global success of the Hylas M44.
The M44 is a true classic, and has charmed some highly respected yachtsmen. Ken Read, president of North Sails Group and one of the world’s most accomplished and celebrated sailors, is one of them. He describes he and his wife Melissa’s M44 Hayden as their “dreamboat”. This yacht's versatility, accommodations, storage space, seakeeping capability, performance and fuel economy all meet the needs of Ken's dynamic yachting lifestyle. Here’s what he had to say:
"By helping run North's group of sailing brands, in essence I sail for a living or am around sailing 24-7", says Read. " When it's time to relax I still want to be on the water but I must say that to turn a key and crack open a cold beer—it's a pretty nice option. The M44 is perfect for a cruising couple, and maybe a kid or two. We can fit the paddle boards, and all the other toys you can think of. We often live on Hayden during local or regional regatta’s. We take her for relaxing day cruises and we annually cruise for a week all through the amazing cruising grounds of the Vineyard, Cape and Nantucket with friends and family. We really feel like we can do whatever we want with Hayden. Last summer we towed a 33’ doublehanded racer Alchemist out to Edgartown with the M44, lived on her as the mother ship, won the Around Martha’s Vineyard Race, and towed home all in a long weekend.”
The M49 takes cues from the glowing review Read gave to the M44. Both boats were designed by the New Zealander Dean Salthouse, whose family has been designing and building exceptionally seaworthy vessels in the Southern Hemisphere for 65 years.
The M49 offers some key advantages over the M44. The additional cockpit space provides for a day heads, pop up grills, wet bar, cockpit refrigeration and ice makers. Her length overall is a full 4 feet, 7 inches longer than the M44, clocking in at comfortably riding 48 feet, 10 inches.
The accommodations level has two suite cabins, including a forepeak owner’s cabin that is configured with a center line double bed with “his and hers” hanging lockers plus under-berth storage drawers. The guest cabin is aft and to port and can pull double duty as an excellent stowage space if not being used for its primary purpose. This space is readily converted from a double to a twin set up, there is even an overhead 3rd bunk option.
The M49 is powered by twin Yanmar 8LV diesels that focus on sturdy performance and optimal fuel economy. These Yanmars are excellent engines for both dayboating and for longer offshore adventures.
Regardless of how an owner cruises the M49, they are guaranteed to be more than pleased with her performance and livability. Her hull has been well proven on the challenging waters and rugged coastline of New Zealand.