Designed by renowned naval architect German Frers and built by Taiwan's Queen Long Marine between 1985 and 1990, this 42-footer represents a thoughtful blend of performance and comfort for serious cruising sailors. With only 22 hulls produced during its five-year production run, the Hylas 42 has earned a reputation as a well-built, seaworthy vessel capable of handling both coastal passages and offshore voyaging. The boat's substantial displacement of 17,600 pounds, combined with 8,800 pounds of ballast and a fin keel with spade rudder configuration, delivers excellent stability and predictable handling characteristics. The masthead sloop rig carries 826 square feet of sail area, providing respectable performance while maintaining manageable sail handling for shorthanded crews. Frers' design philosophy shines through in the boat's moderate proportions and seakindly motion, reflected in the comfort ratio of 24.77. The fiberglass construction by Queen Long Marine, known for their quality workmanship during this era, ensures structural integrity for long-term cruising. With a theoretical hull speed of 7.76 knots and a sail area-to-displacement ratio of 19.61, the Hylas 42 strikes an ideal balance between comfortable passage-making and respectable sailing performance, making it particularly appealing to cruisers planning extended voyages.
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What is the Hylas 42's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Hylas 42 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 19.61. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Hylas 42's comfort ratio?
The Hylas 42 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 24.77. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Hylas 42 safe for offshore sailing?
The Hylas 42 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Hylas 42?
The theoretical hull speed of the Hylas 42 is 7.76 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Hylas 42 weigh?
The Hylas 42 has a displacement of 17,600.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 42.08 ft.
Who designed the Hylas 42?
The Hylas 42 was designed by German Frers, first built in 1985.