Hylas 54 Raised Saloon, QING

Broker’s Comments

We know the Hylas 54 Raised Saloon, QING, well, having sold her to her current owner. We have always admired the Hylas range of bluewater cruising yachts for their exceptional sailing abilities, excellent build quality, and well-planned interiors. Under her current ownership, she has undergone extensive upgrades to provide a fast, safe, and rewarding sailing platform, ideal for comfortable family living.

The investment in QING has been substantial, including a new Axxon carbon rig and boom. She features a fully battened mainsail for powerful and controlled sailing, along with a new Nanni diesel engine, new through-hull fittings, AGM batteries, a Raymarine Axiom system, upgraded refrigeration, and a watermaker. Although originally commissioned in 2001, much of QING’s equipment and outfitting have been replaced in recent years.

QING is perfect for serious ocean cruising—and she truly offers great value.

Owner’s Comments

I bought QING as I was going bluewater cruising with my family. I wanted a boat that would have exceptional performance, high build quality and notable sea handling. In my buying process, I looked at several yachts and fell in love with the Hylas 54. I chose her for Hylas’ renowned build quality and Frers hull which has second-to-none sea handling. Hylas is often referred to as the ‘Oyster of Northern America,’ and while my experience confirms the exceptional build quality, the ability to live comfortably at sea as an owner is something even better.

As an owner, safety and comfort comes before cost. Before we embarked on our adventures, I wanted a truly reliable yacht to enjoy the trip, but also systems that would allow my family and I to be comfortable and safe. I chose to give the boat a complete overhaul. The original in-furling mast’s motor had failed, the anodizing needed redoing, and the fittings had seized. I had serious concerns about the safety of the in-mast furling system and spent countless hours researching the best solution.

I invested in an Axxon carbon mast and boom – it doesn’t just make the boat faster, it transforms the entire sailing experience, creating a more comfortable, stable, and easier-to-handle vessel. To keep weight aloft down, I paired it with slab-reefed 3Di sails from North. The weight savings were remarkable and improved the feeling of the boat in any sea state, but notably in messy Atlantic swell where you can reach at 9-10 knots and go upwind at 8 knots – it’s amazing how speed improves comfort on QING.

A new diesel engine was essential for reliability, so I went with a Nanni N4.115, giving me higher torque at lower RPMs with the bulletproof reliability of mechanical injection – a dream combination for long-distance cruising. I meticulously replaced all through-hulls with Guidi “Alex” non-stick valves – no shortcuts on safety. The electrical system was completely reimagined with Victron power management, generous AGM batteries, and a hydrogenator that gives me the freedom of alternative energy generation at sea.

I upgraded all the navigation electronics to Raymarine Axiom and installed a masthead thermal/video camera to make night-time and day entries to new harbours much less nerve-racking! This also gives you Raymarine’s Clearcruise. I installed a reliable high-output watermaker and upgraded the fridge and freezer – essential for those all-important sundowners! Whilst I was initially planning to head to warmer climates, I wanted to make sure QING was comfortable in and around the Channel. The hydronic Webasto heating system I added complements the reverse cycle Cruisair air conditioning beautifully. The cockpit enclosure with the bimini and heat outlets creates a cosy sanctuary for offshore sailing but equally those all-important on-deck meals and drinks.

Every detail matters – from the watertight bulkheads to the custom sea drogue attachments and strategically repositioned life raft. I have very much enjoyed my adventures on QING, our biggest adventure being the 2015 ARC followed by a season of cruising the E Coast of the US. With tens of thousands of miles under my belt I’m incredibly happy with the boat and the improvements I’ve made to her. When I look at QING now, I see a yacht that’s not just more capable, comfortable, and durable than standard models – I see a vessel that’s been thoughtfully crafted to safely take my family and me anywhere our hearts desire. However, with young grandchildren, it has become necessary to take up motorboating, so the time has come to say goodbye and look forward to hearing about her adventures with a new owner.