The Kiwi inspired Hylas M49 is set to make its stateside debut this summer, following on from the 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:
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 1.4m longer than the M44, clocking in at comfortably riding 14.7m.
The accommodations level has two suite cabins, including a forepeak owner’s cabin that is configured with a centre 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, where it is sold under the Salthouse Corsair banner.
