The Comeback Year

Nobody knew what to expect. The only sure thing was that a year after the US Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, went on hiatus due to the persistent pandemic, the gates would again open in October 2021, and the show would go on. But would eager sailors flock to the downtown docks to see the latest offerings from sailboat manufacturers near and far? And for that matter, would the docks themselves be packed with new boats? Furthermore, by extension, how many of those new models would be eligible and nominated for the 2022 Boat of the Year competition?

With those questions still hanging, on October 14, the gates in Maryland’s capital city indeed swung open. And all the answers were immediately forthcoming.

Record-setting crowds descended on the Annapolis City Dock starting from the show’s opening moments on what is usually a rather subdued first day. By that Thursday afternoon, the numbers had swelled to proportions usually reserved for the Saturday throng to be expected on a perfect Chesapeake Bay fall weekend. And many an attendee came with checkbook in hand, as manufacturers gleefully reported dozens of sales and order books full for 2022…and for some, years beyond.

Meanwhile, the Boat of the Year’s threeman independent judging panel (see page 63) got to work. Like the show’s vendors, they had their hands full.

Because last year’s BOTY contest was conducted in unusual conditions (see “The Determined Dozen: BOTY 2021,” January 2021) and with a reduced entry list, several nominees that weren’t available in 2021 were automatically rolled over into the 2022 fleet. And what a roster it was. The 27 entries—the largest BOTY entry list in many years—were ultimately broken down into eight categories, with the 16 monohulls distributed over five divisions ranging from 24 feet to 67 feet in size, and with prices ranging from $50,000 to $4 million. Meanwhile, the 11 nominated catamarans were grouped in three classes: two based on size and a third focused on performance. And talk about an international gathering! Builders from no fewer than nine nations were represented: the US, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden and Taiwan. The only thing missing? Most of the respective company’s builders, naval architects and salesmen, all sidelined by Covid-19-related travel restrictions to the States.

Their absence did not prevent the judging panel from rolling up their sleeves and getting to work.

As always, the contest was divided into two parts: onboard inspections that took place on the docks during the show, and at-sea sail trials conducted in the days immediately following the boat show. Chesapeake Bay can, and often does, serve up a variety of conditions for early-fall sail tests—everything from flat calms to small gales—but in 2021, the weather was simply spectacular, and almost every nominee got a chance to strut its stuff in the breeze and sunshine that it deserved. Which was and is always important; sometimes a boat that doesn’t shine at the dock lights up the panelists once its sails are hoisted and sheeted in, and its true capabilities and objectives are revealed.

When all was said and done, the judges chose winners in eight separate size- and/ or purpose-related categories. Just for good measure—because they were suitably impressed by their excellence—they also presented a pair of separate awards to boats that deserved special recognition.

Every year, each category winner is eligible for the major prize: the overall Boat of the Year. And of course, as always, one boat distinguished itself above and beyond all others: For 2022, it was the Hylas H57.

Overall Winner

2022 BOAT OF THE YEAR

From the Far East to the Far Horizons: The Hylas H57

For Cruising World readers, there’s something to be said for boats that not only live up to their stated design purpose and objective, but which are also aspirational, something that could deliver them to the far horizons of their sailing dreams. For 2022, as judging deliberations unfolded, several candidates were in the mix for the title of Overall Boat of the Year. But the conversation kept coming back to one boat in particular, and ultimately, it rose to the top of the peak. That boat is the Hylas H57. Here’s what the judges had to say about it, and why it ultimately earned their vote.

Tim Murphy: This Bill Dickson design is a departure from previous Germán Frersdesigned Hylas yachts. It signals a new trend: new look, new layout, new thinking. This is a 57-foot twin-rudder boat that displaces 57,000 pounds. They’re doing something that we’ve seen in a lot of new boats lately, a trend where there’s a separation between the social cockpit and the working cockpit, and well aft, a walkway down between the twin helms to the transom. It’s a good solution. It works.

“When you come alongside, it actually

This Bill Dickson design is a departure from previous Hylas yachts. It signals a new trend: new look, new layout, new thinking. It’s meant to go places. It’s a very strong boat in so many ways.” — Tim Murphy