The latest multihull from HH Catamarans is an all-carbon-fiber couple-friendly rocketship.
December 8, 2020
At the upper end of the cost equation for the 2021 Boat of the Year contestants, there were three boats with a price tag north of seven figures, which in our viewpoint puts them into Luxury Cruiser territory. The Southerly 480 was the outlier of the three—very cool and versatile, but with older if proven technology—which steered us into a lively discussion of the merits of two truly state-of-the-art sailboats, the HH 50 and the Hylas 60. So the question was, how do you choose between excellent and exquisite?
The similarities, apart from their rarified sticker prices, were rather striking. Both built in the Far East. Both with similar Boat of the Year pedigrees, having each notched victories in previous contests. Both marketed similarly. Both with strong support systems for buyers, including the services of pro sailors who guide you through the first days of ownership. When you buy either a Hylas or an HH, you’re also buying into a quite exclusive family.
HH Catamarans Performance Luxury
Each Boat is unlike no other. As your interface to a new world HH invites you to build on your imagination.
Designed by the multihull specialists at Morrelli & Melvin, the HH50 is a bluewater-capable, fast cruiser configured in such a way as to make it possible for shorthanded crews to knock off impressive 24-hour runs on passage with relative ease. Dual helm stations aft provide excellent visibility forward and aloft, and a push-button mainsheet and self-tacking jib come standard. For those in search of a little more horsepower, a massive overlapping Solent is also available. All line handling is done from the helm stations, thereby opening up the rest of the boat for living space. As is the case with its predecessors, the HH50 includes a pair of dramatically curved “C” daggerboards equipped with optional push-button-controlled line drivers to provide yet more lift/performance underway. At anchor, the boat’s forward sailhandling area converts into a comfortable forward-facing lounging space.
LOA 51ft 10in BEAM 24ft 5in DRAFT 4ft 11in (boards up); 10ft 6in (boards down) DISPLACEMENT 25,300lb, Hudson Yacht Group, hhcatamarans.com
An impressive combination of tech, luxury and spped to burn - By Tom Dove
