The best resource is the
Kretschmer Review of the Stevens-Hylas 47 which is the best starting place for anyone like
sailor12.
In summary, a yard in
Taiwan contracted Sparkman & Stephens to design a 47-foot sailboat. Rod Stephens took particular interest in the
project. When they started production in the early 1980's,
Caribbean charter king Bill Stevens bought as many as he could and put his name on the boat. The Stevens 47 was born. When Stevens Charters had financial troubles, Queen Long branded her as the Hylas 47 after a Greek mythological character. They also introduced 42 and 44 foot German Frers designs.
These are excellent
offshore yachts - fast, smooth, and solidly built. The main difference between the Stevens and Hylas is the rig. Stevens came standard with beefier
rigging.
As
CaptainK and
ssullivan note, Hylas continues to build fine yachts. The 47 has been superceeded by a 49-footer that has two inches more sheer, a larger
cockpit, and sugar scoop stern. Also offered are 46, 54, and 70 foot Frers designs. A new 49
sails away for $638,000. Hylas 47's are attractive values considering that it is difficult to find a 49 for under $300,000 while you might find a nice 47 for under $200,000.