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- Beam: 13' 9''
- Hull Material: Fiberglass
- Max Draft: 6' 6''
- Displacement: 27,777 lb
- Fuel Tank: 1 x 169|gallon
- Fresh Water: 1 x 135|gallon
- Holding: 1 x 50|gallon
- Cabins: 2
- Heads: 2
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A Circumnavigated, Custom-Rigged, Offshore-Ready Hylas 46
Southern Cross, hull #52 of the world-renowned Hylas 46 series designed by German Frers, is one of the most capable and proven blue water sailboats ever built. Originally launched in 2004 as Fetching Light, she was commissioned by a detail-obsessed couple who worked closely with Queen Long Marine in Taiwan to elevate the standard design into a high-performance, self-sufficient passage maker, customized for long-term, off-the-grid voyaging in the Pacific.
Her first chapter spanned nearly 10 years of sailing from California to Mexico to the South Pacific and to the Pacific Northwest. Based on the owners’ sailing experiences and engineering background, she was customized at the factory with a rare combination of modifications: 7.5 foot titanium bowsprit, repositioned inner forestay, enlarged working staysail, enlarged sail locker, and a cockpit-controlled Code 0 system that remains one of a kind for a Hylas 46. The sturdy custom-built hard dodger and bimini were added later to provide additional safety, security, and comfort in the cockpit. These enhancements complement a robust three-headsail rig with dual whisker poles and triple-reefed mainsail—built for safe, shorthanded, offshore sailing in all conditions.
In 2015, Fetching Light was purchased by her second owners who renamed her Southern Cross and set off on an extraordinary eight-year circumnavigation. Departing from the West Coast, they sailed through the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, and Red Sea—eventually reaching the Mediterranean and returning to the States via the Atlantic and Caribbean. Everywhere she went, Southern Cross impressed with her performance, safety and self-reliance.
Now back in Fort Lauderdale and under her third ownership as of January 2025, Southern Cross has received over $110,000 in upgrades—transforming an already well-maintained and remarkable yacht into a fully modernized, turnkey, blue water cruiser. The current owners had plans for an extended voyage, and so completed a comprehensive systems refresh before their plans changed, making Southern Cross available to an adventurous new owner.
Notable 2025 Upgrades (Over $110,000 Invested):
Additional Highlights:
Why Southern Cross?
This is not a typical Hylas 46. Southern Cross is a yacht with pedigree, serious ocean miles, and real-world systems that have been tested and proven around the globe. She is fully equipped for immediate offshore sailing—no need for years of prep or a refit yard period. Whether your dreams include the ARC, a return to the Pacific, or simply coastal cruising with confidence and grace, Southern Cross is the rare Hylas 46 that’s ready today to fulfill those dreams.
Denison Yachting is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by David Walters Yachts.
Denison Yacht Sales offers the details of this yacht in good faith but can’t guarantee the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of this boat for sale. This yacht for sale is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal from that yacht market without notice. She is offered as a convenience by this yacht broker to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a specific yacht for sale.
Southern Cross features a two-stateroom, two-head layout, offering exceptional comfort and functionality both underway and at anchor.
The master stateroom aft is outfitted with a centerline queen berth, excellent natural ventilation, and extensive storage throughout. It includes a private en-suite head with a separate stall shower, located to port. The guest stateroom forward features a pullman double berth offset to port and an en-suite head and shower forward, providing privacy and comfort for guests or additional crew.
The main salon is midships and features a U-shaped settee and dining table to port, with a straight settee to starboard. The table includes a fold-out leaf and a sliding centerline loveseat provides additional seating while allowing full access to the bilges below. Storage is abundant throughout the salon and cabins, with cabinetry and lockers above and below the settees.
The walkthrough galley is located aft to starboard and leads into the master stateroom. Opposite the galley, to port, is the navigation station, which also provides a second walkthrough into the aft head.
Interior Highlights:
Galley
The galley is designed for long-range cruising, with excellent refrigeration and storage, secure handholds, and thoughtful systems.
Southern Cross is rigged as a cutter, but with a uniquely modified sail plan that dramatically improves performance and versatility across all wind ranges. A custom 7.5-foot stainless steel leeve and titanium bowsprit was added at the bow to support a powerful Code 0 on a Facnor furler, which is cockpit-controlled via the electric windlass capstan using a dedicated rope clutch. This setup enables singlehanded deployment and dousing of the Code 0 without leaving the cockpit—perfect for light-air trades and downwind ocean passages.
To improve performance in heavy weather, the inner forestay chainplate was moved forward on the deck and higher on the mast, allowing for a larger working staysail and creating room below for a dedicated 65 cu. ft. sail locker forward. This modification enables the use of a storm staysail and brings the sail plan’s center of effort aft for better balance and comfort in higher winds.
The result is a rare Hylas 46 that sails exceptionally well across the wind spectrum—from light breezes to storm conditions—all while being manageable by a couple in the safety of the hard dodger and bimini enclosed cockpit.
Rigging & Hardware:
Sails:
Winches:
Southern Cross is equipped with a robust and modernized 12V DC / 120V AC system, fully updated for bluewater cruising and capable of global shore power compatibility. In 2025, the electrical system received a major upgrade with a new 960Ah lithium house battery bank, new AGM start and windlass batteries, and enhanced Victron BMS and monitoring. She also has two removable Mitsubishi 170watt 12VDC solar panels mounted on bimini top.
DC System:
AC System:
Southern Cross is fully equipped for offshore cruising, with an extensive suite of navigation electronics and communication systems, thoughtfully arranged for redundancy, ease of use, and shorthanded passage making. The navigation system was recently upgraded with a new Simrad autopilot, B&G chart plotter at the helm, and Starlink satellite internet, bringing her electronics package up to modern cruising standards.
Navigation & Instrumentation:
Communications:
Southern Cross features the rugged build and thoughtful detailing that define the Hylas 46, enhanced by smart owner upgrades for offshore safety and comfort. A key highlight is the custom hard dodger and hard bimini, both constructed in stainless steel and fiberglass—offering unmatched protection and structural integrity in heavy weather. The dodger includes 1/2" Lexan glazing, a 24" opening center hatch, molded handholds, and a Sunbrella sun cover. The bimini features molded handholds and includes both full isinglass and bug screen enclosures.
She underwent a full haulout in August 2025, including new bottom paint, hull compounding, and waxing.
Anchoring & Ground Tackle:
Deck Details:
Tender & Accessories:
In 2025, Southern Cross received a major mechanical upgrade with the installation of a brand-new Yanmar 4JH110 diesel engine, replacing the original 75HP unit. This powerful and smooth 110HP engine gives her ample thrust under power, especially helpful in tight quarters or heavy seas. The engine is paired with a new MaxProp 3-blade feathering propeller, further improving propulsion efficiency under both sail and power.
The boat’s legacy mechanical systems are intelligently laid out for offshore reliability, including a fuel polishing system with dual Racor filters. All systems have been maintained to high standards.
Engine & Fuel Systems:
Water Systems:
Tankage:
Southern Cross is equipped with a comprehensive offshore safety package, with gear appropriate for bluewater sailing and long-range passagemaking. Several systems have been recently serviced or updated, while others may require recertification prior to next offshore use.
Lifesaving & Emergency Gear:
Contact our team to schedule a private showing.
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