Above: not your typical production yard… this is the hull of the new all-carbon lightweight Wally 93 emerging from the split mould at Solaris last year, and (left) a step back in the history of this Italian builder as Rod Stephens (at left) oversees the detailed deck design for the 1979 IOR Two Tonner Rupe. And then for something a little different at the other end of the spectrum (below): this is the Doug Peterson designed Solaris 72 Kamana which recently completed a global circum- navigation via the Northwest Passage


steer and, importantly, that is also kind in terms of power demand when under autopilot. With the light helm the team also dispensed with a main traveller – safer for the uninitiated guest and freeing up considerable cockpit space. The boat demonstrates a


distinctly modern appearance and the team feel they have set some new benchmarks in terms of both performance and styling with their latest baby. A contemporary reverse bow is nicely balanced by the aggressive vertical transom, with rig and appendages – including the dramatic forward- raked keel fin – positioned notably far aft for a boat of this type. One reason for this aft set


rig/appendage package is to allow


the larger genoas that Acebal and the Solaris team favour for designs where there is a focus on good performance without too much sail changing. Add to that mix plenty of stowage on deck and below, because Solaris owners like their toys and their luxuries, and you’ve got a fairly compelling performance cruising package. In all of the yachts it builds


Solaris makes full use of its access to relatively specialised construction methods at its long established yard. Over 44 years these methods have become tried, refined and well tested. This is why Solaris can seemingly make quite bold construction choices with confidence for the end product. One example of this is an


above-average use of composites for a yacht of this type with composite/metallic bonds and mechanical connections kept to the minimum. All Solaris chainplates are now composite – one reason being to minimise mixing materials with different mechanical properties that will inevitably ‘work’ differently under load. All transverse and longitudinal


floors are externally laminated and cured before being bonded into the hull with intersections reinforced using unidirectional fibres, creating a hugely strong primary structure. In fact, unidirectional fibres are used extensively throughout the Solaris range, especially in high load areas around the keel floors, mast step, rudder posts and chainplates. By carefully linking key load areas and employing robust 40mm foam-cored bulkheads and similarly light, but strong interior panels, the yard creates a single laminate structure of enormous strength; in terms of torsional and global rigidity the resulting deflections are more typical of a large racing yacht (though rather more robust and durable…). Acebal himself is pleased with


this collaboration… ‘I sailed the standard boat in Varazze and we’re very happy with her, she’s really fast for a luxury cruiser with this level of onboard comforts. Of course there are clients who want even more power, so we have regatta options including a different keel, carbon rudders, a lighter carbon transom door, different sail dimensions and so on! ‘When you combine all those


elements in one simple, elegant boat, the result can be very pleasant…’ It’s clear that even after 44


years Solaris remains determined to go its own way. This Italian shipyard always backs itself and likes to do things just a little differently. Amen to that. www.solarisyachts.com


q SEAHORSE 63


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