The shipyard in Aquileia in northern Italy is consistently updating its programme: Solaris Yachts has now added a larger 50-footer with the same DNA to the Solaris 40 (tested in YACHT 19/2021), but with greater variety, especially below deck. In addition to the conventional standard version with three double cabins and two heads, the new boat can also be ordered in a version with a galley integrated into the side of the saloon. In this case, three toilet rooms are even possible. There are also variants for the foredeck, where the bathroom can be built into the forepeak and the berth positioned to the side.
The hull lines by Argentinian designer Javier Soto Acebal are essentially similar in design to those of the smaller sister Solaris 40. The high rear chine in the hull allows a large width aft with a slender waterline, which ultimately ensures a high degree of stability upwind. In addition, the wide stern has to compensate for the buoyancy of the full front so that the sailing characteristics are balanced downwind.
Thanks to double rudder blades, a closed dinghy garage can be integrated into the stern, where a small dinghy can be stored lengthways. The standard T-keel with 30 per cent ballast extends to a depth of 2.80 metres; alternatively, Solaris also offers shorter, but heavier keels. In this case, the diving depth can be reduced to 2.35 metres.
Solaris 50 with self-tacking jib also suitable for single-handed sailing
Like the small 40, the cockpit of the new Solaris 50 is completely cut out aft. This allows the shipyard to build the two steering columns right up to the side of the boat, which significantly improves the overview for the helmsman. All halyards and sheets are led below deck to the stopper batteries in front of the steering columns, where two powerful winches are available on both sides. The genoa is standard with an overlap of 108 per cent and hole point tracks on the side of the running deck. As a variation, the boat can also be fitted with a self-tacking jib, making it fully suitable for single-handed sailing.
The base price ex shipyard is quoted at around 672,000 euros gross. The Solaris 50 has been nominated for European Yacht of the Year and was made available to the YACHT editorial team at the jury trials in Port Ginesta near Barcelona, Spain. We will be publishing the test in an upcoming issue.
The Solaris 50 will also be making its German debut at the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf in January 2023. Hall 16 / Stand A18
Technical data Solaris 40
- Designer: Javier Soto Acebal
- CE design category: A/High sea
- Hull length: 15.50 m
- Length waterline: 14.68 m
- Width: 4.78 m
- Draughts: 2.80 (Std.) / 2.60 m / 2.35 m
- Weight: 15.9 tonnes
- Ballast/proportion: 4.85 t/30.5 %
- Mainsail: 84.7 m²
- Genoa 108 % : 70.30 m
- Motorisation: Volvo Penta D2-50 (50 hp) / optional 75 hp
- Drive: Saildrive
- Diesel capacity: 370 litres
- Fresh water capacity 510 litres
