New Solaris 55 unveiled later this year
by Windcraft Yachts 4 Mar 14:13 PST
Solaris 55 © Windcraft Yachts
The new Solaris 55 promises rewarding sailing qualities, luxury and performance combined with easy handling and the ability to stylishly fulfill an owners' sailing ambitions.
The first hull of the new Solaris 55 designed by Argentinian Javier Soto Acebal is under construction in the factory in Aquileia near Venice, with planned premieres at the big European boat shows later in 2024.
The 55 continues the clean aesthetic and streamlined hull shape of the latest Solaris models with maximum beam carried well aft, broad forward sections and an almost full-length chine that creates flared stern sections providing additional stability when the yacht heels. The chine also reduces the boat's wetted surface area translating to good light airs performance.
Soto Acebal has penned Solaris designs for 16 years and places an emphasis on the helming experience, which he believes should be one of the biggest pleasures of owning a boat. Reviews of other recent Solaris models have described the helm as having a "sumptuous feel" and there's no reason the new 55 should be any different.
Hull and deck layout
The uncluttered deck layout is based on sound ergonomics with a spacious cockpit and the steering pedestals positioned well outboard, like a racing yacht, maximising visibility from the helm ensuring an excellent view of the luff of the genoa and a big advantage for general manoeuvring.
Electric winches, an option, are located on either side of the cockpit meaning sheeting the sail is quick and requires little effort.
Two well-crafted cockpit tables fold down to allow easy central access to the companionway, which also features two innovative windows that filter natural light to the cabins and the saloon.
The transom opens to the dinghy garage to store the dinghy with outboard engine in a longitudinal position while convenient steps moulded into the hull grant access to the generous swim platform.
Interior
The 55's interior comes from ADIDesign STUDIO based in Monza, Italy who craft beautifully styled spaces featuring natural materials and high-quality furnishings and fittings.
The standard layout is an extremely large forward owner's suite, available in two versions; a central or an offset bed, both with a separate bathroom with a large shower. The saloon conveys light and symmetry and can be equipped with a sofa or two large armchairs. The portside L-shaped galley is customisable with extra fridges or storage according to each owners' requirements.
The two roomy aft cabins have their own bathroom with separate shower and the starboard one can be configured as two singles.
The sail locker in the bow can be converted into a crew cabin with integrated bathroom.
Construction
Like every Solaris, the 55 benefits from three composite main bulkheads which are laminated and resin bonded to the hull and deck. Construction is of Airex sandwich and vinylester, with vacuum bagging used for gluing the core.
The 55 has a lead bulb and cast-iron keel, mounted with a coupling flange to the hull structure.
The Solaris 55 is an intoxicating blend of innovation and tradition the Italian yard is renowned for. Equally at home day-sailing or on long bluewater passages this assured performance cruiser will get you where you're going with a nice turn of speed, even when conditions are light, keep you comfortable once you get there, and turn heads both en route and in port.
In addition to the launch of the new 55, the new Solaris 74RS, is also in development with the first hull set to splash next May, and the Solaris 40 ST (square top mainsail) in the advanced stages of construction.
More information on the new Solaris 55 at windcraftyachts.com/portfolio/solaris