Solaris Yachts Review | 2024

By Richard Baldwin & Alan McIlroy

Goodness! 2023 was a busy year for the UK Solaris Sail desk! We knew at the beginning of the year it promised to be full on with a combination of launches, shows and events, and so we spent more time in Europe this year than ever, with three Solaris 50s delivered and two larger yachts currently in build. Hull #1 of the new Solaris 74’RS is a particularly exciting project. Having already had the experience of building and owning a Solaris 64’RS, the owner was keen to work very closely with the yard on the project. Every aspect of the build has been considered on its merits and her owner’s intended use (a circumnavigation) from the keel, rig, deck plan and on-board systems. The 74’RS is well into production with launch anticipated for early 2024.

The yard has continued its upward trajectory and while it enjoyed a record year with 46 new yachts delivered, it also had to rise to the challenges and increase its resources. Solaris Sail now employs a staff of nearly 200. Still on its original site, the facility was significantly extended in 2018/19 and Solaris have plans to extend further in the near future.

SOLARIS 74RS

SOLARIS CUP

This is a true family event, held in the idyllic surroundings of Porto Rotondo Sardinia each year. The warmth of the welcome and hospitality extended by the Solaris family is legendary. 2023 saw over 50 yachts and with 2024 set to be the 50th Anniversary year, this number is set to increase. What was also very encouraging was the size of the UK flagged contingent and this is set to increase again in 2024. The format is one of relaxed racing, combined with both crew and owners’ evening events – definitely not a Regatta to miss. Importantly, it is also an opportunity for prospective Solaris owners to sea trial the Solaris range and enjoy the surroundings and atmosphere. If you are interested in attending, do let us know.

NEW SOLARIS 55

NEW PROJECT – WATCH THIS SPACE FOR NEXT YEAR

Existing Solaris models enjoy a good life cycle, there are never any Mk II’s, and this ensures owned Solaris’ have good residual values. A new model is a totally new model.

2024 will see the replacement of the of the current 55’ of which there are 31 hulls. Like the older 50’, the current 55’ is a very hard act to follow. With every new model, there is a combination of innovation as well as refining what works best on the current design. Building on the success of current design, the new 55’ will not only incorporate recent Solaris thinking, but she will also have some new tricks up her sleeve.

The keys differences create increased volumes and equipment capacities to allow longer periods of autonomy at sea:

• LOA increased by 210mm.
• Beam increased by 150mm.
• Hullform stability increased.
• Interior volume increased – three ensuite heads with separate showers.
• Taller mast and sail area increased by 4%.
• Fuel capacity increased by 25%.
• Increased generator capacity, now 10.5kw mounted centrally behind the main engine.
• Sealed fore and aft tender garage for fully inflated 2.7m RIB.
• Full width cockpit offering an enhanced helming position and twin cockpit tables.

50TH ANNIVERSARY 2024

This year sees the landmark 50th Anniversary of Solaris from humble beginnings to the innovative pioneering yard it has become. Solaris are undeniably successful as they deliver a combination of remaining true to the original ethos of the yard, while staying one step ahead of the field with brave design and clever innovation.

VAT ADVANTAGES OF BUYING NEW IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

A much debated topic, the issue of VAT has been one area where UK sailors have benefitted when buying new build. Since UK flagged yachts are visiting yachts from a third country, there isn’t a requirement to pay VAT in Europe. This does of course, come with the caveat of having to clear out every 18 months, but depending on your cruising area this may not be such a hardship. Turkey, Montenegro, Algeria, Tunisia and Gibraltar are all outside the EU VAT net, and you can clear in and out in a day to reset the clock.

ENJOYING THE JOURNEY

The motivation to buy a yacht can come from many quarters; a present to self for those years of hard work and late nights, a vehicle to bring the family together, or the magic carpet to take you to those places that can only properly be reached by sea. Whatever the motivation, it is important you get it right, and equally important is your journey building your new yacht. Solaris are passionate about producing yachts that not only deliver a superlative sailing experience, but also with heart stopping style both externally and internally. From the outset, we engage with our owners to refine a specification that meets their individual requirements. The initial proposal is generally followed by a yard visit where choices can be made on everything from the deck hardware to laying out interior finishes. With a specification agreed and the build underway, owners are actively encouraged to visit the yard at various stages. Solaris are understandably proud of their facility and the quality of their build. As the agents for Solaris UK, we are with you every step of the way during the build process and then through the commissioning and handover. Having been through the process many times we are well placed to advise and assist. At commissioning and handover, we deliver the needed support and local knowledge to make taking delivery of your new Solaris a truly great experience.

With the notable launches of the new 55’ and 74’RS, 2024 looks set to be an exciting year. The current Solaris range is 40 / 40 ST / 44 / 50 / 55 / 60 / 64RS / 74RS / 80RS / 111RS.

The Berthon Sales Group represents Solaris Sail in the UK, Sweden, Finland and on the East Coast of the USA. So, if you are reading this you can also dive into Solaris ownership with the help of Magnus Kullberg and Fredrik Sundburg from Berthon Scandinavia or with Peter and Jeanie Houghton and Alan Baines of Berthon USA.

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