We got the chance to see both the Solaris 40 and the Solaris 50 at Cannes – keep an eye on the Yachting Monthly Youtube channel for a tour of the 40 coming soon.

Stepping onboard the Solaris 40 does not feel like stepping onto a 40ft yacht, with such intense focus on keeping the decks uncluttered, a decent amount of beam and providing luxury and space below. Frankly it feels huge.

Stepping onboard the 50 is something else altogether. This new version of the Solaris 50 – the previous version was pretty universally loved by all who sailed her – continues the long relationship between Argentine designer Soto Acebel and Solaris Yachts.

It is hardly surprising, then, that the Solaris 50 features a lot of the same design traits as both the Solaris 40 and Solaris 60.

There’s no doubt that this is something of a med sailing specialist and sitting at the fold down helming seat the view towards the bow is open and uncluttered, perfect for a day out in moderate breeze without a significant seaway. Of course this is a 50 footer so ocean crossings are more than possible and there’s nothing here to stop that, but probably not the target market.

There’s a clever step up to the side decks that also features on the 40, which helps to keep plenty of space around the helm pedestals, allowing for a full width traveller, which is recessed below the deck to prevent a trip hazard or just a painful stubbed toe.

While attention to detail on the deck is impressive, it is down below that the Solaris 50 announces itself as a luxury cruiser. In particular the owner’s cabin is huge with a similarly impressive owner’s heads.

Solaris 50 specifications

LOA: 15.50m / 50ft 10in
LWL: 14.68m / 48ft 2in
Beam: 4.78m / 15ft 8in
Displacement: 15,900kg / 35,053lb
Price: ex VAT €595,000
Builder: solarisyachts.com

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