Soling Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Soling began in the mind of Jan Linge in the late 1950s, leading to its design in 1964. Linge's vision was to create a boat that was smaller, more affordable, and exceptionally fun to sail, offering a lively performance across all wind and sea conditions. This philosophy culminated in a vessel designed explicitly as a day racer/sailer, intentionally without the compromises of cruising accommodations.

Starting production in 1966, the Soling gained significant recognition when it was selected in 1968 to be the three-man keelboat for the Olympic Games, a role it held from the 1972 Olympics through the 2000 Olympics. As a true International One-Design class, the Soling adhered to strict class rules, ensuring uniformity and putting the emphasis on the skill of the crew rather than boat modifications. Builders like Eichenlaub Boat Co. were integral to this one-design philosophy, bringing Carl Eichenlaub's meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to performance to the Soling's construction. Eichenlaub was known for producing lightweight yet robust vessels, a quality essential for a competitive racing class like the Soling.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Soling's design ratios underscore its aggressive racing pedigree. With a high Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 23.37, the Soling is optimized for excellent performance even in light air, enabling it to accelerate quickly and maintain speed in varied conditions. Its remarkable Ballast to Displacement ratio, a substantial 0.56, indicates exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to its powerful fractional sloop rig and carry sail effectively in stronger winds without excessive heel. Furthermore, its Displacement to Length ratio of around 122.47 marks it as a very light and performance-oriented boat for its size, contributing to its agility and responsiveness.

Anecdotal accounts consistently describe the Soling as a "very quick and agile race boat" with "lively performance." It is highly responsive to steering input, providing immediate feedback to the crew, yet it maintains sufficient stability to prevent excessive spray. This combination makes it a challenging boat to sail competitively, demanding precise boat handling and strategic sailing due to its critical responses to even minimal changes in trim. Many owners note its suitability for tactical fleet and match racing, and with self-tacking jibs, it can even be managed effectively by a single experienced sailor.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its design as a dedicated day racer/sailer, the Soling features extremely limited interior accommodations. The design explicitly avoids "compromising cruising accommodations", meaning there is no traditional interior layout with multiple berths, a galley, or a enclosed head. Any enclosed space typically takes the form of a small cuddy, primarily used for stowing sails and gear, which offers only sitting headroom, if any. The focus of the Soling's layout is entirely on efficiency for racing, with a large, open cockpit designed for the three-person crew to manage the sails and control the boat effectively during competitive maneuvers. Interior finish quality, materials, storage, and ventilation are not primary considerations, as the boat's purpose does not necessitate them.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and enthusiasts widely praise the Soling for its strong racing heritage and its reputation as a demanding yet rewarding one-design keelboat. Its "impeccable pedigree" is frequently cited by those looking to engage in yacht racing. The boat is often described as "fast" and "non sinkable," reinforcing its robust construction and safety for competitive sailing. Owners appreciate its responsive nature, which fosters skill development, as the boat demands keen attention to trim and handling to extract maximum performance.

While the Soling is not intended for overnight cruising, some owners have adapted them for casual day sailing, noting their inherent stability and enjoyable performance. The primary "challenges" noted by owners relate to the demands of its competitive nature and the need for a skilled crew to optimize its performance in racing scenarios, rather than common structural or mechanical issues. The Soling remains a sought-after vessel for those committed to pure sailing performance and the competitive spirit of one-design racing.