Sol Information, Review, Specs

With its focus on modern engineering and a commitment to fostering a deeper connection to the water, the Sol positions itself as a versatile option for coastal cruising, day sailing, and spirited racing on lakes and calm coastal waters. It embodies Sero Innovation's ethos of innovation, comfort, and durability, promising a reliable and enjoyable outing every time.

History and Design

The Sol sailboat represents a significant early offering from Sero Innovation, a company founded in 2022 by Chris McLellan and Terry Steller in New Baltimore, Michigan. Driven by a desire to address contemporary challenges within the marine sector, the founders aimed to enhance the boating experience through modern designs. The creation of the Sol is a testament to this philosophy, specifically building upon the enduring legacy of the Sunfish. While the underlying hull design retains the classic lines penned by Alexander Bryan and Cortland Heyniger, the Sol distinguishes itself with a new deck and cockpit designed by Sero Innovation's own Chris McLellan and Terry Steller.

Sero Innovation's design philosophy centers on creating vessels that are accessible and enjoyable, utilizing thoughtful construction techniques. The Sol showcases this with its cored composite hull and deck, a contemporary approach that prioritizes a lightweight yet robust structure. This modern construction aims to improve on the classic design while retaining the spirit of simplicity and fun that made the original Sunfish a global phenomenon. The company emphasizes customization, allowing owners to tailor various aspects of their vessel to suit individual preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sol, with its 13.75-foot length overall and a reported sail area of 75 square feet, is a light and responsive monohull designed for recreational sailing. Weighing just 120 pounds with a 4.08-foot beam, its cored composite hull contributes to its lightweight nature, which facilitates easy launching, sailing, and transport. The boat features a simple and efficient lateen rig, known for its ease of use and quick setup, making it an excellent choice for sailors of varying skill levels.

Drawing on the proven design of the Sunfish hull, the Sol inherits characteristics of outstanding stability and universal appeal. Owners and reviewers often describe the Sunfish's handling as straightforward and forgiving, characteristics likely carried over to the Sol. The daggerboard keel type provides good lateral resistance for upwind sailing, while allowing for easy beaching and shallow-water access. Anecdotal feedback suggests the Sol offers enhanced performance and efficiency on the water due to its innovative hull design and modern materials. It is consistently highlighted as an easy-to-sail boat, providing a fun experience on the water for a wide range of sailors, from teens to retirees.

Accommodations and Layout

As a day-sailing dinghy, the Sero Innovation Sol features an open cockpit design optimized for comfort and functionality rather than enclosed accommodations. The spacious cockpit is designed to comfortably accommodate two adults or up to four junior sailors, making it suitable for family outings or teaching new sailors. The design prioritizes user comfort, incorporating features such as nonskid padding in the cockpit to provide a cushioned and secure footing.

The layout emphasizes simplicity and ease of use, reflecting the boat's recreational purpose. The self-bailing cockpit is a practical feature, ensuring water drains efficiently and reducing the need for manual bailing during active sailing or after rain. Owners have the flexibility to customize various elements, including the choice between classic wood or composite options for the daggerboard and rudder, and selecting different sails and accessories to personalize their Sol.

Owner's Perspectives

While Sero Innovation is a relatively new builder, the Sol has quickly garnered positive feedback from users. Owners frequently laud the Sol as a "fantastic boat," praising its blend of cutting-edge engineering with timeless craftsmanship. The cored composite hull and deck are particularly appreciated for offering a modern, durable, and comfortable experience on the water. Many users find the Sol to be incredibly comfortable, especially those familiar with sailing a Sunfish, highlighting its large cockpit as a key comfort factor.

The ability to customize the vessel, from sail choices to accessories, is another frequently mentioned strength, allowing owners to tailor their Sol to specific preferences and uses. Its easy-to-use nature and durability make it appealing to a broad demographic, including women's sailing groups and enthusiasts on the numerous small lakes of Northern Michigan. The consensus among owners points to the Sol as a reliable, modern, and enjoyable dinghy sailboat, built for lasting quality and a versatile sailing experience.