Solaris 47 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Solaris 47 emerged from a period of significant growth and ambition for Cantiere Se.Ri.Gi, which had established itself in Aquileia, Italy, in 1974. Designed by Sparkman & Stephens, a firm synonymous with classic yacht lines and exceptional performance, the 47-footer began production in 1979. This collaboration with S&S underscored Solaris's dedication to employing top-tier design talent to create yachts that were both elegant and high-performing. The builder's ethos during this era, as throughout its history, focused on robust construction and sailing excellence, aiming to deliver prestigious performance yachts that blended Italian design with reliable engineering. While specific variations like a MkI or MkII are not widely documented for this particular model, its long production run attests to a successful and well-regarded design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Solaris 47, with its substantial specifications, offers a distinctive sailing experience. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 19.39 suggests a design capable of respectable performance in a range of wind conditions, leaning towards efficiency in lighter breezes without being overwhelmed when the wind picks up.

A remarkable characteristic is its Ballast to Displacement ratio (B/D) of 0.50, indicating an exceptionally high percentage of ballast relative to its overall weight. This translates directly to outstanding stiffness and stability, allowing the Solaris 47 to stand up to strong winds and maintain a more comfortable motion in a seaway. This high ballast ratio is a hallmark of a yacht designed for serious offshore cruising where comfort and stability are paramount.

The Displacement to Length ratio (D/L) for the Solaris 47 calculates to approximately 670. While modern performance cruisers often aim for lower D/L ratios, this high figure categorizes the Solaris 47 as a very heavy-displacement vessel. This aligns with the "traditional cruiser" classification and speaks to its solid construction and capacity for carrying significant stores, making it well-suited for extended voyages. Anecdotal evidence suggests the S&S-designed Solaris 47, despite its cruising origins, demonstrated racing qualities, hinting at a balanced and capable hull form under sail. With a calculated hull speed of 7.82 knots, she is designed to cover distances efficiently and comfortably.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior layouts specific to the 1979 Sparkman & Stephens Solaris 47 are not extensively documented, the vessel was designed for cruising and offered spacious accommodations for up to eight guests. Typical for yachts of its size and era, and reflecting Solaris's commitment to quality, the interior would have featured a robust and well-appointed arrangement. Solaris is renowned for its Italian design and craftsmanship, suggesting a high-quality finish with durable materials, likely incorporating significant wood joinery to create a warm and traditional marine interior. Such yachts typically include a comfortable salon, a functional galley, a navigation station, and multiple private cabins, often configured with a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, and quarter berths aft. Storage capacity for provisions and gear would have been ample, crucial for its intended cruising purpose.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Solaris yachts, in general, consistently praise the brand's commitment to solid construction and the comfortable motion of their vessels in various sea states. While specific owner reviews for the original 1979 Solaris 47 are less common than for newer models, the enduring reputation of Solaris suggests a high degree of owner satisfaction regarding the yacht's build quality and seaworthiness. Owners often highlight the pleasurable sailing and cruising experiences delivered by Solaris models. The design philosophy, emphasizing seaworthiness, solidity, and security, resonates with discerning yachtsmen who value both exhilarating performance and uncompromising comfort, traits that are deeply ingrained in the legacy of the Solaris 47.