Design and Construction
The 78 measures just under 24 metres without its technically removable bowsprit. With the bowsprit, it is 24.85 metres overall, with a 23.05-metre hull and a 22.2-metre waterline. Beam remains 6.1 metres but is carried farther forward and aft than on the 76, adding volume throughout the boat and especially aft.
The powerful new hull shape has upper and lower chines. An 11ft 5in draught, 105,600lb lightship displacement, and 27,800lb of ballast give the 78 the mass and stability expected of a bluewater platform of this size.
One notable structural change came with Solaris’s return to traditionally laminated-in bulkheads. The builder claims this is a clear improvement over the Beneteau Group’s industrial modular technique used on the 76.
The reviewed boat also showed a step up in finish quality, with curved walnut veneers laid to maintain a continuous grain. Teak, natural oak, and brushed oak are offered as alternatives.
Rig, Handling, and Performance
The standard CNB 78 has an aluminium mast and a stack-packed, slab-reefed mainsail. The first boat instead carried a costly performance upgrade: a Hall carbon rig two metres longer, paired with V-boom furling. CNB also offers in-mast furling with a fixed bimini.
The solent-style sail plan puts the genoa and staysail on push-button Reckmann furlers controlled from the cockpit. Halyards lead to winches at the mast base, while the mainsheets run to a raised central cockpit winch, backed by a powerful vang. Two large powered winches on each side handle the headsail sheets.
Both helm pedestals carry full sail and engine controls, an arrangement intended to make a yacht of this size manageable by a short-handed crew. Twin rudders kept the wheels finger-light while maintaining full control.
Sailed in loaded condition at just over 50 tonnes, the 78 matched true wind speed upwind at 40–43 degrees apparent once the breeze reached six knots. In flat water, with full genoa and mainsail, it touched 9.5 knots in 10.5 knots of true wind. Close-hauled and reaching averages held between 9.5 and 10 knots.
Accommodation
The wider, more voluminous hull makes room for a third double cabin in place of the 76’s Pullman berth. Carrying the beam farther forward and aft helped create that additional space.
Guest and owner cabins are forward, while the crew quarters and galley occupy the entire aft section. The deck saloon, which links to the cockpit, separates these two areas.
The saloon is reserved entirely for guests. The 76’s chart table has gone, replaced by a drinks and seating area to starboard. Twin tables can be lowered to serve as coffee tables or converted into a daybed.
The owner’s suite retains a luxurious feel and gains more wardrobe space. The standard arrangement has an offset berth with its headboard aft, although the more popular choice is a central berth farther forward. This option doesn’t alter the ensuite. The second hull even demonstrated that there was room for a piano.
A huge sail locker, intended for furling sails, could also serve as a crew cabin. On the reviewed boat, the walnut finish reinforced the interior’s custom character.
Deck, Tender, and Machinery Access
A gentle ramp replaces the step up to the side decks. Full-length caulking from stern to bow marks a clear passage.
The longitudinal tender garage still accommodates a Williams 395, but now has an integrated roller system to make launching easier. Additional rollers are built into the transom swim platform.
The hinged sprayhood is simpler to operate and can enclose the whole cockpit. Beneath the deck saloon, the beam-wide engine room has improved insulation and can be reached from either the saloon or aft. Access is better than before, although headroom around the machinery remains confined.
Known Issues
Reportedly, very few niggles appeared on the first boat.
Verdict
The CNB 78 is a thoughtfully developed successor to the 76. It exchanges the earlier yacht’s modular industrial construction for traditionally laminated-in bulkheads and Italian joinery, while adding more interior volume and a third double cabin.
Despite its 78-foot length and considerable displacement, push-button furling, powered winches, and duplicated helm controls give it genuine short-handed manageability. Its performance is equally notable: the 78 sails with surprising urgency for its tonnage. Below deck, the arrangement separates crew and guests without compromising the owner’s suite.
Pros
- Traditionally laminated-in bulkheads and improved finish quality
- A third double cabin made possible by the wider, more voluminous hull
- Push-button headsail furling and controls at both helms for short-handed sailing
- Strong upwind performance and averages of 9.5–10 knots in modest breeze
Cons
- Confined machinery headroom despite improved access
- The standard offset berth with its headboard aft is less popular than the central forward option
