Sailing Performance & Handling
The Solaris 60 is characterized by a high-aspect sail plan and a balanced hull that feels significantly lighter at the helm than its 25.8-ton displacement suggests. Technical analysis of its Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio, which sits at approximately 23.4, confirms its status as a high-performance cruiser capable of maintaining high speeds even in light airs. According to sea trials conducted by Yachts Croatia, the yacht demonstrated exceptional tracking and responsiveness, achieving nearly 9.5 knots of speed in just 8.6 knots of true wind.
A major innovation in this model is the cockpit ergonomics. The twin steering pedestals are positioned at the extreme outboard edges of the beam, allowing the helmsman a completely unobstructed view of the headsail luff, even when the sprayhood is deployed. This "full-width" steering configuration—usually found on custom yachts exceeding 100 feet—enables the helmsman to steer from a seated position on the side deck while maintaining clear sightlines. The standard twin-rudder setup provides immense grip when heeled, while the self-tacking jib simplifies short-handed maneuvering. For owners seeking maximum performance, the standard aluminum rig can be upgraded to a high-modulus carbon mast and boom.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior, designed by Roséo Design, utilizes a semi-raised saloon layout that creates a "loft-like" atmosphere, emphasized by the transverse galley located two steps forward of the main living area. This configuration separates the social dinette from the functional cooking space, a design choice that maximizes the full beam of the yacht for the salon.
Owners can choose between two primary forward cabin configurations: a standard central island bed or an offset "outboard" bed on the port side, which provides more floor space and shifts the head compartment to the absolute bow. For the first time in this size range, Solaris introduced large windows in the two aft guest cabins that face inward toward the cockpit, flooding these usually dark spaces with natural light. While the three-cabin/three-head layout is standard, a four-cabin variant is available, featuring a bunk-bed cabin that shares a bulkhead with the salon. A dedicated crew cabin with its own head and shower is located in the peak, though it is frequently specified as a massive sail locker by owner-operators.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Solaris 60 has been featured prominently as a benchmark for modern Italian naval architecture in major editorial outlets. Most notably, Toby Hodges of Yachting World conducted an extensive video tour at the Cannes Yachting Festival, highlighting the yacht's "mini-superyacht" aesthetic and its advanced tender garage, which can house a 2.9-meter dinghy longitudinally without the need for complex rotational machinery.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
As a relatively new model in the Solaris fleet, the 60 has a reputation for robust structural integrity, but prospective buyers should focus on the following high-signal technical areas:
- Hydraulic Systems: The backstay tensioner is a single retractable piston hidden within the tender garage. Ensure the seals are intact and the remote control system is responsive, as access for repair can be tight.
- Keel-to-Hull Joint: Solaris uses a high-tensile steel fin bolted to a reinforced GRP structure. While structurally overbuilt, the fairing between the lead bulb and the steel fin should be inspected for any hairline cracks that could indicate grounding or movement.
- Teak Deck Drainage: The "flush" deck design relies on a complex series of hidden drainage channels. If these become blocked with debris, water can pool in the recessed tracks for the self-tacking jib or the sprayhood trough.
- Engine Access: While the companionway steps lift to reveal the main engine (typically a 75hp to 150hp Yanmar), side access through the aft cabins can be tight if the optional larger generator (11 kW) is installed.
Community & Resources
The most active community for this model is centered around the Solaris Cup, an annual regatta held in Porto Cervo where owners receive technical support directly from the shipyard’s engineering team. Technical specifications and original build brochures are primarily managed through the official Solaris Yachts technical portal.
The Verdict
The Solaris 60 is a premier choice for the yachtsman who demands the aesthetic of a custom Maxi with the manageable systems of a 60-footer. It excels as a platform for Mediterranean "fast cruising" but remains structurally rigid enough for serious offshore endeavors.
Pros:
- Exceptional helmsman visibility due to the innovative outboard pedestal positioning.
- Highly rigid monolithic construction with all furniture glassed to the hull.
- Elegant tender garage solution that minimizes intrusion into the aft cabins.
- Advanced "loft" interior design that separates the galley from the social areas.
Cons:
- High initial purchase price and premium maintenance costs for hydraulic systems.
- Relatively small standard fuel and water capacities for a 60-foot blue-water cruiser.
- Deep standard draft (3.2m) may limit access to some shallower cruising grounds.
