Solaris conceived the yacht as a fast, comfortable, and luxurious bluewater cruiser, completing the builder’s range in that segment up to 80 feet. Its styling draws readily on classical traditions, while the hull follows a modern, mainstream form.
Design and Construction
The 72 Classic is a fiberglass/GRP monohull designed by Javier Soto Acebal, with interiors by the Solaris Design Team. The yard worked with the owner to refine the interior and deck, following a semi-custom process that produced a classic layout and appearance without sacrificing the boat’s modern performance aims.
The yacht has a Mediterranean cockpit deck arrangement and a lifting keel. Draft varies from 4 meters with the keel down to 2.6 meters with it raised, reducing the restrictions imposed by shallow bays and marinas. Even so, the full 4-meter draft may limit access to some deep-water marinas until the keel is lifted.
Displacement is 35,000 kg, and beam is 5.85 meters. The 72 Classic carries a CE Class A Ocean rating and has a capsize screening formula of 1.81. These figures are consistent with a vessel the builder describes as designed for sailing across the ocean.
Rig, Sail Plan, and Handling
The 72 Classic has a single-masted sloop rig. Its high-modulus carbon mast works with a Park Avenue boom incorporating integrated magic trim, while the standing rigging is also carbon. A recessed Reckmann furler is specified for the code zero.
Javier Soto Acebal developed the powerful rig and waterlines. The yard chose a carbon mast and boom to optimize sail settings and distribute weight more effectively through the structure.
The sail plan comprises a 159 m² mainsail and a 140 m² genoa. It is sized for a yacht described as both a cruising and racing platform, suitable for independent handling or operation with a hired crew.
Deck and Accommodations
The 72 Classic offers space comparable to that of a larger yacht, while its expansive deck is particularly well executed. The cockpit is divided into separate working and relaxation areas, and a folding transom provides access to the sea.
Below, the layout separates two living areas. The raised deckhouse saloon occupies the deckhouse’s full footprint, and its windows provide all-around visibility. The sofas and dining area double as a sea-going cabin companion.
The particularly large owner’s cabin is aft, alongside one guest cabin. Forward of the saloon, a longitudinal galley serves the saloon, cockpit, and another guest cabin. The bow contains a crew cabin with a bathroom, laundry, and navigation area.
The yacht is listed with four cabins, seven guest berths, and four bathrooms.
Builder Trials and Commissioning
Before delivery, a minimum of three weeks of builder sea trials were planned for the yacht. This schedule reflected both the yacht’s semi-custom, owner-involved build process and the yard’s final commissioning work at Aquileia.
Verdict
The Solaris 72 Classic is a purpose-built ocean cruiser that combines classical styling with a thoroughly modern, carbon-rigged semi-custom platform. Its lifting keel broadens the choice of anchorages, the deckhouse saloon provides genuine all-around sightlines, and the owner-led development process produced accommodation more commonly associated with a larger hull. The yacht is equally at home under independent command or with professional crew.
Pros
- Lifting keel reduces draft from 4 m to 2.6 m for shallower access
- Carbon mast and standing rigging, Park Avenue boom, and Reckmann code zero furler
- Deckhouse saloon with all-around visibility and an exceptionally large owner’s cabin
- CE Class A Ocean rating and ocean-crossing design intent
- Semi-custom build refined with the owner, followed by planned builder sea trials lasting at least three weeks
Cons
- The 4-meter draft with the keel down limits access to some deep-water marinas before the keel is raised
