Solus Alta Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Solus Alta is defined by its extreme proportions, featuring a beam of just 2.40 meters (7.87 ft) against a length of 9.20 meters. This narrow profile, combined with a high ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 55%, results in a yacht that is remarkably stiff and weatherly. According to a historical 1982 Bådnyt test comparison, the Alta was noted for its exceptional speed and responsiveness, described as a "lively" boat that excels on the race course.

Equipped with a fractional sloop rig, the Alta offers a sail area of approximately 35.5 m², which, when paired with its light displacement (approx. 2,200 kg), allows for rapid acceleration. In a profile by Minbaad, owners have reported upwind speeds of 6.5 knots and the ability to surf on a broad reach thanks to a relatively flat hull section aft. The sharp entry of the bow allows it to pierce through chop with minimal slamming, though the narrow beam means it can feel "tender" initially before the heavy iron fin keel provides significant righting moment.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Solus Alta reflects its primary focus on speed, often described as functional rather than luxurious. Because many units were delivered for owner-completion, the quality of joinery and the specific layout can vary. Standard configurations typically include five to six berths, a compact galley, and a small dinette area. However, the narrow hull severely limits lateral space, making the cabin feel more like a "needle" than a traditional cruiser.

Headroom is a notable constraint, reaching approximately 1.75 meters (5'9") at the companionway and tapering significantly forward. While the solus-alta.dk owner resource notes that the boat can accommodate a small family for coastal cruising, it emphasizes that conditions are "simple." Some racing-focused versions were completed without a dedicated head (toilet), while others include a marine toilet located between the V-berth and the main salon. The "doghouse" or coachroof is relatively low-profile to reduce windage, further contributing to the snug feeling below deck.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Solus Alta gained international recognition through the exploits of Danish sailor Jens Als Andersen. Andersen famously competed in the OSTAR (Original Single-handed Trans-Atlantic Race) and other long-distance events in a Solus Alta, demonstrating the hull's seaworthiness despite its small size. His boat, modified with a custom "doghouse" for better protection, successfully crossed the Atlantic, a feat often cited by the community as evidence of the design's structural integrity.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Solus Alta with a technical eye, particularly regarding the "home-built" nature of many hulls:

• Ballast Material: Some early owners added fiber-reinforced concrete to the bilges to increase stiffness or "calm" the boat's motion. Modern owners often remove this to return the boat to its intended light racing weight.
• Rigging Stress: During heavy ocean use, reports have surfaced regarding the mast step and chainplate areas. The rig is a standard fractional setup, but the mastefoot and the bolts securing the shroud terminals should be inspected for stress cracks or deformation.
• Engine Corrosion: Original units were frequently fitted with Volvo Penta saildrives or small inboard diesels. In several documented cases, the engine blocks or cooling systems have reached the end of their service life due to internal corrosion, leading some owners to convert to outboard motors on stern brackets to save weight.
• Deck Core: As with many 1980s fiberglass boats, the balsa or foam core in the deck can suffer from delamination if deck hardware has not been properly re-bedded.

Community & Resources

While no formal international class association exists, the "Solussiden" community and the solus-alta.dk technical page serve as the primary repositories for drawings and historical data. The designer, Bjarne Marcussen, also designed the Solus 24 and Solus 29, though these are entirely different hull molds and do not share the Alta's specific "needle" performance characteristics.

The Verdict

The Solus Alta is a specialist's yacht, offering a pure sailing experience and high-speed potential for those willing to sacrifice interior volume.

Pros:

• Excellent upwind performance and high stability for its size.
• Clean, classic Scandinavian lines with a modern fractional rig.
• Proven seaworthiness with a history of Atlantic crossings.
• Highly responsive handling, ideal for club racing or spirited day sailing.

Cons:

• Cramped interior with limited headroom for taller sailors.
• Inconsistent finish quality due to the prevalence of kit-built units.
• Extremely narrow beam reduces living space and cockpit "lounging" area.
• Small production run makes sourcing specific original parts difficult.