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Waterfront: Onward and Upward
Building on 30 years of continuous growth and quality, Solaris is now moving into the large yacht field.


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Solaris 76
Edging ever upward, Cantiere Solaris, an Italian shipyard that has for 30 years specialized in midsized composite sailing yachts, recently launched its 76-foot flagship Zefiro. Moving up from a Solaris 72, the German owner retained Dick Young to do the design and commissioned Californian Doug Peterson for the naval architecture on his new deckhouse sloop. Both Young and Peterson have previous experience with the yard, which is based in Aquileia on the Adriatic coast of northeast Italy near the border with Slovenia. (Click image to enlarge)

The hull of the 76 is PVC sandwich construction with unidirectional fiberglass layers over Airex cores. The deckhouse, raised over three walls of windows, has a targa-top feel. Two cockpits occupy her relatively narrow afterdeck: one with twin helms and, farther aft, one for dining and socializing.

While her slim dimensions aft help her seakeeping ability, the design presented Young with a challenge because the owner’s brief also specified that the cabin deck below house a master suite with two king beds and twin bathrooms, both equipped with showers. The solution was to borrow some space from the frequently underutilized lower salon. Another interesting feature in Zefiro’s layout is the oversized galley, which is located amidships, making it something of a showpiece for the owner when entertaining. Two ensuite twin guestrooms are forward and crew quarters for two are in the forepeak. (Click image to enlarge)

Teak-and-holly soles unify the interior spaces and nicely set off the cherry furnishings. The deckhouse windows gather plenty of light inside and provide excellent views from the dinette, the C-shaped settee for eight and the nav station. (Click images to enlarge)

The sloop carries a sail plan of more than 2,800 square feet of working sail along with a 3,552-square-foot gennaker. She is powered by a 318-hp Volvo Penta engine that allows her to cruise at a comfortable nine knots.

Unfortunately for her owner, Zefiro won’t be the Solaris flagship for too long. Edging ever upward, Solaris has already received final plans from Young and Peterson for a new 86-foot sloop they will build shortly.


Cantiere Solaris
39 0431 91304
www.solarisyachts.com

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