Solaris 40 becomes ST: square top mainsail arrives but goodbye backstay

The world of automobiles teaches us that sometimes it is not necessary to launch new models in quick succession, but the winning strategy can be to update successful ones with new improvements, as Solaris has decided to do with its 40 now presented in the ST version .

The Aquileia shipyard is working on an evolution of its Solaris 40, which will change skin in some details, improving itself while remaining true to its original philosophy.

Solaris 40 ST – What’s Changing

Let’s start with the acronym ST, which stands for Square Top, and refers to the new square-top mainsail geometry. This detail is part of a broader upgrade strategy that the Solaris shipyard is developing on its 12-meter.

The need from which this operation starts lies in the desire to offer the market A cockpit that is 100% free of any clutter. No mainsail fixed point, no undercarriage, and no backstay, so that the outdoor living area becomes 100 percent usable in every inch of it. To pursue this choice, Solaris studied solutions that would still enhance the sailing qualities of the boat without penalizing the pleasure of sailing.

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The New Rig

In order to clear the cockpit the E of the mainsail, that is, the length of the base, was reduced, but what was removed at the bottom was added at the top going to make up the Square top mainsail. Actually adding sail area at the top also improves sail efficiency, since wind intensity is greater at the head than near the deck. With a square-top mainsail comes the problem of the backstay, which in a racing or sport cruising boat would perforce be doubled, thus with a double footprint on deck where the tethers work.

Solaris decided instead to eliminate it, but to do so it had to change the configuration of the tree. In fact, the crosses will be longer and with a greater neighborhood angle. For this reason, the attack of the moorings on the deck was shifted toward the stern. In this way, it will still be possible to control the deflection of the mast, through the tension of the shrouds and due to the angle of the spreaders, and have a safe rig at the same time.

Comparing the photos of the previous version of Solaris 40, with the render of the 40 ST, it can be seen that compared to the porthole, the attachment of the moorings has in fact been moved aft. Compared with the previous version, the German-style mainsail circuit has its own returns on the deckhouse.

Rounding out the evolution of the Solaris 40 ST is an optional, the ability to install, upon request, a semi-rigid awning that provides full coverage to the cockpit. The spray hood, on the other hand, will be recessed on the deckhouse.

Data sheet Solaris 40 ST

Length 12.36 m
Gall length. 11,70 m
Width
4,10 m 

Immersion
2.40 (2 opz) m 

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Displacement
9,400 kg 

Ballast
3,050 kg 

Sup. vel. 102 square meters