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Solis

The owners' brief was that Solis reflect the family's genuine values and their unique human philosophy. It wasn't to be ostentatious but proud and purposeful, with every detail meticulously thought out. The yacht's design should be 'human size' rather than 'mega' and take into account this 'new lifestyle engagement'. Pleasure, leisure, sport and well-being should all co-exist inside and out, apparently seamlessly, with people forming the connections.

The split-level sundeck nestles under a solid bimini roof providing shade and privacy. Here there is a large Jacuzzi with sunpads. The Jacuzzi architecture incorporates a rise and fall step section that creates a bar for those in and around the spa pool. Forward there is an integrated sofa then two steps lead up to the dining area with barbecue grille and bar facilities.

Externally the boat has a contemporary style with classic details. The plumb bow runs aft with a gently stepped shear. The superstructure blends subtle lines with flush glass, rising gently towards the stern. The mezzanine bridge creates a low silhouette and well-balanced proportions, with internal accommodation both ahead of and behind the wheelhouse.

The convenient side stair takes you down to main deck level. Forward there are full walk around side decks to the bow, passing the dining room folding balcony on the starboard side. At the bow a stair allows access to a further sun bathing area on the cabin roof.

Moving aft towards the stern reveals one of the vessel’s key features — the open plan cockpit area appears to fall away to infinity with full width stairs leading to the transom. The sofas here convert to a full sun lounger and create a split-level external beach club with direct contact to the sea. Large terrace doors connect the space to the interior and create one large sea lounge. These spaces demonstrate one of the key elements of this yacht and a specific request from our client. Interior and exterior spaces work together seamlessly in terms of design language and circulation, reflecting the surrounding seascapes.

From the initial sketches, Solis was to be a yacht that needed to set itself apart from traditional thinking. A design was needed that would add length to a difficult proportion, combined with a contemporary aesthetic. A near plumb bow (with just the slightest of rake towards waterline) defines the gently flaring bow section. The strong shearline gently drops towards the stern with two step changes placed to define the key proportions. Atop the hull, large areas of opening glass have been integrated with a minimum of mullions to obstruct the views.

The house sides are painted anthracite grey so as to graphically define and separate the main deck areas. The overall exterior pallet reflects the interior scheme, providing so much more personality than a traditional white design.

The superstructure flows from bow to stern with a gentle, but purposeful shape. The horizontal mass above the glass line has been reduced as much as possible by pulling the tumblehome inboard, whilst maintaining enough space for the sundeck and bridge.

Throughout the yacht details abound. On the sundeck the Jacuzzi bar top can be raised and lowered depending on the desired usage. A flap in the floors can be opened and a running machine revealed. Windows in the sundeck buttress provide shelter whilst maximizing light and visibility. The stools are removable to create a large open area for yoga. Functionality is paramount, but always combined with a curving line that shapes the exterior furniture. The same graphic delineations of the interior extend into the exterior forms.

Approaching Solis from the stern, one of the vessel’s key features becomes apparent — the sculptural and flowing treatment of the transom that integrates with the open plan cockpit and transparent acrylic balustrade. The sofas here convert into a large sun lounger creating a split-level external beach club with direct contact with the sea. Large terrace doors connect the space with the interior and effectively create one large sea lounge. In this area the yacht’s interior, exterior and seascape seamlessly blend into each other.

Crowning Solis is her elegant mast, a feature often forgotten. This detail recalls a wind eroded rock with a modern, deconstructing trailing edge. Much like the rest of the exterior it is a subtle yet surprisingly complex detail.

The lazarette is large enough to house a 5.5-metre tender and two jet skis among many other toys for use at sea and on land. Solis offers many features that are usually only associated with far larger 'megayachts' — all within her custom-made 'human scale' philosophy.

Specification

Delivery date: July 2015
Exterior Design: Claydon Reeves
Interior Design: Claydon Reeves
Naval Architect: Van Oossanen Naval Architects
Builder: Mulder Shipyard
Length: 34m
Beam: 8m
Draft: 2.15m
Displacement: 315 GT
Speed (max): 13 knots
Material: Steel hull / aluminium superstructure
Certification: RINA LY3, unrestricted range / MCA
Engines: 2 x Caterpillar C18 500kW
Guest cabins: 4
Crew capacity: 7