Dusseldorf Show Preview/5: Hallberg Rassy 40 MK II and Solaris 47

Today at the Dusseldorf Salon we reserved for ourselves the visit of two highly prestigious previews from the so-called “premium” range that make the highest quality their common point. We boarded the Hallberg Rassy 40 Mk II and the Solaris 47.

HALLBERG RASSY 40 MK II: TRADITION IS RENEWED

We are finally aboard the latest creation of the legendary Swedish shipyard, the 12-meter HR MK II. We had been chasing it since its launch in September, but had not yet been able to see it.
At first glance, this new Halberg Rassy looks like a return to the shipyard’s purest tradition: sheltered center cockpit with the classic and unmistakable glazed windshield and interiors so classic and marine that you have a hard time finding them on similar “bluewater” models today. The other impression is one of proverbial solidity of construction, no concessions to exotic fibers, right down to a healthy and inviolable full of layered fiberglass in the bulb area. But in spite of this impression, this new 40 MK II has many new features that make it a contemporary boat while respecting classicism.
Thus, for example, we notice an increase in the skylights that give more light and air below deck; deck hardware that is still very solid but with a more elegant design; the optional possibility of installing a bowsprit to rig the gennaker.
Also of note is a greater focus on sailing performance in light winds: the sail plan is more developed than the old 40, and the rigging layout is even more focused on one-person maneuverability. And we like that there were no attempts at dual wheelhouses, which would be heresy in a center cockpit.

But it is the layout of the interior that takes a leap forward in terms of space. Starting with the aft master cabin (offered in three versions) that is truly a small suite. The feeling of more livable space can also be felt and seen in the square, where the legendary relaxation chairs survive. In short, with the 40 MK II the tradition is renewed.
Lung. ft 12.40 m; Length. at galleg. 11.04 m; wid. 3.82 m; draught. 1.99 m; displacement. 11,000 kg; ballast 4,100 kg sup. vel. 81.5 sq. m.

SOLARIS 47: ELEGANCE AND ESSENTIALS GO HAND IN HAND

Solaris unveils the Solaris 47 in Dusseldorf for the first time. And we are very curious to see it live. Well, the first glimpse is remarkable.
Viewed from the gangway, the deck, before boarding, looks elegant and gives a feeling of simplicity and clean maneuvering. The small deckhouse, like all the latest models from the Aquileia shipyard, is a small work of art of integration with the deck.
Even the hull seen from below has those pulled but not excessive lines that characterize Soto Acebal’s designs. The large stern opens to an aft tender garage with adequate space for stowing the 2.40 m boat and outboard. On either side of the two wheelhouses with two winches on each side, everything is maneuvered within captain’s reach.

Below deck the forward owner’s cabin with its nice bathroom deserves praise. Otherwise everything harks back to the look created by the shipyard with designer Lucio Micheletti that characterizes all the latest Solaris models: well-delineated spaces, lots of light and light woods that widen the view. The total is three cabins and two bathrooms with a nice galley with
front-opening freezer under the sink and a large top-loading refrigerator.

The construction is one that has made the shipyard’s success as far as strength is concerned: monolithic fiberglass structure with bulkheads, stringers, and spars laminated to the hull and vacuum-laminated composite liners.
Lung. ft 14.25 m; Length. at galleg. 13.40 m; wd. 4.36 m; draught. 2.80/2.50 m; displacement. 12,400 kg; ballast 4,320 kg sup. vel. 129 sq. m.