SOLARIS 36 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The Solaris 36, designed by Lostuzzi and built by Se.Ri.Gi., is a premium performance cruiser-racer. It is engineered for discerning owners who demand a balance of Italian craftsmanship and competitive sailing capabilities in both club racing and coastal cruising.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 3.08 indicates a high-aspect ratio rig, optimized for aerodynamic efficiency and lift when sailing upwind.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.64 is well-suited for high-performance non-overlapping or slightly overlapping working jibs.
• Sail Area: 69m² of total upwind sail area provides a powerful engine for a hull of this displacement.
• Performance: The combination of a tall rig and a deep 2.32m draft makes the Solaris 36 a weatherly and stiff yacht, excelling in close-hauled performance.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Typically configured as a full-battened sail to support the high P/E ratio and maintain a clean leech profile.
• Headsail: Most owners opt for 105% genoas or vertical-battened jibs to maximize the efficiency of the foretriangle.

Key Characteristics

• High-aspect 3.08 P/E ratio ensures efficient upwind drive and reduced drag.
• Powerful I/J ratio of 3.64 allows for versatile headsail configurations.
• Deep 2.32m draft provides the necessary righting moment for the tall rig.
• Lostuzzi-designed hull offers a responsive and close-winded sailing experience.

Sailing Considerations

• The Solaris 36 is a stiff platform but performs best when kept at optimal heel angles; expect to reef the main as true wind exceeds 18 knots.
• Highly manageable for short-handed cruising while remaining competitive with a full racing crew.
• Excellent light-air acceleration due to the generous sail area-to-displacement ratio.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the SOLARIS 36, we recommend SurgeX membrane sails as the optimal choice for most sailors. SurgeX uses continuous fiber construction where fibers are laid along load paths and embedded in a thin membrane, providing superior shape retention compared to traditional Dacron while being more affordable than premium laminates. The continuous fiber structure means less stretch over time, maintaining the designed sail shape for years.

For racing applications, specify a lightweight SurgeX configuration with minimal base weight to maximize performance. For cruising or bluewater sailing, add a taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection. Based on the 3.08 P/E ratio, a tri-radial fiber layout works best to handle the high leech loads. A typical inventory includes a high-roach mainsail, a versatile J2 headsail, and an asymmetric spinnaker for off-wind speed. With 69m² of sail area, plan to reef around 16-18 knots to maintain control and speed.

Conclusion

The Solaris 36 is a sophisticated performance yacht that thrives when paired with high-modulus sails. Explore SurgeX membrane options to unlock the full potential of your Solaris 36.