Solaris Power 70 Long Range: concept and design according to Michele Dragoni
At the Düsseldorf Boat Show, with the Solaris Power 70 Long Range the Friulian yard opens a new phase in its motor yacht production, making a decisive move into the 70-foot segment. The project stems from the need to combine long-stay comfort, generous volumes and a recognizable stylistic language, without giving up the sporty, seaworthy character that has made the Solaris brand immediately identifiable. We discuss this with Michele Dragoni, who, through Dragoni Design Lab, designed the Solaris Power 70 Long Range and walks us through the design choices, the balance between form and function and the philosophy behind this new platform.
PressMare – With the Solaris Power 70 Long Range the yard enters the 70-foot segment decisively. What is the core idea behind the project and how is it positioned in the market?
Michele Dragoni – The Solaris Power 70 Long Range was conceived to offer a boat designed to be lived on for long periods, not only while cruising but also at anchor. The “Long Range” concept should not be read only in terms of autonomy, but above all as quality of life on board: comfort, space, ease of movement and everyday usability. It is a crossover boat, combining typical flybridge elements — volumes, conviviality, outdoor areas — with the more rational and seaworthy approach of a navetta-style yacht, while maintaining a sporty character.
A distinctive feature is the garage capable of housing a tender up to 4.2 metres in length, a very uncommon solution on a 70-foot yacht, which allows the stern area to be completely cleared and the exterior spaces to remain more functional and uncluttered. The goal was to enter a highly competitive segment with a credible proposal, without compromises, able to appeal both to Solaris clients and to owners coming from other brands.
PM – The exterior design is one of the most recognizable aspects. What were the main stylistic choices and how did you work on the balance between form and volume?
MD – The starting point was the yard’s DNA, known for muscular, seaworthy boats. I worked on a substantial hull form, emphasizing the flared bow and keeping a very wide stern, necessary to guarantee maximum habitability and a truly usable swim platform. The stylistic language recalls the modern lobster style, applied to a yacht with significant volume.
The balance between design and volume was a central theme. In this market segment today, you cannot sacrifice content in the name of aesthetics: if volumes are insufficient, the boat is not competitive. At the same time, excessive volume risks turning the yacht into a box lacking emotion. The challenge was to integrate generous spaces while maintaining clean surfaces, taut lines and an athletic profile. The windows were also designed with this approach: sized to ensure light and openness, but without altering the boat’s character.
PM – Exterior and interior spaces appear designed with strong attention to onboard living. What are the key layout elements?
MD – The cockpit is intentionally very long for the category. The setback of the sofas and the precise positioning of the saloon door allow two opposing sofas, a comfortable central table and wide passageways, without compromising interior volume. Aft, the fold-down platform works in synergy with the garage: the tender is launched and recovered only with the platform fully lowered, a technical solution that ensures safety and formal order. The interiors follow the Solaris layout philosophy, with wide customization possibilities. In this unit the owner, together with designer Antonio Repaci, opted for a particularly large galley, but the platform is designed with flexible solutions. The saloon is on a single level, without steps, to ensure visual continuity and ease of movement.
Below deck there is a full-beam owner’s cabin aft with generous spaces, well separated from the crew area, while the guest cabins offer headroom, passage widths and door sizes above the average for a 70-footer. The flybridge completes the concept with significant volumes, good headroom and several configuration options, while maintaining a sporty and light exterior line.
PM – In conclusion, what are the real strengths of the Solaris Power 70 Long Range and which owner profile is it aimed at?
MD – The main strength is the relationship between design and volume. We managed to offer substantial spaces without losing the brand’s stylistic identity. It is a seaworthy, practical boat, yet elegant and emotional.
It is aimed at Solaris owners looking to move up in size while keeping a familiar feeling, but also at clients from other brands. There are no compromises compared with more expensive yachts on the market and, in some areas, the standards are even higher. The Solaris Power 70 Long Range is a new platform designed to meet a market that today demands light, comfort and build quality without accepting design compromises. It is a yacht conceived to be truly lived on for extended periods — and that is its core value.
Filippo Ceragioli
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