Following the announcement of Double Moon from the collaboration between Solaris Yachts and IWC Schaffhausen, Fabrizio de Falco, Product Manager and Communications Officer of the Italian shipyard speaks in an exclusive interview about the new yacht and how it integrates their passion for design and the value of handmade.
What is the philosophy of Solaris Yachts?
Solaris embody both athleticism and elegance of oceangoing sailing, harmony between waterlines and details. We at the yard we aim to impress down to the smallest detail with design innovation, outstanding sailing performance and perfect craftsmanship.
In your opinion, which is Solaris’ competitive advantage and how does it connect you with high watchmaking?
Solaris’s legendary performance characteristics, the high-tech construction, proven performance-oriented naval architecture by our long-time collaborator Soto Acebal.
What common values do you share with IWC? How are they reflected in the new yacht?
IWC is a symbol of craftsmanship and excellence. We share the same values of performance and reliability. The sporty yet classic design of our two worlds matches perfectly. With this project we set new standards for leisure standard yachts.
What does precision mean in the world of sailing and navigation and how is it mirrored on the Double Moon?
The Solaris IWC 55′ edition combines high tech solutions with traditional solid shipbuilding.
How did the name Double Moon finally came to be?
The yacht’s name “DOUBLE MOON” refers to the iconic moon-phase indication of IWC’s legendary perpetual calendar complication.
Which design codes did the designers follow in order to combine the characteristics of both companies?
The design of the yacht has been developed as a four handed project by our design team leaded by Michele Ricci and IWC Creative Director Christian Knoop.
We developed a yacht that embodies design and aesthetic codes which reflect the DNA of IWC and Solaris thanks also to the cooperation with naval architect “genius” Soto Acebal.
Solaris customers are offered the opportunity to place meteorological instruments in their boats designed in the classic IWC style. What is coming next on that basis?
We both believe in this cooperation. However, at this point I cannot give you more insights on future projects.
And a more personal question: Have you visited Greece for sailing? If yes, please share an experience you had in our country.
I am a passionate sailor, I’ve spent the best time of my life on board. I’ve been to Greece many years ago, Milos Island still in mind. I enjoyed the power of the meltemi wind when it flows into the sails. I can’t wait to experience the Greek sea with a Solaris yacht!
THE “DOUBLE MOON” PROJECT
IWC Schaffhausen and its partner Solaris Yachts have jointly worked on a very special customised sailing yacht. A 55-foot Solaris 55 from the Italian boatbuilder was designed to perfectly reflect the spirit and visual codes of the new Portugieser watch collection. The yacht’s name “DOUBLE MOON” refers to the iconic moon-phase indication of IWC’s legendary perpetual calendar complication.
The history of the IWC Portugieser is inextricably linked to seafaring, sailing and navigation. In the late 1930s, the watchmakers from Schaffhausen developed the first Portugieser, a wristwatch with the precision of a marine chronometer. Its clean, functional dial took inspiration from the deck observation watches of the time; nautical precision instruments used for navigation. With the new collection, IWC continues the maritime legacy of the Portugieser and introduces a broad range of attractive new models, all of which are fitted with IWC-manufactured calibres and feature a timelessly modern design inspired by the world of modern yachting. To make the universe of the Portugieser tangible in a never-before-seen way, designers from IWC and Solaris Yachts joined forces to create a customised sailing yacht. The starting point was the Solaris 55, a 55-foot long racer/cruiser which is optimised for performance sailing with a small crew but also offers maximum comfort for extended cruising. The creative specialists carefully adapted the yacht to different design codes found in the new IWC Portugieser collection, while at the same time making sure that it perfectly represents the look and feel of the brand’s new advertising campaign.
The yacht’s name, “DOUBLE MOON”, is reminiscent of the unique moon-phase display of IWC’s legendary perpetual calendar. Presented for the first time in 2003 in the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 5201), it correctly depicts the phase of the moon as seen in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
“The Solaris 55 is an elegant and modern sailing yacht with sleek lines, sport-inspired features and high-quality furnishings. It perfectly matches the nautical universe of the Portugieser. As a long-time sailor, I am particularly pleased that our most iconic watch family can now finally set sail,” said Christian Knoop, Creative Director of IWC Schaffhausen.
STYLISTIC ELEMENTS FROM THE NEW PORTUGIESER COLLECTION
The hull, mast, boom and deck superstructure of the “DOUBLE MOON” are mostly dark blue and white. Inside, the main bulkhead, the bulkhead at the stairway and the window area are clad in black. The rudder and the handrails at the stairs are covered with braided blue leather, inspired by the unique calf leather used for the Boutique Edition watch straps. Cleats, winches and other details in polished chrome make for a noble appearance and link to the finished metal cases of the Portugieser watches. The British designer fashion label Orlebar Brown, likewise a partner of IWC, has furnished the cabin with colour-coordinated textiles such as seat cushions and towels. The saloon table features an integrated glass display watch box. The navigation area under deck prominently features the IWC Portugieser style clock and weather station, consisting of four luxury-finished instruments: a clock, a barometer, a hygrometer and a thermometer.
These instruments have been available as an accessory to Solaris yachts since the announcement of the partnership earlier this year. “It was an exceptional project in every respect, and we are all very proud of the result. In an extraordinary and tangible way, this yacht embodies the passion for craftsmanship and design that is lived every day both at Solaris Yachts and IWC,” explains Paolo Buonvicini, co-owner of Solaris Yachts.
