Beneteau Oceanis 45 — Valkiry Solar Arch

This Yacht Solar Arch was custom-engineered for a Beneteau Oceanis 45, designed to blend seamlessly with the yacht's sleek lines while providing reliable power for long-range cruising. Fabricated from mirror-polished, premium 316 stainless steel, the arch is built to withstand offshore sailing. The main frame features robust 2-inch tubing reinforced with 1½-inch cross members, creating a stable platform for mounting solar panels and equipment. Configured to support four 450-watt solar panels, the arch delivers 1.8 kilowatts of renewable energy — enough to power critical systems like refrigeration, navigation, and communication, reducing reliance on the engine or generator and enabling extended off-grid sailing. Before fabrication, all design and planning were finalised remotely via email, eliminating the need for on-site visits until the yacht's arrival at Sparkes Marina, Hayling Island. The boat owner, based in Holland, had the crew stay on board for four days during installation before they sailed away with their new solar-powered system. This project was our first using a fabrication jig that copies fixing positions for exact arch and pushpit integration, allowing full workshop fabrication and installation on the boat, often within a single day. The arch integrates directly with the original pushpit mounts of the Oceanis 45, preserving structural integrity without intrusive modification. Built into the main frame is a deployable U-shaped davit system for launching and retrieving tenders without interfering with the transom — ideal for shorthanded or liveaboard sailors. An extended safety rail replaces the traditional stanchion gate, providing secure crew movement and maintaining an elegant aesthetic.