Najad 49 — Lahaina — Valkiry Solar Arch

When the owner of a Najad 49 approached us in 2023 — just as our newly established workshop began operations — we were tasked with designing and building a solar arch that would meet technical demands while supporting the comfort and self-sufficiency valued by the sailing community. The installation took place at Gosport Premier Marina in the heart of the Solent, UK, with the aim of blending function, aesthetics, and practicality for full-time life aboard. Our design drew inspiration from the original Valkiry design solar arch but required tailored adaptations to fit the Najad's unique requirements and limited interior space. After assessing the vessel's layout, we made adjustments including bending the arch legs at their bases to align perfectly with the original mounting points. The Najad's robust deck, nearly 70mm thick at the fitting locations, meant every fixing point hole needed to be slightly larger than usual. To achieve a secure installation, we drilled bolt holes 2–3mm wider than the fixing bolts, ensuring both strength and proper fit in the planned location. Integrating the original corner seats with the arch while maintaining clear davit movement required modifications from the initial approach. Davit hinges were mounted just above the seats, and both the davit frame and plates were shaped to provide smooth, unimpeded operation — allowing effortless launch and stowage of the dinghy from the comfort of the cockpit. Beyond mechanical design, the goal was to create an uncluttered, efficient deck layout, with all instruments, antennas, and radar positioned for ease of use and performance. The arch supports 3 × 420W Jinko Tiger Neo solar panels capable of reliably powering daily onboard equipment, enabling the vessel to operate completely off-grid without constant reliance on the generator or engine. Throughout the project, planning and design were closely coordinated with the boat owner to ensure every detail reflected real-life needs and sailing experience. The final arch balances strength and sailing comfort — featuring a decluttered deck, integrated seating, extended safety rails for security and comfort, flexible davit operation, and efficient solar power generation.