SOLA – One Chapter Ends, Another Begins
Our journey with SOLA began with an idea – one that took shape between two lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic while we were on a LeBoat rental in Burgundy. We, Ines from Austria and Benedict from Switzerland, live and work in Basel. During our boating holiday, we often found ourselves dreaming of owning our own boat.
Back home, we started looking at boats – and quickly fell in love with the elegant and timeless design of Piper boats. When we had the opportunity to buy a Piper 55L, we knew this was our chance. Originally launched as Octavian, SOLA was on the market – and we were lucky to call her our own.
Challenges and Outstanding Support
In November 2020, we met Simon Piper in person – and he immediately welcomed us into the Piper family. Even though we bought SOLA second-hand and the warranty had long expired, the Piper team always supported us. Whether it was spare parts, advice, or even repairs, we always received help under very fair conditions. This showed us that Piper Boats is more than just a boatbuilder – it’s a passionate company.
The challenges we faced were due to the fact that the previous owner had rarely used the boat – typical wear from long periods of inactivity that needed to be addressed. When we took over SOLA in March 2021 in Saint-Jean-de-Losne after some refurbishment work, there was still a lot to do. But every challenge helped us learn, become creative, and grow as boat owners.
One particular experience remains unforgettable: a freezing weekend in December when our heating suddenly failed at -6°C. Within no time, Simon Piper and Pete Jetts from Marine Heating Ltd. were on hand via phone and video call, guiding us step by step through the repair. In the end, not only did we have a working heater again, but we also learned how to dismantle and reassemble it ourselves.
Adventures, Friendships, and the Perfect Escape
SOLA has given us countless unforgettable moments – whether on the Petite Saône, the Saône, the Canal du Rhône au Rhin, or the Canal du Centre. We have spent many weekends and holidays on board, growing with the boat and making wonderful friendships. The Piper community is truly special: whether it’s advice, support, or shared experiences, the sense of camaraderie is incredible.
For us, life on the water is the perfect escape from our demanding jobs. It grounds us, helps us disconnect from the daily grind, and brings us peace.
The Story Behind the Name SOLA
The name SOLA was inspired by a longer sabbatical we took in Kenya in 2018. There, we encountered two Vizslas – Hungarian hunting dogs – in a remote lodge. One of them practically adopted us, and her name was SOLA. When we later bought our boat, it was only natural to carry the name forward and call our ship SOLA.
Around the same time we bought our boat, another Vizsla joined our lives: Ella. She is a rescue dog and has since become a well-known part of the boating community in Saint-Jean-de-Losne. Anyone visiting the Salon Fluvial will surely meet Ella.
A Farewell and a New Beginning
In early April, SOLA will likely be handed over to her new owners – and we look back on this chapter with both joy and a heavy heart. But our journey with Piper continues: in the summer of 2025, we will take delivery of our Piper 65M, which is currently under construction. We couldn’t be more excited!
There will be another Piper Press feature on our new Piper 65M, and in due course, we will also share updates on social media – especially on LinkedIn.
SOLA was our first great boating adventure – but certainly not our last.
