SAILBOAT REVIEWS. Grand Soleil 58 is launched: a boat we love

On May 7th, 2016 Cantiere del Pardo launched in Italy the first Grand Soleil 58 Performance, with interiors and exteriors designed by Nauta Design and naval architecture by Umberto Felci.

The Grand Soleil 58 Performance project was commissioned in 2015 and was a success right from the drawing board: six new owners signed contracts before the first yacht was built. At the last Genoa Boat Show, Cantiere del Pardo had a 1:1 scale mockup of the interiors in their stand: a good idea which proved to be a real commercial success allowing potential buyers to enter a “true” space and try it out first hand.

Probably the Grand Soleil 58’s most striking feature, especially compared with other yachts in its size range, is its large, open cockpit. This space is functional and well planned for sailing, entertaining and living. This is just one aspect of the hull shape that has been designed to unite the best possible performance with comfort. The 58’s wide stern area can be used as a tender garage or for storage. The large bow sail locker can be made into a light and airy crew cabin with an en suite head and shower.

The Grand Soleil 58 can be personalized or even semi-customized using modules, a luxury usually only found on larger yachts. The interior styling is an evolution of the traditional Grand Soleil concept, begun with the Grand Soleil 46 LC, whose functionality and appeal is confirmed by its sales: 26 yachts sold in just 18 months. The spacious dinette comes with two layout options: with an “L” shaped galley near the entrance or with a larger galley towards the bow.

The height of all hull windows has been carefully planned so that views to the outdoors can be easily enjoyed even when seated inside. Aft cabins are en suite and can be mounted with either twin or double beds. The VIP cabin bathroom can be used as a day-toilette or can be replaced and become the fourth cabin. The owner’s cabin, fore of the dinette, can have the bed facing fore or aft. All of the above layouts are well-planned and highly finished and can be further personalized with a variety of timbers from teak to bleached oak and a range of upholstery fabrics.

Even the deck can have different configurations depending on the owner’s needs. Buyers can choose between cruising or racing deck hardware and other options such as a classic headsail mount with rollers and tracks or a self-tacking jib, a fixed or recessed electrical mainsail sheet, power winches and an optional carbon bowsprit.

Other options include two different cockpit tables and a collapsible spray hood. Gangways can be in carbon fibre or hydraulically powered. Even the tender garage can be chosen from an optional layout. All of these options have been created to offer the best comfort and performance all while staying within a limited weight range for top performance.

GRAND SOLEIL 58 REVIEW

Project

Profile

Deck

Interior

Construction

Pure italian style

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS:

Length overall 17.50 m
Beam max 5.10 m
Draft 2.90 m (2.45/3.15 m optional)
Displacement 18.9 ton
Engine 75 hp (110/150/160 hp optional)
Fuel tank 600 lt (Approx)
Water tank 800 lt (Approx)
Sail area 191 sqm
Berths 8/10
CE Category “A” Ocean
Naval Architect Felci Yachts
Exterior & Interior Design Nauta Design
Builder Cantiere del Pardo