New Sustainable Grand Soleil 65 Unveiled at Boot 2023

After the launch of the Grand Soleil 72 at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2022, Cantiere del Pardo unveiled the latest addition to the Grand Soleil fleet at Boot Düsseldorf 2023. The new Grand Soleil 65 is the second model in the over 60-foot range of Grand Soleil Yachts, available both in the Performance and Long Cruise versions.

Owners can choose between the two versions, depending on whether they prefer: Performance for those seeking a more sporty design or Long Cruise for bluewater cruising lovers. In both versions, the hull design is the same, just as the building technologies used: polyester-based vinylester and composites with carbon reinforcements where needed to make the structure more rigid.

In full respect of Cantiere del Pardo’s spirit and design, Grand Soleil 65 represents the perfect synthesis of performance, style and innovation. The extensive manufacturing expertise of the shipyard and innovative solutions increasingly attentive towards sustainability and energy efficiency are the hallmarks of this new model. Once again, the concept development of Grand Soleil 65 was curated and finessed under the expert lead of Franco Corazza: entrepreneur, longtime racer and established champion with 12 Italian titles, 2 European titles and 1 world title under his belt.

“The 65-footer is the result of a totally Made-in-Italy design process that brings together a team of professionals representing Italian excellence in the yachting sector,” says Corazza. “That means designer and ORC champion Matteo Polli for the naval architecture, Marco Lostuzzi for the structural design and Nauta Design for the general layout as well as the deck and interior design.” 

These top-tier talents, combined with the shipyard’s five decades of boatbuilding expertise, ensure the highest quality standards in design and construction of the new Grand Soleil 65: a model developed around the needs of owners who appreciate a made-to-measure approach.

Grand Soleil 65, like any other yacht by Cantiere del Pardo, is designed to respect the marine environment in which it sails. The materials and construction methods implied yield low environmental impact and a high degree of recyclability: the teak, for example, derives from a sustainable supply chain, the glass is laminated for better insulation, the composite lamination uses linen and eco resins, the paints are water-based and solar panels provide renewable green energy.

The naval architecture of the Grand Soleil 65

The hull is made by infusing epoxy-based vacuum vinylester resin into biaxial fiberglass and unidirectional carbon fabrics for a light, rigid and robust structure. The longitudinal and transverse structures and the load-bearing areas of the hull are laminated in fiberglass and stiffened with unidirectional carbon reinforcements. All the construction processes and onboard systems are tested and certified according to the most stringent quality controls.

Grand Soleil 65’s technical design by Matteo Polli aims at hitting the same targets as its predecessor Grand Soleil 72, but presented on a smaller size scale. 

“The hull form, for example, maintains the pronounced V in the bow and low wetted surface of the Grand Soleil 72 for less resistance, greater dynamic stability when heeling and better performance in light airs,” says Polli. “However, the overall geometry has been completely revisited to ensure a balanced weight distribution regardless of the different internal layouts. The hull is designed to perform at its best in the entire range of displacement, from lightship in racing conditions up to full load in cruising mode.”

In terms of sail plan, the mast is positioned far back to maximize the size of the fore triangle. The distribution of the sail areas allows excellent aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining a relatively low centre of effort with a consequent reduction of heel. The sail plan is designed to be reefed while maintaining the optimal balance with respect to the hull and appendages to handle any weather and sea conditions. As standard, the Grand Soleil 65 is equipped with a self-tacking jib which ensures safe and easy sailing, even with a reduced crew. In fact, the yacht can be sailed by an owner couple and does not necessarily require additional crew members.

A single rudder blade and inverted T-shaped fin were selected for the underwater appendages. The single rudder offers the best compromise between maneuverability and performance in various conditions, including when motoring, while the inverted T- fin allows for minimal ballast weight combined with good stability and hydrodynamic efficiency. Various draft options are available: starting from the standard (3.5m) to shallow (3m) and telescopic.

Deck and interiors by Nauta Design

Cantiere del Pardo, in collaboration with Nauta Design, conceived and designed the deck and interior layouts with the purpose of making best use of all available space. As a matter of fact, dimensions, ergonomics, stowage, functions and quality of accessories are in line with superyacht standards.

The Grand Soleil 65LC (Long Cruise) version offers more cruising characteristics than the Performance version, while maintaining a fast and performance-optimised hull. The overall design and the material palettes give off a cool Italian vibe with interior styling that is welcoming, contemporary and elegant.

“The deck architecture of the Grand Soleil 65LC is conceived around a “step-free” concept for safe, freedom of movement under way or at anchor,” says Massimo Gino of Nauta Design. “Protection when sailing is provided by proper coamings of good height and the coach roof height is generous but balanced for a sleek look. The family design DNA is strongly recognizable in the roof geometry as it appears to be floating on the teak coamings that protect the helm cockpit.”

Below deck, the Grand Soleil 65LC slightly differs from the Performance version. The salon is divided into a relaxation and dining area and raised above the level of the cabins to accommodate the engine room below. This solution allows to optimize the space of the two aft cabins which result larger in size due to the absence of the technical/engine room between them. Other advantages of this layout include the salon closer to the same level as the cockpit with a shorter staircase and a 270-degree panoramic view from inside, taking full advantage of the maximum beam. In addition, Grand Soleil 65LC allows for a galley located amidships in a large open space together with the living area.

The Performance version, with the streamlined deckhouse and sportier design, features a side-galley set back towards the stern to maximize the dining and relaxation area, while the engine room is more traditionally positioned behind the engines.

The first model of Grand Soleil 65, Long Cruise version, will be launched and presented as a World première at Cannes Yachting Festival 2023.

Grand Soleil 65 first specs