The Italian yard Cantiere del Pardo unveiled this morning the Grand Soleil 52 Performance at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2023.
Inspired by the lines of the Grand Soleil 52 originally designed by German Frers in 1987, this new addition marks the return of a legendary model. At the time, approximately sixty units were produced of a yacht described as “a masterpiece destined to last”. Prophetic words indeed: the new Grand Soleil 52 Performance, starting from the Cantiere del Pardo concept, was designed by the proven duo Matteo Polli and Nauta Design and takes up the elegance of its progenitor (starting with the Navy blue lines of the beautiful line) and the same harmony of shapes which, then as now, translates into stability and performance.
Intended for competent, passionate and very demanding owners who do not want to compromise on comfort and performance, the Grand Soleil 52 Performance is part of the successful Grand Soleil Performance line and is available in two versions, “Performance” and “Race”, to satisfy the needs of the more sporty customers and the needs of people who prefer fast cruising to regatta courses.
Built entirely in sandwich plate with composite wood compartmentalization bulkheads, the Grand Soleil 52 Performance has been studied down to the smallest detail to make the most of its space and offer living areas large for a yacht this size, without affecting the weight. The large dinette features the chart area in the bow, big storage compartments and an ergonomic and fully equipped C-shaped kitchen (with 3 fridge-freezers offering 172 litres of storage space), to ensure a pleasant stay on board even for long periods.
There are three cabins: the owner’s cabin is in the bow, with its own bathroom, while the VIP cabin in the stern (with double bed or two singles) can have direct access to the bathroom (with shower cubicle), as does the guest cabin on the left, which features a double bed.
Owners can choose among different essences, such as oak, grey oak or teak; in all cases, chromatic elegance is ensured by the contrasting floorboards.
The deck plan and sail plan, as well as the hull, are designed differently in the two versions: the “Performance” version features an “easy sailing” deck plan with 4 winches at the stern, mainsheet with fixed point, a standard self-tacking jib and standard carbon bowsprit; the cockpit is not involved in any manoeuvres so that it can be safely used by guests. The “Race” version, however, features 6 winches, longitudinal rails for the jib, recessed mainsail traveller, larger sail plan and a carbon bowsprit that is 90 cm longer than the standard version. Both versions have a German-style mainsheet. The mast is positioned aft of the main bulkhead, to optimise the centre of effort.
Guests can safely use the cockpit, furnished with benches with an innovative and ergonomic design, because it is not involved in any manoeuvres. There is certainly no shortage of storage space: the large sail locker in the bow can hold sails of all sizes (including a Code 0), the anchor locker can accommodate the six fenders for daily use, while the 2.90-metre tender is housed in the completely watertight garage.
As regards the hull, the “Performance” version has a standard keel with a ductile iron blade and a T-shaped lead/antimony bulb (2.90 metre draught), while the “Race” version has a keel with a steel blade, hydrodynamic fibreglass fittings and an optimized antimony-lead bulb with a 2.7 metre draught. The draught can be reduced to 2.30 metres.
With cutting-edge electronic systems and facilities, the new Grand Soleil 52 Performance boasts a 24V electrical system, with thinner wiring and greater battery autonomy (with electronic battery switches). Furthermore, the yacht’s air conditioning can be adjusted through three control devices in the stern, dinette and bow, with a dedicated thermostat in each room.
To guarantee long navigations in total autonomy, the Grand Soleil 52 Performance can count on 4 stainless steel water tanks (600 litres in all) positioned amidships under the waterline (which can be sectioned for better consumption management). There is another tank for diesel fuel (also made of stainless steel) which can hold 400 litres in all, which is an essential capacity for long transfers to be possible.
On board there is a 75 horsepower Volvo Penta (an 80 horsepower Yanmar is also an option) with saildrive transmission and bow and stern thrusters with brushless motors, which ensure reduced maintenance and very little noise.
The World Premiere of the Grand Soleil 52 Performance will be at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024.
Grand Soleil 52 Performance/Race specs
| PERFORMANCE length overall | 17.05 m |
| RACE length overall | 17.95 m |
| Hull length: | 16.20 m |
| Maximum beam | 5.15 m |
| Std draught | 2.90 m |
| Opt draught | 2.30 m & 2.70 m |
| Displacement | 16,500 kg (light) – 21,000 kg (loaded) |
| Engines | Volvo Penta 75hp saildrive (Yanmar 80hp OPT) |
| Berths | 6/8 |
| Internal layout | 3 cabins and 3 bathrooms |
| Water tank capacity | 600 l |
| Diesel tank capacity | 400 l |
| Naval Architecture | Matteo Polli |
| Interior and Exterior design | Nauta Design |
| Construction and Concept | Cantiere del Pardo |