Cantiere del Pardo, the historic brand that has been writing the most important pages of Italian boating industry since 1973, will unveil two new models at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024 (10-15 September): the Grand Soleil 52 Performance and the Grand Soleil 65 Performance.
Grand Soleil 52 Performance: new life to the myth
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 (naval architecture) and Nauta Design (exteriors, interiors and layout) and takes up the elegance of its progenitor as well as 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 lightweight wood, marine plywood and PVC foam for compartmentalization bulkhead), 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 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 fiberglass fittings and an optimised antimony-lead bulb with a 2.70 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 350 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.
Grand Soleil 52 Performance Specs
Length overall: 17.05 m – 55.11ft
Hull length: 16.20 m – 53.2ft
Maximum beam: 5.15 m – 16.11ft
Std draught: 2.90 m – 9.6ft
Opt draught: 2.30 m – 7.7ft & 2.70 m – 8.1ft
Displacement: 16,500 kg – 36376 lb
Engines: Volvo Penta 75hp saildrive (Yanmar 80hp OPT)
Berths: 6/8
Internal layout: 3 cabins and 3 bathrooms
Water tank capacity: 600 l – 159 gal
Diesel tank capacity: 350 l – 92 gal
Construction and Concept: Cantiere del Pardo
Naval Architecture: Matteo Polli
Exterior, Interior design and Layout : Nauta Design
Grand Soleil 65 Performance, speed, elegance and efficiency
The new Grand Soleil 65 Performance is the brand new model in Grand Soleil Yachts’ over-60-foot range, and follows the successful debut of the GS 65 Long Cruise version.
In full respect of Cantiere del Pardo’s spirit and design, the Grand Soleil 65P 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 designed in collaboration with Matteo Polli (naval architecture) and Nauta Design (exteriors, interiors and layout). The concept development of Grand Soleil 65P 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.
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.
Naval architecture
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 in a smaller size scale.
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. 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 & interior 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 65P, 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 standard layout includes also three double cabins (two with double beds and one with twin beds), all with private bathrooms equipped with showers, and a crew cabin at the bow with separate access.
The overall design and the material palettes give off a cool Italian vibe with interior styling that is welcoming, contemporary and elegant.
Grand Soleil 65 Performance Specs
Length overall 21.60m – 70.87ft
Hull Length 20.10m – 65.95ft
Waterline Length 18.20m – 59.72ft
Beam max 5.90m – 19.03ft
Standard Draft 3,50m – 11.48ft
Displacement 26T – 57320 lb
Internal layout: 4 cabins and 4 bathrooms
Fuel capacity 800 l – 211 gal
Water capacity 620 l – 163 gal
Engine 110 hp
Mainsail 154mq
Jib 120mq
Self-winding 105mq
Staysail 70mq
Code 0 220mq
Project: Matteo Polli/Cantiere del Pardo
Builder: Cantiere del Pardo
Naval architecture: Matteo Polli
Exterior, Interior design and layout: Nauta Design