Following the success of the Grand Soleil 65 and Grand Soleil 72 in recent years, the Italian shipyard introduces its latest Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise. This yacht marks the dawn of the new PLUS line, exclusively dedicated to yachts exceeding 60 feet in length.
The Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise, which will also be offered in a Performance version (as seen with the GS Plus 65 and GS Plus 72), is already under construction, with delivery anticipated in 2026.
A team of experts and fully in-house production
The signature design elements that propelled the success of the smaller models are carried forward, thanks to the same expert team behind the project. The concept is conceived by Cantiere del Pardo, naval architecture is led by Matteo Polli, while Nauta Design is responsible for the yacht’s exterior styling, interior design, and layout.
“True to Grand Soleil tradition, the GS Plus 80 Long Cruise is being crafted entirely in-house, from lamination to launch,” explains Franco Corazza, project manager for the PLUS line. “Our extensive expertise ensures unparalleled quality, utilizing advanced sandwich composite construction with epoxy-based vinylester resin and vacuum infusion techniques. Additionally, unidirectional carbon reinforcements are strategically placed in high-stress areas, as well as along the stringers and structural floors.”
With an overall length of 23.99 meters and a maximum beam of 6.60 meters, the Grand Soleil 80 Long Cruise is designed for discerning sailors who desire extended voyages in total comfort and safety. At the same time, it retains the performance characteristics that are an integral part of the Grand Soleil identity.
Grand Soleil Plus 80 LC: Naval Architecture
The naval architecture of the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise is once again entrusted to Matteo Polli, a renowned Italian designer with extensive expertise in optimizing racing yachts, including the ORC World Champion Grand Soleil 44. The hull of the GS Plus 80 LC features narrow bow sections that ensure a smooth entry into the water, even in challenging sea conditions. These lines gradually widen aft, maximizing internal volume and livability below deck. This balanced approach not only enhances onboard comfort but also delivers exceptional performance under sail, thanks to an efficient and well-balanced hull design. A standout feature of the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise is the adoption of twin rudders, paired with a telescopic keel on this first unit, offering a variable draft from 2.80 meters to 4.80 meters.
This configuration is ideal for larger yachts, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Twin rudders provide superior control, even when the yacht heels, ensuring precise handling and immediate response at the helm. Additionally, this setup reduces draft compared to a traditional single rudder, allowing access to shallower ports and anchorages without compromising performance. For those who prefer a more traditional setup, the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise is also available in a single-rudder version, paired with keels of varying depths, ranging from 2.40 meters to deeper options, to suit different sailing needs.
“Designing the hull lines for an 80-foot yacht is a challenging task, made even more complex by the variety of systems configurations an owner might choose,” explains Matteo Polli. “For the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise, we focused on keeping the center of gravity as low as possible, optimizing the placement of all major systems. The hull was engineered to provide stability both at full load, with tanks and systems at maximum capacity, and in lighter configurations.”
The sail plan of the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise is designed for versatility and high performance. A carbon mast and boom form the technological core of the rig, delivering both lightness and structural rigidity to maximize sailing performance. The V-boom simplifies mainsail handling, making maneuvers safer and easier, even with a reduced crew. Rod rigging was selected for its ideal combination of strength and durability. The fixed bowsprit accommodates dual gennakers: a traditional nylon gennaker for light winds and a furling gennaker with an anti-torsion cable, attached to the anchor sprit fitting. Options also include a furling code zero and a staysail, with an optional second forestay for a storm jib. This adaptable sail plan makes the GS Plus 80 LC ready to harness all wind conditions, from gentle breezes to heavy weather, embodying the true spirit of a bluewater cruiser designed to explore the world’s oceans.
Nauta Design has introduced an innovative detail with lateral wing islands at the twin helm stations. These provide comfortable seating for extended passages while ensuring optimal visibility of the jib’s telltales. All primary control lines are routed aft, making the GS Plus 80 LC easy to handle with a reduced crew. The central cockpit is distinctly separated from the maneuvering area, a configuration typical of large yachts, ensuring safe navigation in challenging conditions while preserving dedicated spaces for relaxation.
The cockpit’s perimeter seating is designed for guest comfort, offering unobstructed views of the sea and a convivial environment perfect for enjoying both the journey and time at anchor.
Style, comfort and practicality
The elegant raised saloon of the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise clearly reflects the family feeling that connects this new flagship to its predecessors, the GS Plus 65 LC and GS Plus 72 LC. This configuration is not only an aesthetic feature but a crucial design element that enhances natural light below deck. Thanks to large windows offering 270-degree views, this design also provides greater interior height. From a technical perspective, raising the saloon floor has created valuable space below, where modern systems, designed to minimize consumption and optimize resources, can be relocated. This not only frees up space in other areas of the yacht but also improves the overall layout.
Raising the saloon level also enhances circulation between the interior and exterior, making movement comfortable even while underway. Below deck, the long-standing collaboration between Grand Soleil Yachts and Nauta Design continues to produce exceptional results. The interiors of the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise combine stylish design with comfort and practicality—key features for a yacht intended for long-distance cruising. The layout ensures clear separation between guest and crew areas, providing maximum privacy for everyone on board.
“Designing an 80-foot yacht is a particularly demanding challenge,” explains Massimo Gino. “We’ve meticulously optimized the freeboard heights, interior spaces, and cabin sizes, integrating all necessary equipment and accessories in every area—whether on deck, in the sail locker, in the cabins, or the galley. An 80-foot yacht must encompass the qualities, functions, and features typically found on yachts ranging from 95 to 100 feet.”
This complexity is reflected in the interior design, where the layout of the first unit (currently under construction) includes four guest cabins and two crew cabins. An alternative layout is also available, with three guest cabins and two crew cabins. In both configurations, the master cabin, located forward, features a walk-around bed with a forward-facing view and an en-suite bathroom forward of the cabin. The guest cabins can be configured as spacious doubles or twin single beds, which can also be transformed into Pullman-style beds to increase sleeping capacity as needed.
However, what immediately captures the eye and serves as the central hub of life aboard the GS Plus 80 LC is the large, bright saloon. On the starboard side, the dining area faces a spacious L-shaped sofa; from these comfortable seats, guests can enjoy panoramic views through the saloon’s expansive windows.
At the aft of the yacht, there is a double crew cabin (with a second cabin located forward) and the large, well-equipped galley, along with the chart table. This entire area has a dedicated access that allows the crew to move around without needing to pass through the saloon or any of the owner’s or guests’ shared spaces. The first unit will not feature a tender garage, allowing the space to be used for other technical purposes, such as installing a freezer or a washing machine, at the owner’s request.
The owner has the option to choose from a range of materials, colors, and finishes to create a living environment that perfectly reflects their tastes and preferences. This flexibility is one of the defining features of the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise. The first unit will be fitted with warm oak furnishings, chosen for its inviting tone and ability to imbue the space with a contemporary atmosphere.
The bulkheads will be covered in high-quality textiles, offering a refined alternative to traditional paneling. This choice not only enhances the aesthetics but also contributes to creating a more elegant and comfortable onboard environment.
Grand Soleil Plus 80 LC Specs
Overall Length: 23.99 m (78’8”)
Hull Length: 22.35 m (73’4”)
Waterline Length: 19.84 m (65’1”)
Maximum Beam: 6.6 m (21’8”)
Standard Draft: 3.95 m (12’11”)
Displacement (light ship): 41 t (90,389 lbs)
Interior Layout: 4 + 4
Fuel Tanks: 1500 l (396.3 US gal)
Water Tanks: 1500 l (396.3 US gal)
Auxiliary Engine: YANMAR 4LV250 TM170, 250 HP @ 3800 rpm
Sail Area: 365 m² (3,928 ft²)
Concept: Cantiere del Pardo
Shipyard: Cantiere del Pardo
Naval Architecture: Matteo Polli
Exterior and Interior Design, Layout: Nauta Design