The new Grand Soleil Blue marks a significant step for Cantiere del Pardo. The GS Blue is a bold departure from the brand’s highly successful performance and long cruise models, which run from 40ft to 80ft in length. Not only is it the smallest Grand Soleil produced today, at 32ft 9in (9.99m) on deck, it is also the most sustainable ever, setting new standards for end-of-life recyclability.
This model introduces a new design philosophy: less focused on long-range cruising and more oriented toward short, flexible outings. A true weekender for experienced sailors or newcomers looking for a modern way to enjoy the sea.
“The GS Blue represents the beginning of a new concept within the Grand Soleil range: a line that is agile, sustainable, fun, highly liveable, and designed for more immediate and flexible use,” said Gigi Servidati – Cantiere del Pardo Chairman. “At the heart of the project lies a dual intent: to simplify access to sailing for a sophisticated and demanding audience with limited time, by offering a boat that is always ready to sail, even single-handedly; and at the same time, to express a concrete commitment to environmental sustainability, by developing the first 100% recyclable production model made in Italy within the sailing segment.”
Sustainability First
From the start, the GS Blue project was conceived as a showcase for more sustainable boatbuilding and a pathway for the future. Working with NL Comp, Grand Soleil revisited its building process in order to integrate the necessary technologies into its production line. The biggest single step was to use Arkema’s Elium resin in the composite lay-up. It works in a similar way to traditional resin during the life of the boat, but has unique properties which mean it can be recovered and reused at the end, opening new horizons in sustainable boatbuilding.
At the same time, the PET core material in the hull’s sandwich construction is derived from post-consumer waste. Along with the glass fibre itself, the foam can also be reclaimed and reused when the boat is recycled. It requires very precise vacuum infusion to obtain the necessary lay-up, but the advantage is that the weight is comparable to the best hand lay-up, with better structural integrity.
Elsewhere, the boat has been designed so that its constituent parts can be easily disassembled, just as they are in the automotive industry. That means using special adhesives for the deck, for instance, and screwing parts rather than glueing them. Even the 4T sails by One Sails can be recycled. This symphony of different measures combines invisibly to produce a vastly more sustainable boat that nonetheless looks and performs like a Grand Soleil.
Silent Electric Power
Another defining feature of the Grand Soleil Blue is its optional electric propulsion system. It consists of a 6kW ePropulsion pod drive powered by a 190Ah lithium battery, offering a range of up to 30 nautical miles at 5 knots. A second battery can double this capacity.
“Using an electric motor makes the boat silent and vibration free, with no diesel fumes to distract from the fun.”
Shore power can be used for recharging, but the boat is also equipped with hydrogeneration, allowing it to recharge under sail. For those who prefer conventional options, the Blue can also be configured with a diesel engine and traditional vinylester resin.
Designed for Easy Sailing
Naval architect Matteo Polli developed a hull that offers balanced performance in all conditions. With a narrow waterline beam and optimized form stability, the Grand Soleil Blue is fast, responsive, and easy to handle—even solo.
“The striking hull shape is designed to provide stability when the boat heels, to maximise power upwind,” said Polli.“And in light winds, or when running, the narrow waterline beam delivers lower drag and therefore higher speeds. In this way, the Blue can be optimally sailed in all conditions.”
Electric Harken winches and a self-tacking jib (or genoa) make it simple to sail shorthanded. With a square-top mainsail and a generous sailplan, the GS Blue can reach 6–8 knots upwind and 10–12 knots on a reach.
Massimo Gino, CEO and co-founder of Nauta, said: “The GS Blue showcases the most modern and contemporary view of the Grand Soleil style to date. The exterior design features clean, striking lines in its purity, conveying that typically youthful, ‘baby’ appeal expected from the smallest in the range – a look that is instantly likeable and easy to recognise and to fall in love with.”
An Elegant Yet Comfortable Interior
The interior, designed by Nauta, is clean and modular, focused on comfort and functionality. It features a full heads compartment with shower, an efficient galley with hob, oven, and fridge, and berths for four. Optimized for two, the space adapts easily for overnight stays or weekend cruising.
“A key element of the interior design is the light scheme, which ensures that even with lower ceiling heights, the yacht feels spacious and welcoming for guests,” said Massimo Gino. “This allows the owner and guests to enjoy the boat effectively and pleasantly as a true weekender – perfectly aligned with the winning concept she was designed for!”
Out on deck, the cockpit is the focus for an outdoor lifestyle. It has been designed by Nauta with long, deep seats that provide plenty of room when not sailing. Sockets in the cockpit sole allow an optional carbon fibre table to be fitted for alfresco dining. Otherwise, the exterior cushions have been cleverly designed to turn the space aft of the wheels into a lounging area for sunbathing or admiring the anchorage.
The design team has also done a fantastic job of creating a fold-out bathing platform that serves multiple purposes. It adds a dedicated space to facilitate climbing in and out of the water on a stainless steel ladder that can be stored inside it. This also makes a useful boarding platform when at the dock, and increases the aft lounging space when under way or at anchor. There’s even a deck shower here.
Grand Soleil Blue, Not Just for the Med
Although it’s built with Mediterranean sailing in mind, the Grand Soleil Blue has strong appeal in northern climates too. The flexible layout and all-weather options make it suitable for Baltic, Atlantic, and North Sea sailing.
“Even in northern waters such as the Baltic – where the climate differs and the sailing season is more defined – there is strong demand for yachts that are fast, elegant, and easy to use, even for just an afternoon or a short weekend,” said Servidati.