Making its global debut, the new Grand Soleil 52 Performance brings a celebrated nameplate back into the spotlight, this time reimagined with modern performance engineering, refined Italian design, and the versatility to cruise fast or race hard. Naval architect Matteo Polli and Nauta Design have reshaped this 55-foot hull into a balanced, powerful, and luxurious performance cruiser available in two personalities: an easy-to-manage Performance configuration or an upgraded Race setup built with competitive sailors in mind. With three cabins, race-worthy sail plans, and a deck optimized for real offshore miles, the Grand Soleil 52 Performance delivers a compelling blend of speed, comfort, and craftsmanship.

Design & Layout

The Grand Soleil 52 Performance is built for owners who want a true dual-purpose yacht: fast enough for the ORC/IRC racecourse, capable enough for long passagemaking, and elegant enough to feel like a luxury home afloat. Polli’s hull lines carry volume aft for stability and power, while a tall rig and generous sail area give the 52 its punch in lighter air. Nauta’s deck design keeps sailhandling efficient and unobtrusive, leaving a clean cockpit where guests can relax even while under sail.

The interior maintains the warm, minimalist Italian look that has defined Grand Soleil in recent generations. The C-shaped galley, forward-facing chart area, and expansive dinette create a welcoming social hub. Three private cabins, each with its own dedicated head and separate shower, give cruising families or race crews genuine liveaboard comfort. Owners can select from oak, gray oak, or teak finishes, all paired with contrasting floorboards that echo the brand’s luxury aesthetic.

Video

Get a first look of the Grand Soleil 52 Performance with this video highlighting its craftsmanship and sailing characteristics:

Construction & Systems

Cantiere del Pardo builds the 52 Performance entirely in sandwich construction using lightweight woods, marine plywood, and PVC foam cores. Bulkheads are composite and structurally bonded, increasing rigidity without adding unnecessary weight. The rig is set aft of the main bulkhead to fine-tune the center of effort and improve balance under sail.

Systems are equally well thought-out. A 24-volt electrical backbone reduces cable size and increases efficiency. Four stainless steel water tanks totaling 600 liters (159 gallons) sit amidships for ideal weight distribution, while a 350-liter (92-gallon) diesel tank provides long-range motoring autonomy. A Volvo Penta 75 hp saildrive is standard, with an 80 hp Yanmar available. Bow and stern thrusters with brushless motors simplify docking without adding noise.

Performance & Handling

The 52’s calling card is versatility. In Performance trim, the boat features four aft winches, a fixed-point mainsheet, and a standard self-tacking jib, creating an easy-to-handle, efficient package for short-handed cruising or family sailing. A carbon bowsprit comes standard and accommodates furling Code sails for downwind power.

The Race version turns up the heat. Sailors get six winches, longitudinal jib tracks, a recessed traveler with electric controls, textile lifelines, and a bowsprit extended by 90 centimeters. Pair all that with the optional carbon mast and boom, and the 52 transforms into a competitive offshore racer with pedigree, building on Grand Soleil’s recent dominance in ORC regattas.

Two keel options further refine performance. The standard 2.90 m (9.6 ft) T-keel suits most cruising and club racing, while optimized foils and a 2.70 m (8.1 ft) Race keel improve righting moment for competitive sailors. A 2.30 m (7.7 ft) shoal option is available for sailing in thin-water regions.

Interior Living & Cruising Comfort

Below deck, the Grand Soleil 52 delivers more space than expected for a performance cruiser. Three cabins and three heads create a private, well-organized layout. The forward master suite includes a large berth, a private head, and a dedicated shower. Aft, the VIP cabin can be arranged with a double or twins, while the port guest cabin features its own double.

The galley is designed for real offshore cooking with deep storage, wide counters, and three fridge/freezers totaling 172 liters of space. Ventilation and light flow easily through the many opening hatches and hull windows, while integrated air-conditioning can be individually controlled in each living zone.

Grand Soleil 52 Performance Specs (Race variations in parentheses)

A Legend Reborn

The original Grand Soleil 52, penned by German Frers in 1987, quickly earned a reputation as one of the shipyard’s most timeless designs. Nearly 60 were built, and today many still sail actively offshore. The new 52 Performance pays homage to that classic with its understated lines, deep navy accents, and balanced proportions—but beneath the familiar silhouette lies thoroughly modern engineering. Lighter materials, safer deck ergonomics, and Polli’s performance-oriented hull bring the spirit of the original into the 21st century.

Performance or Race?Owners Now Choose Both Personalities

Grand Soleil recognizes that sailors are increasingly demanding yachts that can do more than one thing well. The 52’s two configurations share the same hull but differ significantly in how they’re optimized. Performance owners get simpler sailhandling and a clean, family-friendly cockpit, while Race sailors can dial up the horsepower with carbon spars, traveler controls, more winches, and a longer bowsprit. The keel options also allow owners to fine-tune their sailing style: shoal for adventure cruising, deep for podium chasers.

Systems for Real-World Cruising

Long-term cruisers will appreciate how carefully Cantiere del Pardo has balanced performance with autonomy. Four baffled stainless steel water tanks sit low in the hull. The large diesel tank supports long motoring legs and extended time away from marinas. The 24-volt electrical system improves efficiency and expands battery runtime. Even the air-conditioning, managed by three separate control zones, was configured with real cruising comfort in mind. These thoughtful choices allow the 52 to support extended passages without sacrificing speed or style.

About the Builder: Cantiere del Pardo

Founded in 1973, Cantiere del Pardo has become one of Italy’s most respected builders of high-quality sailing yachts, recognized for craftsmanship, engineering excellence, and timeless design. The yard’s Grand Soleil line blends competitive performance with Mediterranean luxury, and recent collaborations with top architects like Matteo Polli and Nauta Design have elevated the brand’s reputation for innovation. With thousands of yachts launched over five decades, Cantiere del Pardo continues to refine its philosophy: elegant boats that sail exceptionally well and stand the test of time.

Editor’s First Take

The new 52 Performance feels like the Grand Soleil many sailors have been waiting for: a boat with real pedigree, unmistakable style, and a modern hull that promises both speed and kindness offshore. The layout is smart, the cockpit is clean, and the build quality looks every bit like what we’ve come to expect from Cantiere del Pardo. What struck me most was how well the two personalities (Performance and Race) are integrated into one platform. It’s a boat you could cruise comfortably across an ocean, then tighten up the rig and go race on Saturday. The 52 isn’t just a revival of a classic name; it’s one of the most well-rounded performance cruisers making its debut this year. —CW

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Cantiere del Pardo has unveiled the Grand Soleil 65 Performance, the sportier sibling to its Long Cruise model and the newest addition to its Plus Line. While the Plus designation speaks to yachts over 60 feet, it also signals a more personal approach: each yacht is tailored to the owner’s vision from the earliest design stages, blending handcrafted Italian boatbuilding with performance-driven naval architecture.

Designed by Matteo Polli with structural engineering by Marco Lostuzzi and interior and deck styling by Nauta Design, the 65 Performance aims to deliver speed and responsiveness while keeping the hallmark elegance and comfort that Grand Soleil owners expect. The sleek coachroof, optimized sail plan, and balanced hull form are intended to give sailors the thrill of performance sailing without sacrificing liveaboard comfort.

“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 Franco Corazza, project manager for the Plus Line.

The yacht’s hull draws from the Grand Soleil 72 Performance, carrying a pronounced V at the bow and a low wetted surface to reduce resistance and improve performance in light air. The rig is stepped well aft to enlarge the foretriangle, improving aerodynamic efficiency while keeping the center of effort low. Sail handling systems, including a standard self-tacking jib, are designed for safe, shorthanded sailing—making it possible for an experienced couple to manage the boat without additional crew.

Underwater, a single rudder blade balances control and efficiency, while the inverted T-keel reduces ballast weight without compromising stability. Multiple keel options, including a telescopic version, allow owners to tailor the boat’s draft to their cruising grounds.

Nauta’s interior plan lowers the saloon to create a more seamless flow between cabins, while the deck layout prioritizes ergonomics and usable space. Owners select finishes from an exclusive materials palette, ensuring every Grand Soleil 65 Performance is unique.

Like all Cantiere del Pardo builds, the yacht incorporates sustainable materials and processes, including eco-resins, sustainably sourced teak, and solar power integration.

For sailors seeking a performance cruiser at the upper end of the size spectrum, the Grand Soleil 65 Performance offers an uncommon blend of speed, customization, and handcrafted Italian style.

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Cantiere del Pardo is bringing back the Grand Soleil Cup, which is scheduled to take place from June 21 to June 23 off the coast of Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, in the Western Mediterranean.

This sailing event is organized in collaboration with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda for the community of owners and enthusiasts of the Italian brand Grand Soleil Yachts. This will be the 22nd edition of the event.

Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, founded in 1967, is renowned all around the world. It has reciprocal agreements with the Monaco Yacht Club, the New York Yacht Club, the United Kingdom’s Royal Yacht Squadron and Germany’s Norddeutscher Regatta Verein. Yacht Club Costa Smeralda has long been known for its regattas, and is a major supporter of competitive offshore sailing in Italy. The Sardinia Cup is held in alternate years to the Admiral’s Cup race in the Solent, and since 1980, regattas have also included the Maxi Yacht World Championship and the Swan World Cup.

According to the organizers of the Grand Soleil Cup, all participants are welcome to moor in the Marina di Porto Cervo from Thursday, June 20, to Monday, June 24, but the first 40 registered boats will have the added benefit of a complimentary berth.

Festivities will begin on Thursday with a welcome for participants at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. Friday will be dedicated to registrations, followed by the crew briefing and cocktails on the terrace. Saturday and Sunday will be all about sailing, with a gala dinner on Saturday night.

Among the boats already registered, two Grand Soleil 72s and two Grand Soleil 65s stand out, the newest models in the line above 60 feet curated by Franco Corazza.

Other models that may participate, built by Grand Soleil Yachts, include Performance models from 40 to 80 feet long, and Long Cruise models from 42 to 72 feet long. The builder has been turning out yachts since 1973.

This past January, Grand Soleil announced its Blue concept, a 33-foot weekender conceived for sustainability and efficiency underway. Conceived by Cantiere del Pardo, Grand Soleil Blue gets its exterior and interior design by Nauta Design, with naval architecture by Matteo Polli. The boat is capable of accommodating as many as four guests overnight, promises zero environmental impact during sailing, and is marketed as having complete recyclability at the culmination of its life cycle.

Are registrations open now for the Grand Soleil Cup? Yes. Competitors must register by June 12 at www.yccs.com.

For more information: visit www.grandsoleil.net.

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Beneteau Oceanis 30.1

Of the five boats in this ­collection, the 31-foot-3-inch Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 was the compact yacht best-equipped and spec’d out as a dedicated cruising boat, and not coincidentally, it was also awarded the title of Best Performance Cruiser for 2020. But don’t let her cozy interior accommodations fool you; this is also one peppy little vessel.

One of the major appeals to the judging panel was the 30.1’s versatility. There are four different keel options, or a centerboard. The deck-stepped mast can be equipped with a tabernacle for easy lowering and trailering to a new locale, or for transiting canals. At $160,000, it was also the least-expensive offering in the category. The plusses just kept adding up.

The rig is a single-spreader fractional number with a square-top main, which maximizes power aloft in the sail plan. Our test boat had an overlapping genoa (with adjustable sheet leads) and an optional bowsprit; the standard version has a self-tacking 100 percent headsail. Twin wheels make handling simple, but for old-school dudes (like me), you can also get a tiller. That’s right, a tiller! The transom is complete with a little fold-down boarding step, along with a boarding ladder. At the opposite end, a Facnor headsail furler is stationed beside the Lewmar windlass. The overall attention to detail is terrific.

The Beneteau representative who presented the yacht to our judges said that the goal down below was “to fit a bigger boat in a smaller hull, to install a 35-foot interior in a 30-foot boat.” It was certainly an ambitious plan, and one that was largely successful. The V-berth forward is certainly impressive, and that aforementioned deck-stepped spar really opened up the space below, particularly the central saloon and dining area. At the foot of the companionway, the complete galley is to port and the enclosed head to starboard, which is also the locale of a functional little navigation desk. A good-size aft double cabin is also to starboard. For a small family, or a pair of couples, this is a perfectly fine arrangement.

Thanks to the coachroof windows and overhead hatches, there’s plenty of natural light below deck, which is augmented by efficient LED lighting throughout. The bold hull graphics are certainly attention-getters, and the well-executed dodger a perfect place to get out of the weather. Our sail test was conducted in a decent Chesapeake Bay blow, touching 20 knots, and the boat was nimble and responsive. All in all, it’s an ­impressive package—not to mention, a winning one. beneteau.com; 410-890-0270

Grand Soleil 34

Way back in the 1970s, when the well-known Italian boatyard Grand Soleil was just getting started, its first model was a Finot-designed 34-footer. With over 300 units sold, it was an instant success, and launched the company on an upward trajectory that spanned the intervening decades, mostly with an ongoing series of much larger, more complex racer/cruisers. For 2020, the builder decided to return to its roots with a completely revamped Grand Soleil 34, and it’s a terrific boat.

These days, there are a ­couple of major rating rules under which racing yachts compete, and a growing movement of doublehanded classes in many major regattas. And, of course, conditions vary wildly depending on where one sails. Grand Soleil has taken all this into account by offering numerous keel, rig and deck packages, so owners can optimize their boat for their particular region or events.

The shallower of the two keel options draws under 6 feet and is fitted with a lead bulb, which is also the recommended cruising configuration; a deeper 7-foot-2-inch foil is also available. There are three rig choices: a standard aluminum stick or a choice of two different carbon spars. Our test boat had twin rudders and wheels, but a single rudder with a tiller can also be had. The optional 30 hp diesel with sail drive was the power plant on our version; a 20 hp auxiliary is standard. See what I mean about optimization?

Whichever performance package you opt for, the accommodations remain mostly the same. But even then, you have choices. For instance, the open layout, in cruising mode, has a roomy double berth in the bow; but you can remove the cushions and their base when racing to convert the space into vast sail stowage. Likewise, much of the oak furniture and floorboards can be replaced with composite materials, or even carbon, for competitive sailors mindful of keeping weight at an absolute minimum.

Either way, a drop-leaf table in the center of the boat is flanked by a pair of settees, and there’s a spacious double cabin aft, to port, while the opposing starboard side includes a roomy head through which you can access a large storage area under the cockpit seat. For cruising applications, there’s storage galore.

We sailed the boat in light air, unfortunately, so we did not have the opportunity to put the boat through its paces properly. There’s no doubt, however, that she’ll haul the mail. mareblu.net; 619-840-3728

Italia 9.98

Of the five boats that comprised the Performance Cruiser class, in terms of sheer appearance, the futuristic 34-foot Italia 9.98 was easily the most distinctive. There are actually two versions of the boat: the 34 Club—which is the cruising alternative, the primary features of which are its twin wheels—and the 34 Fuoriserie—the racing model, and the one we tested, with its tiller steering being the identifying characteristic.

Both models share the same interior layout, and for ­cruising, the quarters are especially inviting and contemporary. The large double-berth forward is accessed by a large cutaway bulkhead trimmed in teak that doubles as a ring frame, and practically begs you to crawl in and kick way back. Two large, central settees flank the drop-leaf table that’s intersected by the keel-stepped spar.

Both the galley, to port, and the navigation station, to starboard, are most pleasant surprises: The former has a big fridge and gimballed, two-burner stove; the latter is much larger than one would expect on a boat of this size. Engaging details abound, including innovative, removable fabric lockers that can be offloaded when in racing mode, and cabin doors framed in aluminum for durability. Aft, there’s a generous double cabin to port, and a smaller double that also incorporates a big head to starboard. Other than sparing teak trim ­throughout, all furniture and fittings are clean, white composite structures that seem more aeronautical than nautical. Very modern and attractive.

Topside, the cockpit is spacious; the short, molded-in bench seats can be lengthened with dedicated storage boxes, which you can leave on the dock when racing and reinstall when cruising. There’s a good-size lazarette locker aft of the beam-width traveler, which in turn is aft of the tiller. The open transom adds to the overall feeling of being on a larger vessel. The double-ended German-style mainsheet is led below deck, contributing to the minimalistic theme; the sheet leads, naturally, are adjustable. The truly outstanding nonskid is molded directly into the deck.

Our test boat was equipped with an optional sprit to fly reaching and off-wind sails. Another iteration of the sprit includes an anchor roller as well; the boat we sailed did not have a windlass, but there’s provision for one. It would be quite easy to convert this boat from racing mode to a solid cruiser. And you’d turn heads in every anchorage. italiayachtsusa​.com; 410-279-3027

J/99

Beginning with the popular little J/24 way back in 1977, J/Boats has become famous for its steady introduction of terrific racing and cruising boats, almost all of which shared one main characteristic: They sailed like a witch. More than four decades later, having built more than 50 separate, mind-­boggling models, the Johnstone family that designs, markets and sells the brand shows no signs of slowing down. Their latest offering, for 2020, was another fast and fun racer/cruiser: the ­32-foot-7-inch J/99.

Our sea trials for Boat of the Year, conducted in a stiff 25-knot Chesapeake Bay breeze, was easily one of the most memorable test sails in this edition of the contest. The boat was fast, responsive and a joy to steer, perched on the weather rail with an extension for the tiller. Judge Ralph Naranjo was probably the most impressed of all. “It’s one of the most enjoyable small boats I’ve ever had a chance to sail,” he said.

Everything about the deck layout is set up for efficient boat handling. The beam-width traveler is aft but readily at hand; optimizing mainsail trim in the lulls and puffs is clearly a priority, and coarse and fine-tuning options on the mainsheet further simplify this task. Halyards and reefing lines are led to a pair of Harken winches on the coachroof. A Harken furler handles the 100 percent jib. The sheet leads, naturally, are adjustable. In past designs, the company was well-known for its retractable bowsprits, but with the J/99, it opted for a fixed sprit that is more robust and can handle the loads imposed by today’s big asymmetric kites and code-zero reachers. The entire point of this exercise is easily attained—not to mention sustained—performance.

The “cruiser” part of the boat’s racer/cruiser calculation is the lesser of the two, but the boat is by no means stripped out. The head is forward, with the forepeak reserved for sail stowage. But there are good sleeping quarters in a pair of doubles aft, as well as the two settees in the main saloon that flank a central table. Nice teak trim lends warm and welcome accents to the nav station and galley, which was rudimentary on our test boat, but which can also be upgraded with a basic propane stove. Sure, this layout is more of a camper than a cruiser, but it’s also more than serviceable for a dauntless crew. When they gather around at the end of the day, it will be more than adequate for ­spinning yarns about the wonderful sailing they just experienced. jboats​.com; 401-846-8410

Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300

If there were any doubt about what the 32-foot-9-inch Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300 was designed and built for, it was put to rest by our sister publication, Sailing World—a racing magazine dedicated expressly to the need for speed—when it named the boat its overall Boat of the Year for 2020. So let’s get that right out of the way: The 3300, pure and simple, is a raceboat. Sure, the interior has the basics to allow its crew to navigate, prepare a hot meal and catch a few winks between watches, but the idea here is to get you there, and as quickly as possible.

The boat is actually optimized for doubleha­nded races, a growing segment of the competitive scene, especially in France, where the boat was designed and constructed. One of the naval architects on the project was Guilaume Verdier, whose design credits include the remarkable 100-footer, Comanche. There are hollows, or “concaves,” in the bow and stern of the boat to promote planing in certain conditions. Jeanneau clearly pulled out all the stops in creating the 3300.

The deck-stepped rig—which will allow the boat to be shipped in a container for owners who wish to campaign the boat internationally—is carbon, of course. The list of tweakable features is endless. Both the mainsheet and running backstays are infinitely adjustable, with fine-tuned cascades for each. There are water-ballast tanks to simulate the weight of a full crew lining the windward rail when sailing in shorthanded mode. A three-dimensional jib–lead ­system provides the ability to dial in exact and precise ­headsail trimming. When ­racing, a five- or six-sail inventory will allow the crew to hoist and set the ideal sail combination for whatever the wind speed, sea state or point of sail.

Regarding the layout below, Sailing World editor Dave Reed wrote: “There’s not much glitz below deck, but that’s the point. The 3300 is no crossover cruiser. Inside the bowels of this white vinylester-infused capsule are nothing but rudimentary accommodations: galley, nav station, convertible settees and pipe berths that fold up to add additional crew berths. If distance racing and putting the boat away wet is what you desire, this is the level of interior you’ll come to appreciate.”

As the great designer Bill Lee once said, “A raceboat is like a jock strap you pull on to go racing.” So buckle up and hang on to your hats. And strap in, of course. jeanneau.com; 443-221-4203

Herb McCormick is CW’s executive editor.

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Italian boatbuilder Cantiere del Pardo has spent the last four decades evolving its notion of performance cruising, and its latest offering to arrive in North America, the Grand Soleil 43, takes yet another step in that familiar direction.

First of all, the boat looks great. A plumb bow and stern, straight sheer, and low-profile cabin top give the 43 a sleek, no-nonsense appearance. More importantly, the boat sails like a dream, thanks to its powerful full-batten main, 107 percent genoa and Solimar steering.

“I really liked this boat,” Cruising World’s Boat of the Year judge Ed Sherman declared after we took the 43 for a spin on Chesapeake Bay last fall, following the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis. It was a sentiment shared by fellow judge Alvah Simon, who noted that it was “so easy to move around the boat,” an important feature for anyone considering passagemaking or even daysailing with a shorthanded crew.

Indeed, when my turn came to throw in a couple of tacks, I found the layout of the cockpit, with twin wheels and a clear walkway between them, quite simple to navigate. Perched at the leeward helm, I could readily reach forward to the Harken electric winch and release the loaded jib sheet. Then, as I spun the wheel and the boat turned through the wind, I simply took a couple of steps across to the opposite steering station, collected the new sheet and retrimmed the headsail with the push of a button. Easy as pie.

For the record, in about 10 knots of breeze, we cruised right along with the speedo hovering in the 8-knot range. A finger on the wheel was all it took to keep our heading spot on. And by the way, if we’d had more time during our test sail, I think I would have enjoyed rolling out the code zero that was furled and set on the carbon bowsprit.

A Ronstan traveler is located under the cockpit sole — it has a hinged cover so the track can be cleaned or lines cleared should they become tangled — and provides the helmsman with an easy way to tweak the German-style double-ended main to stay in step with the breeze. Both the mainsheet and the genoa sheets are led through tubes under the deck, which keeps the topsides clutter-­free and easy to move about on. Excellent nonskid helps too. Forward of the two steering pedestals, there’s plenty of room for guests to relax. A fold-down drop-leaf table sits under a panel in the cockpit sole when not in use, but is easily lifted into place when the drinks come out. The coamings are designed to be comfortable backrests when crew are seated but easy to step over when you’re headed forward on the deck.

Mark Pillsbury is CW’s editor.

A couple of other design elements at each end of the deck caught the judges’ attention as well. All the way aft, they deemed the access to the steering quadrant, located under a panel in the sole between the two wheels, to be excellent. And at the bow, Alvah Simon noted the innovative way in which the vertical windlass was mounted securely below deck, allowing the anchor rode to drop directly into the locker.

Like other production boatbuilders, Cantiere del Pardo often turns to well-known racing architects to keep its model line fresh. In the case of the 43, they brought in America’s Cup designer Claudio Maletto, who also drew the lines for the company’s latest 39-footer. The 43 we sailed in Annapolis is the third generation of the same length; the previous two also came with strong racing pedigrees. And the builder’s go-fast focus didn’t go unnoticed. The 43 won Boat of the Year kudos from our racy sister publication, Sailing World, which named the boat the winner of the Performance Cruiser and Handicap Racing category.

Grand Soleil offers the 43 in a couple of different configurations. The boat we sailed had the standard 61-foot rig and a 6-foot-6-inch T-bulb lead keel; a 64-foot mast and 7-foot-10-inch racing keel are also available.

Down below, the three-cabin, two-head interior layout is simple but stylish and well executed throughout. Light oak woodwork, gray upholstery, and white panels on the hull and overhead brighten the interior considerably, aided by three portlights in each side of the hull, long ports set into the cabin top, and hatches overhead. In the saloon, the two-piece hatch can open in either direction, a nice touch for dockside living when the breeze isn’t always from dead ahead. The judges did note the number of fixed ports elsewhere, though, and wondered how ventilation might be in more tropical settings. I found generous ­headroom in the owner’s cabin forward, and appreciated the elbowroom in its en suite head and shower compartment. Accommodations included a good-size hanging locker and an island queen berth.

In the saloon, the dining table could seat a crowd, with U-shaped seating outboard to port, and provided a welcome handhold when underway. A centerline bench doubles as a footstool for the settee opposite and, when not in use, locks into place under the table so it’s out of the way. Set to port at the foot of the companionway, the L-shaped galley appeared to be well designed for cooking underway, equipped with a three-burner stove and oven, a top-­loading freezer and a front-opening fridge. The nav station was located opposite, to starboard, aft of which was the guest head and shower. Twin aft cabins rounded out the living space.

The Grand Soleil line features top-notch ­construction and materials. The hull and deck are vacuum-bagged using vinylester resin and foam coring. A carbon-fiber grid is bonded to the hull to carry the load of the keel and rigging, contributing to the boat’s overall stiffness.

A price tag of $475,000 puts a tricked-out Grand Soleil on par with its competition at the performance end of the sailboat marketplace. But price alone doesn’t really tell the story. The look, feel and sailing ability of the 43 certainly contribute to its value as well. BOTY judge Tim Murphy noted that he and the other judges all came off the boat smiling after their dockside inspection. And out on the bay with the breeze on? “It was a happier sailing experience,” he concluded.

Mark Pillsbury is CW’s editor.

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Designed to be a long distance cruiser, the LC 46 provides sailors with luxury below deck and a pedigree of high quality sailing performance.

For more information, visit the Grand Soleil website.

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Given the Grand Soleil 54’s clean lines, powerful sail plan, and modern interior, it comes as no surprise that the boat was conceived by an Italian and built by Italians.

Luca Brenta-designed boats-including the large, minimalist Wally Yachts and other distinctive craft-always have some swagger, and the craftsmen at Cantiere del Pardo have been building performance-oriented boats for nearly 40 years. The 54 is obviously not as radical as a Wally, but as I found out during my test sail off Newport, Rhode Island, it’s a refined performance cruiser with a healthy helping of modern Italian style.
Test conditions couldn’t have been better. The sun was glistening on Narragansett Bay. Wind speed was in the 12- to 14-knot range. The seas were just big enough to give an indication of how the boat can handle slight chop, but hardly big enough to make a fuss. Perfect.

As we exited Newport’s harbor, I could say that we “beat” into the building sea breeze toward the open ocean, but that really wouldn’t be accurate. Once we’d trimmed the powerful, in-boom furling, fully-battened main and 103-percent genoa, the heel angle was minimal (thanks to the deep, torpedo-bulb keel), we locked in to a manageable groove (thanks to the well-sized rudder), and “sliced” to windward with both power and control. But there was no “beating” whatsoever. Boat speeds were in the 7- to 8-knot range. My notes from the test that day describe the helm feel as “sweet,” but that really doesn’t capture the essence of sailing this boat either. Yes, the helm was silky responsive, and yes, it was well balanced and had just the right amount of weather helm, but something else struck me about this boat. I liked the fact that the helmsman isn’t forced to look over, through, and/or around an imposing coach roof and that I could trim the double-ended mainsheet with a push of a button without leaving the seat on the coaming. I also appreciated the fact that the twin wheels have excellent sight lines and are positioned in front of a large, open aft-deck area.

To keep the teak-topped decks free of clutter, all lines lead back to the cockpit through belowdecks races, and all the deck hatches are flush. I did, however find two examples of where the boat’s low-slung good looks seem to be more important than more traditional cruising features: The side decks are wide, but there’s only a too-short cabin-top handhold to grab on to as you go forward, and the seatbacks in the cockpit are a bit short to provide the back support you’ll want on a long passage.

I wasn’t surprised by the fact that the boat performed just as well off the wind as it did during our “beat” south out of Narragansett Bay. Boat speed hovered around 8.5 knots, and the easily driven hull cut a quiet wake through the water. There were no surprises under power, either. Maneuvering off the dock was a snap, and the 110-horsepower Yanmar was sufficiently quick and quiet.

With its varnished woodwork offset by a light-colored headliner and its simple, modern styling, the interior matches the exterior perfectly. The natural light from the boat’s long fixed ports in the coach roof and those flush hatches on deck makes for a bright and airy feel belowdecks. The U-shaped saloon settee has room for a crowd at dinner, and it’s long enough to be used as a comfortable sea berth. I found the cabinetry and other woodwork to be well built and the cushions to be comfy. The only thing that I wondered about leading into the saloon was the companionway steps. They were steep (not too steep, but steep), and I would’ve liked to see the handholds extend a bit lower on either side of the steps than they did. I would’ve also liked to see a more positive grab post at the base of the steps.

Italians are known for their love of fine food, and the large, easy-to-work-in galley should be conducive to cooking gourmet meals. It has excellent counter and storage space, a gimbaled three-burner stove with oven, and deep stainless-steel sinks.

The nav station has all the things you look for in a cruising boat: a good chart table, a place to store nav tools, and ample area for mounting electronics. However, it’s a little on the small side, the seat doesn’t have a back and, instead of facing forward with some visibility out, faces sideways, and the view out is limited to a narrow port set pretty high overhead. But the space saved by this arrangement allows more interior volume for the saloon and galley, and a larger, forward-facing nav station is an available option.

On boats larger than 50 feet, some builders choose to put the master cabin aft to utilize the significant interior volume in that area of the boat. Others, such as Brenta and the Cantiere del Pardo team, take advantage of the superior light, ventilation, and headroom that’s available in the area forward of the mast; the master cabin forward works nicely on the 54. It has enough room for a large, aft-facing double bunk, copious cabinets, and a full-size hanging locker. The large, well-appointed head with stand-up shower is like a scaled-down bathroom you’d have in your house rather than just being a head on a boat.

The dual guest cabins aft have good-size double berths and decent stowage, but as you’d expect, minimal ventilation and less headroom than the master. Each cabin also has a small, adjacent head that can function as a day head. Guests won’t be roughing it, however, and the aft cabins are probably better suited than the forward cabin to sleeping while off watch during a long, bumpy passage.

The Grand Soleil 54 does exactly what it’s been designed to do. It’s stylish, comfortable, and sails like a dream in flat seas and 12 knots of breeze, and I’m pretty sure it’ll be able to stand up to bigger winds and waves thanks to its deep keel and torpedo bulb. The only thing “minimalist” about this boat is its styling.

**Specs **

LOA 53′ 7″ (16.35 m.)
LWL 48′ 9″ (14.85 m.)
Beam 15′ 3″ (4.65 m.)
Draft (std./opt./opt.) 8′ 9″/8′ 0″/10′ 2″ (2.70/2.45/3.10 m.)
Sail Area (100%) 1,583 sq. ft. (147 sq. m.)
Ballast 14,330 lb. (6,500 kg.)
Displacement 35,273 lb. (16,000 kg.)
Ballast/D .40
D/L 136
SA/D 23.5
Water 158 gal. (600 l.)
Fuel 105 gal. (400 l.)
Holding 50 gal. (189 l.)
Mast Height 73′ 0″ (22.25 m.)
Engine 110-hp. Yanmar
Designer Luca Brenta
Sailaway Price $850,000
(subject to currency fluctuations)

Grand Soleil/Mareblu Nautical Imports LLC
(619) 417-7868
www.mareblu.net

Bill Springer, CW’s senior editor, also directs the magazine’s Boat of the Year program.

The post Grand Soleil 54 appeared first on Cruising World.

The Grand Soleil 54 is a high-performance Italian cruising machine with all the style and edgy elegance we’ve come to expect from designer Luca Brenta. So the decks are clean, the hull is low slung, and the sail plan is powerful. Visibility is excellent from the dual helm stations, and, of course, there’s plenty of room for lounging and looking beautiful in the long, straight, teak-clad cockpit. And there’s much more beneath the sexy exterior. A deep bulb keel ensures that the 54 will be stiff enough to stand up to its canvas, and the stern area opens up to reveal the requisite dinghy garage. The accommodations plan perpetuates the sleek minimalist look but not at the expense of function. The entire area forward of the mast is dedicated to a decadent master cabin with en-suite head, and the main saloon, galley, and guest cabins are big, comfortable, Italian. Bellissimo.

Specs

LOA 35′ 6″
LWL 48′ 9″
Beam 15′ 3″
Draft 8′ 9″
Sail Area 1,457 sq. ft.
Displacement 35,273 lb.
Water 159 gal.
Fuel 105 gal.
Engine 110-hp. Yanmar
Designer Luca Brenta
Price $849,000
Cantiere del Pardo
(619) 417-7868
www.grandsoleil.net

The post Quick Look: Grand Soleil 54 appeared first on Cruising World.