yacht test grand soleil 40

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Grand Soleil 40

• By Stacey Collins
• Updated: August 27, 2008

If you’ve spent any time sailing in Europe lately, you’re probably familiar with Grand Soleil’s racy performance cruisers. For 30 years, the Italian yard Cantiere del Pardo has built high-quality sailboats designed by the likes of Germán Frers and Judel/Vrolijk & Co. In the same tradition, the new Grand Soleil 40 comes from Botin Carkeek Yacht Design, a Spanish firm whose designs dominate European raceboat circuits.

With a tapered cabin house, uncluttered decks, and elegant Italian interior design, the Grand Soleil 40 has a classic look. Like Botin Carkeek’s raceboats, the hull has a longer waterline, reduced wetted area, and a deep, efficient rudder and keel designed and built based on research by the automaker Ferrari’s aerodynamics department. The hull laminate consists of unidirectional fiberglass and vinylester resin, with a cross-linked PVC foam core called Termanto used above the waterline and in the deck layup.

Bonded inside the hull, an epoxy-coated galvanized-steel grid system absorbs the loads from the chainplates, keel, and mast step. Cruising World’s team of Boat of the Year judges agreed that the boat felt remarkably solid, but we wondered about potential long-term problems with the mild, or low-carbon, steel. Grand Soleil representatives, though, assured me that rust and corrosion don’t become problems over time, and they also pointed out that the entire grid is accessible for inspection by way of screw-held sole panels.

The GS 40 has a sleek and purposeful deck, with halyards and reef lines led aft under the coachroof. Like many new designs, however, cabin-top handrails don’t extend ahead of the mast, so going forward in a blow may be dicey. I did find that the optional teak decking provided excellent traction and the side decks were easy to navigate. With the adjustable genoa tracks tucked against the cabin side, the only potential impediments are the outward-opening ports in the long cabin windows.

Some of the same features that make the boat fast and easy to control also call for vigilance on the part of the crew. The long, low boom maximizes sail area but can be an occasion for head banging, and the convenient location of the Harken traveler-just forward of the wheel-means that a slack mainsheet could foul the binnacle when changing tacks from reach to reach.

Moving around the wide cockpit was easy, but I’d have appreciated foot braces. Our test boat was equipped with only one set of cockpit winches, so the mainsheet led to the cabin top, out of reach of the helm. With a second pair, the double-ended sheet can be led to primaries close to the helm, at either end of the traveler, and that’s an option most owners buy. The 12-inch bridgedeck, required for European Union certification, should do a good job of keeping the interior dry in case of boarding waves. The companionway boards have a neat self-stowing system, but when they’re closed, there’s a finger-width gap underneath, which is something to address before heading offshore.

For such a high-performance boat, the Grand Soleil’s interior is remarkably inviting, with cherry-stained mahogany and a wide-open feel. A choice of one or two heads is offered in the three-cabin layout. The substantial master cabin forward (with optional en-suite head) boasts a queen-size centerline berth. I always climb into berths and turn on the reading lights to see if they’re usable, and the Grand Soleil was up to my test.

In the main saloon, the C-shaped dinette includes a stand-alone bench on centerline, which also provides back bracing for the cook in the in-line galley to port. The countertops have excellent fiddles, but the upper lockers lack any means of restraining the contents. The deep, stainless-steel double sink has an easily accessible seacock that may need to be closed against flooding when the boat’s well heeled on starboard tack. The small, two-burner stove has room to swing if the factory-installed rubber stop is removed; cruising cooks may want to install a stove guardrail.

I find it distressing that many new boats-even those intended for long-distance cruising-have navigation desks unfit for anything but half-size chart kits. Not this boat. While the nav area has lots of extra space in which to add more electronics and a desk ergonomically designed for laptop use, it also has space to spread out a full-size chart. The electrical panel is neatly installed, as are all of the systems, and drip rails under the ports help protect electronics from damage.

Opposite the nav desk is the main head and shower. Twin quarter cabins with standing headroom, hanging lockers, and double berths extend under the cockpit. The split mattresses allow lee cloths to be rigged for use as sea berths. Panels in each cabin and under the companionway ladder provide access to the engine.

On the day we test-sailed the boat, the wind was gusting into the low 30s. We assumed that we’d tuck in a second reef but soon realized it wasn’t necessary. With the genoa partly furled and one reef in the main, the boat felt solid and under control. The standard sails set very nicely when reefed, and steering was a dream.

The Grand Soleil should be a nimble upwind boat: Even in fairly heavy winds, steering through constant puffs with less-than-perfect sail trim, we tacked through 110 degrees while going more than 8 knots. On a reach in 25 knots the G.P.S. showed 7.4 knots speed over ground.

Under power, the 40-horsepower Volvo Penta saildrive and two-bladed folding prop moved the boat smartly at 6.6 knots at 2,500 rpm and 7.6 knots at 2,900 rpm.

The Grand Soleil 40 is seriously fun. After sailing it-and gushing about the exceptional helm, the stability, and the powerful big-boat feel-our team of judges noted the price: $350,000 seemed low for so much boat. For club racing, daysailing, or coastal cruising, the Grand Soleil 40 deserves serious consideration. With a few minor additions and changes and an experienced crew, I wouldn’t hesitate to sail it offshore.

Stacey Collins was a 2008 CW Boat of the Year judge.

LOA 41′ 2″ (12.55 m.) LWL 34′ 7″ (10.54 m.) Beam 12′ 8″ (3.86 m.) Draft 7′ 1″/7′ 11″ (2.16 m./2.41 m.) Sail Area 812 sq. ft. (75.4 sq. m.) Ballast 5,610 lb. (2,545 kg.) Displacement 16,830 lb. (7,634 kg.) Ballast/D .33 D/L 182 SA/D 19.8 Water 105 gal. (397 l.) Fuel 47 gal. (178 l.) Mast Height (cruising/racing)58′ 6″/61′ 1″ (17.8/18.6 m.) Engine 40-hp. Volvo Penta saildrive Designer Botin Carkeek Yacht Design Price $350,000 Grand Soleil NA (410) 757-9401 www.grandsoleil.it

• More: 2001 - 2010 , 31 - 40 ft , Coastal Cruising , grand soleil , monohull , racer / cruiser , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
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Grand Soleil 40, Italian Heart, Double Soul

Speed, elegance, ergonomics, safety. These are the four key words behind the creation of the Grand Soleil 40, a model that just a few months after its launch (the debut took place at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2022 ) promises to replicate the great success of the GS 44, winner of the 2021 and 2022 ORC World Championships.

This 40-footer , available in both the Performance and Race versions, bears once again the signature of Matteo Polli for the naval architecture and Nauta Design responsible for the exterior and interior design. The lines of the hull and the naval architecture of the GS 40 maintain the strong vocation for performance, without sacrificing volumes, maximizing space and improving comfort onboard. This is the result of the synergy between Nauta Design (interior & exterior design) and the Shipyard’s Technical Office , who have brought to the water a sailing boat with clean and functional layouts in both the interior and exterior areas.

“The hull lines: an evolution of the concept studied for the GS 44, with the utmost attention to the balance of volumes”.   Matteo Polli , Naval Architect.

“ The design brief for the new Grand Soleil 40 was very similar to that of the GS 44, but with the request to further raise the bar, given the smaller size. The overall length of 40 feet, one of the most common on the market, presents a great challenge in finding a compromise between internal volumes and sporting characteristics. Thanks to the experience gained on the 44 and a well-established team of designers, it was possible to find the perfect combination of performance and comfort. The hull lines are an evolution of the concepts studied for the GS 44, giving maximum attention to the balance of volume as the heel increases. The bow profile remains very fine to maintain good performance in light airs and ensure a smooth passage through the waves.  

As on the GS 44, great importance was placed on the aft positioning of the shaft, enabling Nauta Design to develop an innovative layout and obtaining a benefit on both performance and comfort.  It was also chosen to keep a centreboard with a single rudder blade in a very advanced position, a solution that I believe is ideal for both cruising and racing. ”

Relaxation and performance, GS 40: pure Grand Soleil DNA

The winning performance is always at hand on the new GS 40. The deck plan of the Performance version includes 4 winches as standard: two on the coachroof and two next to the helm positions. The self-tacking jib, also as standard, is equipped with a recessed track, while the mainsheet is positioned to a fixed point in the cockpit.

Note the position of the mast which, as on the GS 44, has a retracted arrangement to maximize the “J” and therefore the base of the head sails. Also available in carbon in the Race version, together with an increased sail area compared to the standard version.

“ The GS 40 represents the synthesis of the best we have managed to put on the GS 44.”  Massimo Gino, Nauta Design co-founder.

“ We have found the right proportions to have a large and functional deck for both racing and cruising” – explains Massimo Gino of Nauta Design  – “ where all the lines and deck gear have been studied with the naval architect Matteo Polli and Cantiere del Pardo to find ergonomic positions and solutions, practical and functional for both uses. In a light and sleek hull, we were able to include all the necessary functions on a 40 foot boat that also offers comfort and functionality in the interior. From the cabin to the owner’s heads, from the galley to the dinette, the volumes, stowage and all functions are precise and well balanced. The rich and classic style is the one that has been well tested and appreciated aboard all Grand Soleil’s ”.

Winning in a regatta and sailing in comfort: the same design goal

Wide, practical, efficient interiors both for cruising use and for moving with agility during regattas. Below deck, the GS 40 offers two options: in the standard version there are three cabins and one heads to offer more spacious stowage and a greater walkway area into the owner’s cabin, while the optional layout includes three cabins and two heads. The interior has also been designed to maximize the space between the living and galley areas. Relaxation and comfort for the owner and their guests when cruising can also meet the needs of the regatta sailors. The GS 40 is equipped with a built-in galley with spacious worktop (2.6 meters with white resin top), completed by a generous 75-litre fridge with double top opening. An optional 42-litre fridge with front opening is also available. The beam of the central saloon area is also designed for racing needs: the passage can be used for stowing the sails, for a quick change of equipment.

Race, the legacy of a world championship range

The Race version amplifies the competitive potential of a boat already geared to racing. In this version the deck plan has been adapted to optimize sail performance, including the addition of 2 winches, race bowsprit, a hydraulic backstay, jib tracks in transverse position and a recessed mainsail track.

The standard draft is already designed from a racing point of view (IRC) with a depth of 2.4 meters, cast iron blade and lead torpedo. Also available on the GS 40 are two other keel options: the first 2.1 meters optimized for ORC competitions, the second shallow draft of only 1.85 meters. Both the race and performance versions include a stern platform that can be opened electronically, equipped with a ladder for easy boarding to the swim platform.

“ A boat that is easy to use, luxurious and at the same time competitive in it ’ s performance”.  Marco Gugnoni, Cantiere del Pardo Technical Office.

“ With the Grand Soleil 40 Performance project we have best expressed the DNA of the historic brand of Cantiere del Pardo. From the early stages, the boat was designed with two distinct souls but with the same quality and style which distinguish all the Grand Soleil hulls. The Performance version is optimized to easily navigate safely, while the Race version is designed to be competitive on the race course.The experience we have acquired in the design of the older sister, the Grand Soleil 44, has allowed us to further refine all the parameters to create a boat that is both easy to sail and performs brilliantly. A concentration of know-how and innovation regarding the deck equipment and large cockpit, which tempts even the most experienced competitor. Going below deck you enter a luxurious and fresh space, always functional in its details. The collaboration with the Nauta Design studio has given life to a layout created to maximise the volume of each cabin. The feeling onboard is what every Grand Soleil has in common: high quality finishes and timeless design “. 

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GS 40, the latest wonder from Grand Soleil

• Alessandro Giuzio
• March 22, 2022

After the successful GS 44, Grand Soleil goes on to amaze. The latest jewel announced by the Cantiere del Pardo brand, which will have its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2022, is the new GS 40 , an extraordinarily fast and responsive yacht with a distinct sporty personality and an elegant, refined style, in line with the other fascinating models Grand Soleil has accustomed us to.

The GS 40, available in the Performance or Race version, boasts a layout that maximizes the volumes of every area, high quality finishes and spaces below deck that have been optimized for top roominess in both the living and dining areas. In short, the new GS 40 has everything it takes to replicate the success of the GS 44, winner of the last ORC world championship, also designed by Mr. Polli, while maintaining the family feeling of the Grand Soleil range between style, elegance, ergonomics and safety. The deck plan of the Performance version is particularly interesting, with four winches as standard, two in the deckhouse and two next to the helms. The self-tacking jib, which is also fitted as standard, has a hanging rail, while the German mainsail sheet point is fixed in the cockpit. Lastly, it is worth noting the position of the mast which, just like on the GS 44 , is set back to maximize the “J” and therefore the base of the headsails. In the Race version, the mast is in carbon fibre and the sail plan has larger proportions than the standard version.

“The hull lines of the GS 40 are an evolution of the concept studied for the GS 44, with maximum attention paid to the balance of volumes,” explains architect Polli. “The design brief for the new Grand Soleil 40 is very similar to that of the GS 44, but with the bar set even higher given the smaller size. The 40-foot overall length, one of the most common on the market, presents an even greater challenge in finding the ideal compromise between interior volume and sporty features.

Thanks also to the experience gained on the 44 and to the design team that is now well established, it has been possible to find the perfect combination of performance and comfort. The hull lines are an evolution of the concepts studied for the GS 44, giving maximum attention to the balance of volumes as heel increases. The bow lines remain very slender to maintain good performance in light winds and ensure a smooth passage over the wave.

As on the GS 44, a lot of emphasis has been placed on the decidedly backward positioning of the mast, enabling Nauta Design to develop an innovative layout that benefits both performance and comfort. The choice was also made to maintain a very forward single rudder blade centerboard, which I think is ideal for both cruising and racing”.

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Discover the new Grand Soleil 40 Performance

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Review: New 2023 Grand Soleil 40

The new Grand Soleil 40 will be available this year! Let's talk about the key features of the yacht, its advantages and disadvantages.

Grand Soleil 40 real racing yacht

How is a racing yacht usually represented? Minimum amenities, maximum speed - everything in such a yacht is designed so as not to distract the racers from the regatta. However, Grand Soleil 40, like its predecessor Grand Soleil 44, is trying to break stereotypes.

The development of the yacht was carried out by the naval architect and designer Matteo Polli, who was involved in the design of the yacht. In order to create an optimal racing yacht with really comfortable interiors, Nauta Design was also brought in. Nauta Design had limitations - it was necessary to create a feeling of comfort in the rooms, but without capital weighting of the case.

The boat's displacement is only 7.5 tons, but Matteo and Nauta Design were able to create a practical and easy-to-handle boat hull. Modern racing yachts perform well in strong wind conditions. However, many boaters note that racing boats can be a bit clumsy in calmer conditions. Judging by the reviews of the reviewers, the Grand Soleil 40 does not have such a problem. It performs equally well in both strong and weak winds.

Comfort and regattas

Although the Grand Soleil 40 is positioned as an “option for everyone”, but still it is the fans of sailing and regattas who are the target audience. The shipyard offers three keel options - with a draft of 2.4 meters (for IRC regattas), 2.1 meters (for ORC regattas) and a shallow keel of 1.85 m (for cruisers). The ORC regatta variant has no additional ballast. The shipyard reports that in this version “the weight of the crew will act as an additional ballast”. 

The cockpit of the yacht is small, and the boom is located quite low. However, this can only be a problem for people taller than 190 cm. Most yachts in the series have an aluminum mast, but if the owner wishes, a carbon mast can be installed. The shipyard says that 20% future owners are choosing carbon masts.

All sail controls are brought to the cockpit, which makes the boat as comfortable as possible. The standard version of the Grand Soleil 40 offers a mainsail with four winches. Two winches are installed closer to the stern, and two more on the roof of the saloon. The shipyard also reports that most of the customers choose the version with two additional winches to control the genoa. 

There are several lockers on deck to store your belongings and a separate locker for rescue equipment. It is located behind the bathing platform on the transom. The platform itself is electrically controlled.

Grand Soleil 40 interior 

There are three cabins on board. The master cabin still does not have as much space as we would like, but still more than in the past boats of the shipyard. There is a fairly roomy locker under the bed, but to access things, it is not necessary to raise the mattress in the most convenient way. The additional bathroom is securely equipped, but, alas, there is no separate shower.

The two aft cabins have plenty of space with large beds. The lockers in these cabins are not under the beds, but behind them. In general, there were no particular complaints from the reviewers towards the cabins. The boat, being originally sharpened for sailing and racing, was able to give the owners a sufficient level of comfort, but still falls short of the competition.

In the saloon, there is a longitudinal galley on the port side. There is a fairly large work surface with deep sides, two full-fledged sinks, a convenient refrigerator with a volume of 75 liters, with a bunch of lockers and drawers. There is also an additional 42 liter refrigerator. Under some seats in the cabin there is additional storage space for provisions.

Near the galley there is a comfortable small sofa with a dining table, and behind it is a large L-shaped sofa. There are a lot of lockers of different sizes and in the most unexpected places in the cabin. 

Specifications Grand Soleil 40

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EUROPEAN YACHT OF THE YEAR

GRAND SOLEIL 40 PERFORMANCE IS EUROPEAN YACHT OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

We are proud to inform you that our most recent yacht – Grand Soleil 40 Performance – has entered the shortlist for the European Yacht Of The Year award in the “Performance Cruiser” Category. The EYOTY is one of the most important, influential and communicated boatbuilding prize worldwide. The award ceremony will take place in Düsseldorf, during Boot 2023. A fast and dynamic boat that expresses its marked sporty personality in its performances, with all the requirements to replicate the great success of the GS 44 while maintaining the style and elegance typical of the brand. The GS 40 represents the synthesis of the best of Cantiere del Pardo’s innovation. For Grand Soleil 40, the Barcelona sea trials sessions begin today, October 18, 2022, along with all the boats nominated for the award. The winners of the five categories will be announced at the Düsseldorf show during the awards ceremony on the evening of the first Saturday of the show. Stay tuned for all the updates about this thrilling news!

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Matteo polli and franco corazza running for the innovation category of the sailor of the year award, grand soleil 72 wins the design innovation award, gs 44 wins best boats 2022 title with sail magazine.

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Grand Soleil 40 : Neuer Performance-Cruiser aus Italien im Test

Michael Good

 ·  05.01.2023

Wenn der Italiener Matteo Polli eine neue Konstruktion in Angriff nimmt, dann meist mit einem maßgebenden Fokus vor Augen: ein möglichst günstiges Rating für das Boot. Insbesondere für eine Vermessung nach der Vergütungsformel ORC gilt Polli als einer der führenden Entwickler und setzt mit seinen Erfolgen derzeit die Maßstäbe in der Regattaszene. Sein Leistungsausweis ist bemerkenswert. In Pollis Palmarès stehen gleich mehrere Welt- und Europameistertitel mit seinen Entwürfen für die Marke Italia Yachts und den Typen Italia 9.98, 11.98 und 12.98 oder mit der ORC-Legende namens M37, welche Matteo Polli vor Jahren mit seinem damaligen Partner und heutigen Hauptkonkurrenten Maurizio Cossutti geplant hatte.

• ITALIA 12.98: Mamma Mia – die kann was!
• ITALIA 11.98: Schnell, schön und spannend

Auch mit der Grand Soleil 44 Performance für den neuen Auftraggeber Cantiere del Pardo hat Matteo Polli seine eindrückliche Erfolgsbilanz weiter aufpolieren können. Das Boot hat 2021 die ORC-Weltmeisterschaft in der Klasse B gewonnen und im letzten Jahr 2022 den Titel erfolgreich verteidigt. Der Test der Grand Soleil 44 Performance wurde vor genau zwei Jahren in der YACHT 2/2021 veröffentlicht. Nun soll die neue Grand Soleil 40 an die Erfolge ihrer größeren Schwester anknüpfen und in der kleineren Klasse ORC C die Pokale abholen.

Meistgelesene Artikel

• GRAND SOLEIL 44 Performance : ganz typisch – trotzdem anders

Grand Soleil 40 als kleine Schwester der 44er

Die Konstruktion für die neue 40er unterscheidet sich kaum von derjenigen der 1,50 Meter längeren 44er. Im Wesentlichen sind es mit marginalen Anpassungen dieselben Rumpflinien mit den gleichen Unterwasser-Anhängen und einem ähnlichen Segelplan – alles nur ein wenig eingeschrumpft. Allerdings ist das neue und kleinere Boot im Vergleich und in Relation zur Rumpflänge signifikant breiter. Der Streckungsfaktor (Länge zu Breite) liegt für die Grand Soleil 40 bei einem Wert von 2,9. Die Linien ihrer größeren Schwester sind mit einem Faktor von 3,1 schon deutlich gestreckter.

Diese Entwicklung ist wohl weniger einer ultimativen Vermessungsoptimierung geschuldet als vielmehr dem Umstand, dass die Grand Soleil 40 nicht nur ein Regatta-, sondern eben auch ein Touren- und Familienboot sein soll. Die Kompromisse zugunsten von Raumvolumen und Wohnlichkeit unter Deck müssen gleichfalls stimmen.

Zwei Grundvarianten bei der Grand Soleil 40

Dementsprechend deckt die Grand Soleil 40 mit zwei Varianten unterschiedliche Ansprüche ab. In der Standardausführung ist das Boot als einfacher Performance-Cruiser auf die Bedürfnisse von Fahrten- oder Familienseglern abgestimmt, welche auf dem Boot gerne aktiv sind und sportlich segeln wollen.

Steuern und Trimmen auf der Grand Soleil 40

Der Steuermann sitzt seitlich auf dem Laufdeck in einer sehr tiefen Position. Die Sitzhöhe beträgt hier gerade einmal 33 Zentimeter über dem Cockpitboden. Vor allem für größer gewachsene Steuerleute ist die Haltung auf die Dauer unbequem und ermüdend. Außerdem fehlen Fußrasten zum Abstützen bei Krängung. Und die Sicht nach vorne und in die Segel ist für den sitzenden Steuermann erschwert. Um das Problem zu umgehen, muss dieser stehen. Der Großschot-Trimmer sitzt vor der Steuersäule mit leider nur wenig Bewegungsspielraum und überdies sehr dicht an der Winsch, sodass er mit der Kurbel nicht uneingeschränkt arbeiten kann.

Technische Daten

• CE-Entwurfskategorie A
• Rumpflänge 11,90 m
• Gesamtlänge 12,90/13,60 m
• Wasserlinienlänge 10,80 m
• Breite 4,07 m
• Tiefgang/altern. 2,40/2,10/1,85 m
• Masthöhe über WL (Std.) 17,67 m
• Theor. Rumpfgeschwindigk. 8,0 kn
• Gewicht 7,5 t
• Ballast/-anteil 2,5 t/33 %
• Großsegel 46,0 m2
• Selbstwendefock 38,0 m²
• Genua (108 %) 45,0 m²
• Maschine (Volvo P.) 20 kW/27 PS
• Kraftstofftank (PVC) 170 l
• Frischwassertank (PVC) 300 l
• Fäkalientanks 2x 30 l

Rumpf- u. Decks­bauweise

• GFK-Sandwichkonstruktionen mit PVC-Schaumkern (Airex) und Vinyl­esterharz. Kohlefaserverstärkungen an hoch belasteten Stellen

Ausstattung und Preise

• Grundpreis ab Werft 395.080 €
• Standardausrüstung inklusive: Motor, Schoten, Reling, Positions­laternen, Batterie, Kom­pass, Polster, Pantry/Kocher, Lenzpumpe, WC, Feuerlöscher, E-Kühlfach, Fä­kalientank mit Absaugung
• Gegen Aufpreis: Segel (Groß und Vorsegel) 25.140 €, Segelkleid 1.965 €, Anker mit Kette, Fender und Fest­macher im Paket 2.570 €, Antifouling mit Epoxyprimer 5.545 €,
• segelklare Übergabe 8.260 €
• Preis segelfertig 438.560 €
• Garantie/gegen Osmose 2/2 Jahre

Aufpreis für Komfort-Ausstattung

• Leinenverstellbare Holepunkte 3.830 €
• Traveller mit Leinenführung 4.295 €
• Elektrische Ankerwinsch inkl.
• Rohrkicker inkl.
• Achterstagspanner inkl.
• Springklampen 740 €
• Sprayhood 4.690 €
• Teak im Cockpit inkl.
• UKW-Funkgerät Elektro-Paket
• Logge und Echolot Elektro-Paket
• Windmessanlage Elektro-Paket
• Autopilot Elektro-Paket
• Elektro-Paket 18.885 €
• Ladegerät inkl.
• Landanschluss mit FI-Schalter inkl.
• 230-Volt-Steckdose (eine) inkl.
• 12-Volt-Steckdose in der Navi inkl.
• Heizung 9.045 €
• Druckwassersystem inkl.
• Warmwasserboiler inkl.
• Dusche WC-Raum inkl.
• Cockpitdusche inkl.
• Komfortpreis 480.045 €

Im Preis enthalten:

• Elektrisch ausklappbare Badeplattform
• Vorsegel-Rollanlage (unter Deck)
• T-Kiel mit Bleiballast

Rigg und Segel

Standard ist das Alu-Rigg von Sparcraft mit zwei Salingen. Der Performance-Mast ist 90 Zentimeter höher und wird mit Rod-Wanten ausgestattet. Der Aufpreis beträgt knapp 13.000 Euro. Alle Segel optional nach Wahl und Bedarf.

Standard Volvo Penta D1-30 mit Saildrive und 3-Blatt-Festpropeller. Upgrade D2-50 möglich. Faltpropeller nur gegen Aufpreise.

Ab Werft eingebaut werden AGM Akkus, 3 x 90 AH (Verbraucher), 1 x 70 AH (Starterbatterie Motor)

Decksausstattung

Winschen selbstholend von Harken im Standard: 2 x 40.2 am Niedergang, 2 x 46.2 achtern. 2 x 50.2 Primärwinschen zusätzlich in der Race-Version

Cantiere del Pardo, 47122 Forli (Italien); www.grandsoleil.net

Diamond Yachts, D-24235 Laboe; www.diamond-yachts.de

Schnell, stark und bereit für Kompromisse: die Konkurrenz

Grand Soleil 48P boat test: A yacht you’ll feel privileged to helm

• Toby Hodges
• September 19, 2019

Can one new performance design appeal to many tastes? Toby Hodges explores the ideas and multifarious options offered on the new Grand Soleil 48P

We tested the Grand Soleil 48P off Portopiccolo in 4-13 knots. All photos: Fabio Taccola

Product Overview

Manufacturer:, price as reviewed:.

Without meaning to sound too shallow, looks make a big impression. Take the impact of this opening photograph. Who wouldn’t want to be in that helmsman’s position, heading offshore at the wheel of a sexy new Italian performance yacht ?

Its sharp design attracts buyers aboard, while owners of these yachts want heads to turn wherever they go. But Grand Soleil knows all too well that the Italian fast cruiser market is brimming already and that looks alone won’t translate to sales. The 48 Performance has therefore been designed with plenty of smart thinking to back up the seductive styling.

It’s conceived as a versatile new model, which comes with a multitude of options to make it suitable for inshore and offshore racing and sporty cruising. Designer Marco Lostuzzi describes the Grand Soleil 48P as a ‘transformer’ because of the flexibility of layouts and versions it boasts.

A fixed composite bowsprit contains the anchor roller

There are three different keels offered, three sailplans, three cockpit layouts, three different build materials even, and the choice of four, six or eight winch packages. “It’s not easy to do all these solutions on a production yacht – that was the main challenge,” Lostuzzi reveals.

Is the Grand Soleil 48P today’s answer to the cruiser-racer all-rounder then? We joined builders Cantiere del Pardo for its annual Grand Soleil Week in Portopiccolo to find out.

Reinvention for the times

When you think of Grand Soleils over the last 45 years, it’s the dependable cruiser-racers of the 1980s and 1990s that spring to mind, designs that hit the demand to be cruised hard and raced harder. But times have changed, along with how we spend our time afloat.

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In response to that change, this Italian brand has completely reinvented itself. Seeing the decline in the racing market, it brought out its first cruising yacht, the 46 Long Cruise, in 2015 and this has already proved to be one of its most successful, with over 50 sold.

Then came a new powerboat line, for which there has been huge demand. And now Grand Soleil has launched its biggest yacht to date, a maxi-style semi custom 80-footer.

Designer Marco Lostuzzi trims while Toby helms

But is there still a market for a mid-size cruiser-racer? Grand Soleil has already sold 18 of this 48 – over half have been to Italians and four have been full Race versions – so the company is obviously on to something.

“They like the racing looks but with cruising comforts inside,” says Lostuzzi of the buyers so far, adding that the design allows them to mix and match the choices between the standard Performance (cruising) and tricked-up Race versions.

He studied 120 hulls in CFD (computational fluid dynamics), because the yard wanted to win races, particularly in ORC. The answer he came up with was a relatively light and stiff hull with a powerful shape and a sheerline that rises gradually to the bow, a generous 4.55m of beam and a deep, single rudder.

I’ve sailed both versions of the Grand Soleil 48 now and they were at opposite ends of the performance spectrum. The Race model was fully tricked up with all the carbon extras, while the Performance version was set up for easy cruising, with the standard shorter alloy mast, shallow draught keel, self-tacking jib, minimal winches and Vinylester used in the build as opposed to epoxy.

For my trial of the Grand Soleil 48P on the north-east Adriatic we managed to find only brief spells of light wind, typical Med conditions you might say. But this is precisely when you want a relatively lightweight performance design, to hunt down and maximise fickle breezes.

Well heeled under full sail during our test

And with the aid of the all-important Code 0, we were able to match wind speeds as low as 4-5 knots true. The code sail had quite a deep cut, which made for better reaching than fetching – around 90-100° to the true wind seemed ideal.

And when the breeze did fill in briefly to double figures, it helped us clock 8.5-9 knot speeds. Even when sailing deep with the code sail heading back to shore we made 7 knots in 11 running low at 135° to the true wind.

Here is a yacht that you feel privileged to helm. To stand in the quarters with excellent visibility over the low coachroof as the Grand Soleil 48P heels onto its full waterline is very special indeed. In the more stable wind we sailed under jib at 6.5-7 knots in 9-11 knots.

Tidy deck layout with a low coachroof that gives excellent forward visibility

Although it was a doddle to get the boat up to speed, I found it tricky to find a groove. It was enjoyable sailing, but there remained a nagging amount of weather helm – which Lostuzzi thought might have derived from too much rake set-up in the rig. The wheel should be akin to a musical instrument in such conditions, yet it still felt as if some tuning was needed.

Foot chocks can be added and the flat side decks make a comfortable perch for the helmsman, although the split backstay can foul your head when standing. There is a good slot between the wheel and winches which invites you to sit forward of the wheel and trim. This is particularly pertinent to this cruising deck layout combined with self-tacking jib, which makes it easy for one person to enjoy actively sailing the boat.

So although the Grand Soleil 48P has a powerful sailplan, it is easy to handle. The placing of winches and sail controls is particularly well thought out. The aft end of the benches join the side decks seamlessly and are punctuated by two Harken winches (optionally powered) each side, both in reach of the helmsman, with one positioned inboard.

Running rigging is led aft, with rope tails neatly stowed

The wide coamings house the conduits for the running rigging, led aft neatly to these winches. The single point mainsheet is also routed here, German style, meaning along the boom and back aft, while decent-sized tail bags do a good job of keeping the cockpit tidy.

The deck design is ergonomic yet minimalist. The flat-topped coachroof is kept very low indeed, which certainly adds to the sharp styling, but when moving forward along the side decks this does mean you need to bend double to grip the coachroof handrail. There is, however, a wide and comforting toerail, which has a scupper to guide the water run aft and overboard, and also helps keep the helmsman’s perch dry.

The wide cockpit contains a large fixed table with long benches but, true to Italian trends, the backrests are rather low. Those seeking some more comfort can lean back against the aft-facing coachroof. Other than the sprayhood, there is very little in the way of protection offered to those in the cockpit.

There’s space to helm both forward and aft of the wheel

Cockpit bench lockers have been surrendered in favour of headroom in the aft cabins, so the only stowage aft is in the stern locker. The quarters of the stern space are closed off for machinery, but there is enough room in the central locker for an inflatable tender.

Adaptable interior

The Grand Soleil 48P’s design and engineering allows for the modular fit-out of lockers and furniture. Consequently, those choosing the Race version will be able to strip out weight (the displacement of the 48R is already one tonne less than the Performance version) and create more space for sail stowage.

The Performance version has a more substantial interior including a larger, L-shaped galley and considerably more stowage. Carbon is used in high stress areas on both models including chainplates and the top of the grid structures. The saloon floor is placed on an aluminium frame above this structural grid.

The Performance version of the boat has an L-shaped galley and better stowage than the Race model

The Grand Soleil design looks particularly clean, something that is a trademark of Nauta Design. Nauta designs tend to allow in plenty of light, and it comes here from multiple coachroof and hull portlights. The white headlining and light oak trim also play their part.

The grain and feel of the veneer used on the test boat was excellent and made me wonder why anyone would want to pay €10,000 to upgrade to teak. Cotton fibre hull lining and tasteful, indirect lighting also add a quality feel.

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