Grand Soleil Yachts has launched its first weekender yacht, the Grand Soleil Blue as part of a project co-financed by a European Commission regional research and innovation programme.
At almost 33ft, the yacht is a departure from the brand’s performance and long cruise models, which run from 40ft to 80ft in length and is the smallest Grand Soleil produced
It is also Grand Soleil’s most sustainable boat ever.
“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.”
Naval architecture for the new craft is by Matteo Polli with exterior, interior design and layout by Nauta Design.
“The striking hull shape is designed to provide stability when the boat heels, to maximise power upwind,” said Matteo.
“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.”
Massimo Gino, CEO and co-founder of Nauta, added: “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.”
The GS Blue has been designed to be as sustainable as possible. Grand Soleil worked with NL Comp to adapt its building processes.
Arkema’s Elium resin which can be recovered and reused at the end of a boat’s life, was used in the composite lay-up.
The GS Blue represents the beginning of a new concept within the Grand Soleil range.
Gigi Servidati
The PET core material in the hull’s sandwich construction is derived from post-consumer waste and along with the glass fibre itself, the foam can also be reclaimed and reused when the boat is recycled.
In addition, the boat has been designed so that its constituent parts can be disassembled and the 4T sails by One Sails can be recycled.
The Blue can also be fitted with electric propulsion.
The craft can also be configured with a traditional diesel propulsion system and classic vinylester resin construction if required.
For sailing performance, the craft has a 2.2m bulb keel with a 1.8m shallow draft option. Upwind speeds of 6-8 knots are possible and downwind and on a reach, the craft can reach speeds of 10-12 knots.
The boat has been designed for easy shorthanded or solo sailing with push-button electric winches.
“The GS Blue is for those who view their boat as a personal space of escape and well-being, not necessarily tied to long cruising programs,” explained Gigi.
“It will appeal to experienced owners looking for a gratifying and easy boat for quick getaways, without the need to organise a crew or plan long passages.
“But it is also conceived for discerning newcomers, attracted to sailing but discouraged by the technical and logistical complexity of traditional yachts.”
