Cantiere del Pardo has unveiled its new Grand Soleil 65 Performance yacht, following on from the boatbuilder’s long cruise version.
The new GS 65 Performance is designed to deliver speed and responsiveness under sail, with an optimised sail plan to ensure high performance.
The yacht is part of Grand Soleil’s Plus Line, dedicated to models over 60 feet in length.
The development of the Grand Soleil Plus 65 Performance concept was overseen by Franco Corazza, project manager for the Plus Line.
“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,” said Franco.
“That means designer and ORC champion Matteo Polli for the naval architecture, Marco Lostuzzi for the structural design and Nauta Design for the general layout as well as the deck and interior design.”
The 65-footer is the result of a totally Made-in-Italy design process that brings together a team of professionals representing Italian excellence.
Franco Corazza
Construction materials for the Grand Soleil 65 Performance have been chosen to have a lower environmental impact than previous models with a high degree of recyclability.
The teak derives from a sustainable supply chain; the glass is laminated for better insulation and the composite lamination uses linen and eco resins.
In addition, the paints are water-based and solar panels provide renewable green energy.
The hull is made by infusing epoxy-based vacuum vinylester resin into biaxial fiberglass and unidirectional carbon fabrics for a light, rigid and robust structure. T
he longitudinal and transverse structures and the load-bearing areas of the hull are laminated in fiberglass and stiffened with unidirectional carbon reinforcements.
All the construction processes and onboard systems are tested and certified according to the most quality controls.
The technical design of the Grand Soleil Plus 65 Performance is by Matteo Polli with the same performance targets as the Grand Soleil Plus 72.
“The hull form, for example, maintains the pronounced V in the bow and low wetted surface of the Grand Soleil Plus 72 for less resistance, greater dynamic stability when heeling and better performance in light airs,” explained Matteo.
“However, the overall geometry has been completely revisited to ensure a balanced weight distribution regardless of the different internal layouts. The hull is designed to perform at its best in the entire range of displacement, from lightship in racing conditions up to full load in cruising mode.”
Other key features of the Grand Soleil Plus 65 Performance include a mast that is stepped aft to maximise the size of the foretriangle and a rig that is designed to be reefed, allowing the yacht to perform in a wide range of wind and sea conditions.
Grand Soleil Plus 65 Performance
As standard, the Grand Soleil Plus 65 Performance is equipped with a self-tacking jib.
A single rudder blade was chosen to provide a balance between maneuverability and performance in a range of conditions, including under power, while an inverted T-keel allows for reduced ballast weight.
Multiple draft configurations are available.
The layout of the yacht has been designed by Nauta Design for Cantiere del Pardo to maximise usable space.
“With the Plus 65 Performance, our goal was to blend the performance-driven spirit of the line with the bespoke refinement that defines every Nauta Design project,” explained Massimo Gino.
“Our challenge was to convey a sense of motion and energy while preserving comfort, functionality, and style, values we’ve always shared with Grand Soleil.”
