Grand Soleil Yachts has launched its new PLUS Line of yachts over 60ft in length.
Heading the PLUS line is project manager Franco Corazza, supported by Matteo Polli’s experience in naval architecture and Nauta Design’s interior and exterior design.
The flagship of the new line, which was unveiled at boot Düsseldorf will be the Grand Soleil Plus 80 with the first unit of this model, under construction in its Long Cruise version.
The yacht is due to be launched in 2026.
“True to Grand Soleil tradition, the GS Plus 80 Long Cruise is being crafted entirely in-house, from lamination to launch,” explained Franco.
“Our extensive expertise ensures unparalleled quality, utilising advanced sandwich composite construction with epoxy-based vinylester resin and vacuum infusion techniques.
Designing the hull lines for an 80ft yacht is a challenging task.
Matteo Polli
“Additionally, unidirectional carbon reinforcements are strategically placed in high-stress areas, as well as along the stringers and structural floors.”
The new yacht will have an overall length of 23.99m and a maximum beam of 6.6m.
The hull of the GS Plus 80 LC features narrow bow sections designed to ensure a smooth entry into the water, even in challenging sea conditions.
The lines gradually widen aft to maximise internal volume and livability below deck.
The yacht has twin rudders, paired with a telescopic keel and offers a variable draft from 2.8m to 4.8m.
The Grand Soleil Plus 80 LC is also available in a singl-rudder version paired with keels of varying depths, ranging from 2.40 meters to deeper options.
“Designing the hull lines for an 80ft yacht is a challenging task, made even more complex by the variety of systems configurations an owner might choose,” explained Matteo Polli.
“For the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise, we focused on keeping the center of gravity as low as possible, optimizing the placement of all major systems.
“The hull was engineered to provide stability both at full load, with tanks and systems at maximum capacity, and in lighter configurations.”
A carbon mast and boom form the technological core of the rig.
The yacht has a V-boom to simplify mainsail handling, and rod rigging.
A fixed bowsprit accommodates dual gennakers: a traditional nylon gennaker for light winds and a furling gennaker with an anti-torsion cable, attached to the anchor sprit fitting. Options also include a furling code zero and a staysail, with an optional second forestay for a storm jib.
Primary control lines
Nauta Design has also introduced lateral wing islands at the twin helm stations.
All primary control lines are routed aft, and the central cockpit is separated from the maneuvering area.
“Designing an 80ft yacht is a particularly demanding challenge,” explained Nauta Design’s Massimo Gino.
“We’ve meticulously optimised the freeboard heights, interior spaces, and cabin sizes, integrating all necessary equipment and accessories in every area—whether on deck, in the sail locker, in the cabins, or the galley.
“An 80ft yacht must encompass the qualities, functions, and features typically found on yachts ranging from 95 to 100ft.”
