The legacy of the past is a competitive advantage for companies with a long history. In English, we speak of heritageand if you think of yachting, the name that spontaneously springs to mind is Grand Soleil. The French brand, now part of the large family of Cantiere del PardoCantiere del Pardo, which has been building yachts since 1973, can rely not only on the solid technical expertise accumulated over the decades, but also on a large group of enthusiasts around the world. True to this philosophy, the shipyard has long been committed to breathing new life into its range Performance range, a magnificent series of sailing yachts that satisfies both owners who use them for racing and those who prefer cruising. A range now officially completed with the Grand Soleil 52 Performance, presented at the last edition of the Cannes Yachting Festival, and without doubt one of the most fascinating boats we were able to admire in Port Canto. As we await the opportunity to try her out at sea – which we can’t wait to share with our readers – here are our first impressions, after having taken the time to appreciate this masterpiece. You only have to look at her moored at the quayside to realize that she’s a sailboat radically different from any other.
Le Grand Soleil 52 Performance in detail
The yacht alone weighs 16 tons, but with the interior layout and options, it reaches 17. The sail plan “easy sailing” is impressive, with 4 winches aft, a fixed mainsheet, a self-tacking jib and a carbon bowsprit. The cockpit is perfectly accessible to guests, thanks to the shipyard’s choice to recess all maneuvers.
What’s most striking about the Grand Soleil 52 Performanceit’s his balanceThe tanks are positioned below the waterline, a solution which contributes significantly to the boat’s righting and stability.
Entering below deck, the light and space leave us speechless. As mentioned, the Grand Soleil 52 Performance is designed for both family cruisers and regatta enthusiasts. The spaces are designed to combine comfort and practicality, without sacrificing any of the equipment, and above all guaranteeing great habitability and freedom of movement. In this respect, the first striking feature is the position of the mast, located in the center of the saloon and not against the wall, as is often the case on boats of this type. This testifies to the meticulous work carried out by Nauta DesignThis is the perfect solution for a comfortable U-shaped sofa, with a folding table at its center.
Spaces, as mentioned, are extraordinarily vast, so much so that you’d think you’re aboard a 60-foot yacht, not a 52. Opposite the U-shaped sofa is another sofa and a desk, while next to it is a fully equipped kitchen: hob, top-opening fridge, conventional oven and microwave. The wood species is gray oak, which brings a freshness to the interiors, designed by Matteo Polli. There’s plenty of room for many people below deck, without getting in each other’s way. The Grand Soleil 52 Performance is designed to accommodate six people in three cabins In addition to the very spacious double owner’s cabin and VIP cabin, there’s a third cabin with two single beds, which can be converted into a double if required. Each cabin has its own bathroom with shower.
In addition to its generous space, the Grand Soleil 52 Performance features numerous details designed for long cruises, including a garage for a 2.6-meter tender and a r20-litre daily tankan accessory usually reserved for larger units. The three refrigerators with freezer, totalling 172 liters, also ensure a pleasant stay on board over long periods.
Servidati: “An extraordinary result”.
The Grand Soleil 52 Performance was very much appreciated by the owners – already seven – who decided to buy it. It’s confirmation of the success of this prolific shipyard, which in recent years has launched countless models at an average rate of two per year.
The enthusiasm of Gigi Servidati, president of Cantiere del Pardo, testifies to the success of this latest model: “For the Grand Soleil brand, 52-footers are a historic and emblematic size. That’s why, when working on the restyling, we couldn’t afford any mistakes. We’ve invested a lot and believe we’ve achieved perfection, both in terms of aesthetics and performance.
“I have personally tested this boat in depth, and I can assure you that it is something exceptional – continues Servidati – There are so many details that make the difference, whether it’s volumes or maneuverability. It’s a combination of many strong points. In particular, I think we’ve done an excellent job on the deckhouse, creating a sporty hull that at the same time guarantees very generous interior volumes. This required meticulous work, of which we are particularly proud.