Grand Soleil, active since 1973 and flagship brand of Cantiere del Pardo, is a highly prestigious Italian sailing brand with a long track record and recognised sporting successes across various classes and regattas.
In this Motyvel guide you’ll find out exactly what a Grand Soleil sailboat is, its history, the models that make up its current line-up (Performance, Long Cruise and Blue), the technical features and a comparison against other premium brands, and where to see and buy them in Spain.
What is a Grand Soleil? Origins and history
Grand Soleil is the sailboat brand of the Italian shipyard Cantiere del Pardo, founded in 1973 by Giuseppe Giuliani Ricci in the Emilia-Romagna region, now headquartered in Forlì. Its founding philosophy remains intact: to build dual-personality boats capable of competing in regattas while offering the comfort and safety of a cruiser.
The first model, the Grand Soleil 34, was designed by Frenchman Jean-Marie Finot and won the Mediterranean Championship in 1974. That success —with close to 290 units sold— set the shipyard’s course. It was followed by the Grand Soleil 41 in 1978, the only model in the brand’s history with a centre cockpit.
Over five decades, the shipyard has worked with some of the world’s most reputable naval design firms:
- Alain Jezequel (1980s): GS 35, GS 343, GS 39, GS 46, GS 48.
- Germán Frers (1990s): GS 42, GS 45, GS 52.
- Bruce Farr: 64 Maxi One (1992).
- Doug Peterson: GS 50 (1997).
- Judel/Vrolijk: GS 44 Race (winner of the 2003 Fastnet).
- Botín & Carkeek: GS 42 (four-time IMS world champion).
- Massimo Paperini: GS 40, with close to 230 units built.
Since 2011, Cantiere del Pardo has worked exclusively with Italian designers, in keeping with its commitment to «Made in Italy». The current team includes Matteo Polli (naval architecture), Marco Lostuzzi (hulls) and the studio Nauta Design (interior and exterior design). Today, the shipyard brings together three brands: Grand Soleil Yachts, Pardo Yachts (motor yachts, since 2015) and VanDutch Yachts (acquired in 2020).
Technical features that set Grand Soleil sailboats apart
Grand Soleil sailboats are identified by six structural traits that justify their positioning in the premium segment:
- Craftsmanship combined with advanced technology. The Forlì plant covers 40,000 m² divided into three main departments: lamination, carpentry and assembly, with a final tank test.
- Hand lamination with high-quality fibres and, in the Performance models, carbon-fibre reinforcements.
- Hull and deck laminated together (not glued), a technique that provides superior structural rigidity.
- Torpedo-bulb keel and suspended rudder on most models, a direct legacy of the brand’s racing genes.
- Italian naval design by Matteo Polli, Marco Lostuzzi and Nauta Design since 2011.
- Interior finishes in selected fine woods, with an emphasis on elegance and liveability.
The virtuous tension between racing and cruising has resulted in two personalities within the line-up: the Performance line, lighter and with hulls optimised for speed, and the Long Cruise line, geared towards offshore sailing and comfort. That duality is precisely what sets Grand Soleil yachts apart from other brands that keep racing and cruising completely separate.
Grand Soleil’s main ranges and models
The current line-up is organised into three clearly distinct lines, plus a new PLUS line currently in development.
Performance line: racing DNA
The Grand Soleil Performance line is the shipyard’s most sporting side. Its hulls are light, fast and aimed at owners who combine racing with fast cruising. Representative models: GS 40, GS 44 Performance, GS 52 Performance, GS 65 and GS 72 Performance (the latter designed by Matteo Polli, Nauta Design and Marco Lostuzzi).
Long Cruise (LC) line: offshore cruising
The Grand Soleil Long Cruise line was born with the GS 46 LC in 2013, designed by Marco Lostuzzi, in response to owners who wanted a fast hull but with liveability and range as priorities. The range includes the GS 42 LC (2019), GS 46 LC, GS 52 LC (2017), GS 60 LC and the upcoming GS Plus 80 (launch expected in 2026).
Blue line: the sustainable bet
The Grand Soleil Blue is the shipyard’s most disruptive model. Officially unveiled at Boot Düsseldorf 2025, it’s a 33-foot (9.99 m) daysailer with 100% electric propulsion and fully recyclable construction. Key features:
- rComposite® thermoplastic resin developed by Italian startup NL Comp.
- 6 kW Pod Drive electric motor with a range of 30 nautical miles at 5 knots.
- Solbian solar panels (340 W) integrated into the coachroof.
- Recyclable thermoplastic sails by OneSails.
- Hydro-generation while sailing.
According to the shipyard, it is the first 100% recyclable production sailboat made in Italy.
Grand Soleil model comparison table
| Model | Overall length | Year introduced | Design | Recommended use |
| Grand Soleil Blue | 9.99 m | 2024 | Polli / Nauta Design | Sustainable daysailer / weekender |
| GS 40 | ~12.30 m | 2000 (redesigned) | Massimo Paperini | Performance / racing |
| GS 42 LC | ~12.90 m | 2019 | Marco Lostuzzi | Offshore cruising |
| GS 44 Performance | ~13.40 m | Recent | Matteo Polli | Racing and fast cruising |
| GS 52 LC | ~16 m | 2017 | Marco Lostuzzi | Family cruising / offshore |
| GS 65 | ~19.80 m | Recent | Matteo Polli / Nauta | Premium performance |
| GS 72 Performance | ~22 m | Recent | Polli / Nauta / Lostuzzi | Large-scale cruising / racing |
Approximate data based on information from the shipyard. For detailed technical specifications, check the official Grand Soleil catalogue.
Grand Soleil vs. other premium brands
How does Grand Soleil position itself against its direct competitors? An objective comparison:
- Grand Soleil vs. Beneteau / Jeanneau: the French shipyards produce much larger series at lower prices. Grand Soleil offers more artisanal construction, better behaviour in open water and superior finishes, in exchange for a higher price.
- Grand Soleil vs. X-Yachts: the Danish brand is probably its most direct rival. X-Yachts stands out for its structural rigidity and performance. Grand Soleil brings more expressive Italian naval design and internationally recognised interior design work (Nauta Design).
- Grand Soleil vs. Solaris: both are premium Italian shipyards with racing DNA. Solaris tends to focus on larger lengths and a client seeking a more «pure yacht» profile. Grand Soleil maintains a broader range, with a presence from 33 feet up to 80 feet.
Where to see and buy a Grand Soleil in Spain?
At Motyvel we specialise in Grand Soleil sailboats and offer you the full range of the Italian shipyard Cantiere del Pardo in Spain. If you’d like to see one of these racing and cruising yachts in person, discover their interiors or arrange a sea trial, you can do so directly with our team.
Check the full catalogue, official technical specifications and model availability on our dedicated page: Grand Soleil at Motyvel.
Why choose Motyvel for your Grand Soleil
- Expert, personalised advice. We help you choose between the Performance, Long Cruise and Blue lines based on your actual use: racing, family cruising, offshore sailing or sustainable daysailing.
- Tailor-made configuration. We support the entire boat customisation process: sail plan, electronics, interior finishes and equipment options.
- Comprehensive after-sales service. Maintenance, winter storage, technical assistance and ongoing support throughout the life of your Grand Soleil yacht.
Frequently asked questions about Grand Soleil
Who builds Grand Soleil sailboats?
Grand Soleil sailboats are built by Cantiere del Pardo, an Italian shipyard founded in 1973 by Giuseppe Giuliani Ricci. It is currently led by chairman Gigi Servidati and CEO Fabio Planamente, and also produces the Pardo Yachts (motor yachts) and VanDutch Yachts brands.
Where are Grand Soleil boats built?
All Grand Soleil yachts are built in Forlì (Emilia-Romagna, Italy), in an industrial plant of approximately 40,000 square metres. The region is the birthplace of Made in Italy and is home to brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati. Construction combines artisanal lamination with advanced technologies.
How much does a new Grand Soleil cost?
A new Grand Soleil typically starts at around €30,000 for the smallest ranges, but the most common current models sit much higher, in the region of €400,000 to €700,000, and the largest can well exceed one million euros.
What’s the difference between Grand Soleil Performance and Long Cruise?
The Grand Soleil Performance line prioritises speed and racing performance, with lighter hulls and optimised rigging. The Grand Soleil Long Cruise (LC) line, launched in 2013 with the GS 46 LC, is designed for offshore sailing and family cruising, with more liveability, larger tanks and a less extreme hull.
Are Grand Soleil boats good for ocean crossings?
Yes. The Long Cruise range is specifically designed for long crossings, with range, robustness and comfort. Owners of models such as the GS 46.3 have historically crossed the Atlantic after minor modifications. For demanding ocean crossings, the LC models are the natural choice within the shipyard’s line-up.
What is the minimum length of Grand Soleil boats?
Until 2024, the minimum length was around 40 feet. With the launch of the Grand Soleil Blue in 2025, the shipyard offers a 33-foot (9.99 m) model for the first time, aimed at sailors looking for a compact, sustainable and easy-to-handle boat, also suitable for small crews or solo sailing.
Your next voyage starts here
Grand Soleil represents half a century of Italian naval design applied to building luxury Italian sailboats capable of competing in regattas and crossing oceans. From the legendary GS 34 of 1974 to the revolutionary, 100% recyclable Grand Soleil Blue, Cantiere del Pardo has managed to evolve without losing its DNA: fast hulls, premium finishes and a range that spans everything from daysailers to superyachts over 70 feet.
If you’re considering making the leap into luxury boating or want to dig deeper into specific models, Motyvel is ready to help. With locations in Port Balís (Barcelona) and Port Adriano (Mallorca), we have more than 35 years of experience backing every deal: from choosing the perfect model to the turnkey delivery of your sailboat.
Contact our team today. Your next sailboat is waiting for you.
