Cantiere del Pardo launches the Grand Soleil Plus 80 LC, its new 26-meter flagship, merging Italian craftsmanship with high-performance bluewater cruising.
The first Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise has been launched at Cantiere del Pardo’s dedicated Plus models shipyard in Fano in the company of her owner and his family. As the keel of the lithe 26.2-metre yacht kissed the water it marked a major milestone for the yard, reaffirming its status as a true icon of Italian craftsmanship, as well as bringing delivery an exciting step closer for her owner. As the new flagship of the Plus line fleet, and the largest yacht that has been developed to date under the Grand Soleil brand, the GS Plus 80 LC combines the style and performance for which Grand Soleil yachts are renowned with the promise of effortless bluewater cruising. Conceived by Cantiere del Pardo with a hull design realized by Matteo Polli, the GS Plus 80 LC perfectly balances the demands of a broad range of clientele, from those seeking the flexibility of a telescopic keel and pure cruising comfort to those who seek more spirited sailing who can opt for the Performance version featuring a fixed keel with different draft options.
Either way, owners can enjoy the thrill of a fast, dynamic yacht that offers all the creature comforts needed for extended time on board without compromising on handling or mile-eating capability. A fine entry forward ensures the GS Plus 80 LC will power through any seaway, while the beam carried to the stern delivers stability, interior volume and ample deck space. This first hull sports twin rudders, which reduce draft while ensuring absolute control, and a telescopic keel that brings draft from 4.8 metres to 2.8 metres – ideal for sneaking into idyllic bays and iconic harbours. The carbon rig and V-boom can carry a wide sail wardrobe, from furling gennakers and a furling Code Zero to a storm jib on an optional forestay. Such flexibility not only means the GS Plus 80 LC is in its element in all conditions – essential for a true bluewater cruiser – but also that it can show its turn of speed equally in light airs, thanks to the dynamic efficiency of the hull, and on exhilarating passages in stiffer breezes.
“It’s a real thrill to see the GS 80 Plus Long Cruise in her natural environment at last,” enthuses Franco Corazza, project manager for the PLUS line.”We do everything in-house, from lamination to launch, applying our expertise and advanced construction techniques to deliver unparalleled quality. This yacht represents our shared ethos of seizing the day – something that appeals to all sailors who want the ultimate bluewater cruiser that offers the highest levels of performance, style, comfort and confidence-building capability to take them over the horizon and on to new adventures.”
Her lines, from the fixed bowsprit to the beautifully sculpted saloon coachroof and her broad aft deck, come from the boards of Nauta, whose experience and flair has not only delivered a stunning profile, but has also been employed to optimize the GS Plus 80 LC’s interior layout and styling. On deck, an extensive guest cockpit stretches back from the coachroof and companionway. Extended upholstered seating nestled within the coamings transitions from forward seating and dining – with twin tables – to aft settees-cum-sunpads, while the expanse of deck aft of the mainsheet traveller serves as the perfect sunning spot at anchor with quick access to the water. The decks and main cockpit are also kept clear of lines, which are run aft to the business end where twin outboard helm stations give the skipper a perfect view of the telltales and the surrounding action on all points of sail.
A highlight of the design is the central saloon, where the wraparound windows and skylights of the coachroof provide a cascade of natural light from above, and longline hull windows deliver sea vistas from the portside settee and starboard dining area. Contemporary luxe is the flavour of the first hull, with a clean, cream and wood palette blending warm oak furnishings with bulkheads finished in high-quality textiles. This first hull features the model’s signature forward master suite complete with ensuite bathroom and a walkaround double bed. There are three further guest double/twin cabins, plus two crew cabins aft which feature their own access from the sailing cockpit to ensure minimal intrusion on guest areas.
“The launch of this first GS Plus 80 LC represents a significant moment for Grand Soleil, as the new flagship of our fleet takes to the water representing not just the next generation of the line but also the zenith of the handcrafted excellence that our dedicated shipyard team is known for,” says Marcello Veronesi, CEO of Cantiere del Pardo. “To share this moment with the owner and his family is a real honour, and it serves as a mark of more great things to come both for this yacht and for our Plus line facility here in Fano.”
Following her launch, the yacht will now enter the final phase of outfitting at the shipyard, after which she will undertake a 1,500-mile shakedown sea trial before heading to Porto Cervo, Sardinia. There, she will take part in the 2026 Grand Soleil Cup, which runs from 21 to 23 May and where she will undoubtedly be one of the stars of the event. A second GS Plus 80, being built in the Performance configuration, is currently under construction at the shipyard and is due for delivery towards the end of 2026.
