The heritage inherited from the past is a competitive advantage for companies with a long history. In English, this is known as “heritage,” and when thinking of the boating world, the name that most prominently comes to mind is Grand Soleil. The French brand, now part of the Cantiere del Pardo family, has been manufacturing sailing yachts since 1973, boasting not only a wealth of technical expertise built over decades but also a vast community of enthusiasts worldwide. Staying true to this philosophy, the shipyard has long been refining its Performance range, a stunning series of sailboats that appeal to owners who use them for racing and those who prefer cruising. This line is now officially complete with the Grand Soleil 52 Performance, unveiled at the latest Cannes Yachting Festival and undoubtedly one of the most captivating yachts showcased at Port Canto. While we eagerly await the chance to test it—and we’re looking forward to sharing that experience with our readers—here are our first impressions after spending time aboard this masterpiece. Just a glance at it docked along the quay is enough to recognize that it is a radically different boat.
The Grand Soleil 52 Performance in detail
The boat weighs 16 tons, but with furnishings and options, it reaches 17 tons. The “easy sailing” sail plan is quite impressive, featuring four winches at the stern, a fixed-point mainsheet, a self-tacking jib, and a carbon bowsprit. The cockpit is perfectly accessible for guests, thanks to the shipyard’s decision to recess all the controls.
What stands out about the Grand Soleil 52 Performance is its balance, which approaches perfection due to the placement of the tanks below the waterline. This adjustment clearly contributes significantly to the boat’s uprightness and stability.
As soon as you step below deck, the light and space are breathtaking. As mentioned, the Grand Soleil 52 Performance is designed for both family cruising and competitive racing. The interiors have been therefore crafted to combine comfort and practicality without skimping on equipment, ensuring maximum livability and freedom of movement. In this sense, the most impressive feature is the position of the mast, located in the center of the living area rather than against the wall, as is common in boats of this type. This reflects the meticulous work done by Nauta Design, allowing for easy movement to sit on the comfortable U-shaped sofa, at the center of which is a foldable table.
As mentioned above, the spaces are extraordinarily spacious, making it feel like you’re on a 60-foot boat rather than a 52-footer. Opposite the U-shaped sofa, there’s another couch and a desk, while next to it is a fully equipped galley featuring a stove, a cockpit fridge, a traditional oven, and a microwave. The wood essence is gray oak, which adds a refreshing touch to the interiors designed by Matteo Polli. The layout allows for plenty of room below deck, accommodating many guests without bumping elbows. Indeed, the Grand Soleil 52 Performance is designed to sleep six people in three cabins: in addition to the owner’s and VIP cabins, both spacious and with double beds, there’s a twin-bedded third that can be easily converted into a double if needed. Each cabin comes with its own en-suite bathroom and shower.
In addition to its generous spaces, the Grand Soleil 52 Performance offers many other features designed for long cruises, including a garage for a tender up to 2.6 meters and a 20-liter daily tank, an accessory typically found only on larger vessels. Additionally, the three refrigerators with a freezer, totaling 172 liters, ensure a comfortable stay on board for extended periods.
Servidati: “An extraordinary accomplishment”
Grand Soleil 52 Performance has been highly appreciated by the seven owners who have already chosen to purchase this yacht. This is a testament to the success of this prolific shipyard, which has launched numerous models in recent years, averaging two per year.
Gigi Servidati, president of Cantiere del Pardo, confirms the success of this latest model: “For the Grand Soleil brand, 52 feet is a historic and iconic size. Therefore, when working on the redesign, we couldn’t afford to make any mistakes. We invested a lot in this project and believe we have executed everything perfectly, both in terms of aesthetics and performance”.
“I’ve personally tested this boat extensively, so I can assure you it’s something extraordinary – Servidati continues – There are many details that make a difference, from the volume to the maneuverability. It’s a combination of numerous strengths. In particular, I believe we did an excellent job on the coachroof, creating a sporty hull that still offers ample interior space. It was a meticulous job, and we are particularly proud of it”.
