GS 42 LC , the long-range cruising according to Grand Soleil

The Grand Soleil Long Cruise range becomes wider thanks to the new GS 42 LC.

Ten years after the introduction of the first LC model and five years after the second one, Cantiere del Pardo unveils the new entry-level of the Long Cruise range in Cannes: the GS 42 LC.

What’s the goal of the new creation? To give the owner the possibility to enjoy long cruises on board a small-sized boat that is comfortable, functional, easy to handle and with good sailing performance.

We visited it during its official presentation in Cannes and we immediately realized that the owner is now free to customize his cruising experience.

The first important choice concerns the deck layout which is available in two versions.

The first  includes a rollbar, a built-in sheet lead and two aft seats for the helmsman positioned just behind the wheels.

The second one, instead, is the “sport” version, without rollbar and therefore equipped with a fixed sheet lead positioned in the middle of the cockpit. Moreover, this configuration envisages two longitudinal tracks to accommodate the jib and the taller mast.

Of course, the first option is preferable if you want to enjoy a protected and unencumbered cockpit and therefore more comfort on board. The sport version, instead, is better for those who are more interested into a clean deck design than on a fast sailing experience.

During our visit, the boat designer Marco Lostuzzi illustrates another important choice which concerns the interior layout designed by Nauta Design.

The standard interior layout is available with three cabins – a forward and two aft cabins with two bathrooms – but the owner can even choose another layout, very interesting when sailing with just a couple of friends.

Sacrificing the cabin on the port aft side, in fact, the galley becomes much bigger. The latter, equally positioned on the port side, extends up to the stern. The top therefore becomes wider and the storage capacity significantly increases also thanks to an additional fridge. Moreover, this configuration includes a large storage compartment accessible from the left side of the cockpit.

Looking at the standard layout and the interior volumes, we realize that the spaces available on board are very similar to those of a 45-footer. Lostuzzi stresses that, despite the particular attention of the project to living spaces, this sailboat has been also designed to deliver appreciable sailing performance. The goal of the GS 42 LC is therefore to guarantee to the owner a fast and comfortable sailing experience.

Easy handling is another important feature of this boat; the sails, with an overall upwind surface of 103.5 square meters ( 109 sq.m. in the sport version) can be trimmed through the four winches positioned next to the wheels.

The folding mainsail and the self-tacking jib of the GS 42 LC facilitate maneuvers in a really impressive way. The low flush backstays facilitate circulation on board and contribute to make the side-decks totally unencumbered.

Conclusions

Despite being a standard model, the Grand Soleil GS 42 LC offers a very high customization level and a boat suitable for different purposes determined by the owner’s needs.

Technical Specs

Grand Soleil Yachts

customercare@grandsoleil.it