PREVIEW – Grand Soleil 40, don’t call it “small”

We’ll see it “live” at the next Cannes Yachting Festival. But, judging by the first renderings, the new Grand Soleil 40 (12.90 x 4.07 m) looks promising. The smallest in the Grand Soleil range, it’s hard to call it “small”.

The secrets of the new Grand Soleil 40

Comfort, elegance and space worthy of a superyacht are concentrated in 40 feet, thanks to painstaking exterior and interior design work that has exploited every corner of the boat.

In terms of design, the boat is the little sister of the Grand Soleil 44 with which owner Catalin Trandafir won the last ORC World Championship. When it comes to the “family feeling” there are no doubts. You look at the boat and all you can say is “this is a Grand Soleil”.

Matteo Polli and Nauta’s challenge

The new 40 footer, available in both Performance and Race versions, once again bears the signature of Matteo Polli and Nauta Design, already responsible for the exterior and interior design of previous Grand Soleil models. The hull lines and naval architecture of the GS 40 maintain its strong vocation for performance, but without sacrificing volume for the benefit of space and comfort on board. It is the result of a synergy between Nauta Design (interior & exterior design) and the Shipyard’s Technical Office, which has created clean and functional layouts in the interior and exterior areas.

“The design brief for the new Grand Soleil 40 – explains Mr. Polli – is very similar to that of the GS 44, but with the bar set even higher due to its smaller size. The 40-foot overall length, one of the most common on the market, presents an even greater challenge in finding the ideal compromise between interior volume and sporty features. Thanks also to the experience gained on the 44 and to the design team that is now well established, it has been possible to find the perfect combination of performance and comfort.

The hull lines are an evolution of the concepts studied for the GS 44, giving maximum attention to the balance of volumes as heel increases. The bow lines remain very slim in order to maintain good performance in low winds and ensure a smooth passage over the wave. As on the GS 44, a lot of emphasis has been placed on the decidedly backward positioning of the mast, enabling Nauta Design to develop an innovative layout that benefits both performance and comfort. The choice was also made to maintain a single rudder blade in a very forward position, which I think is ideal for both cruising and racing”.

Deck solutions

The deck plan of the Performance version has 4 winches: two in the deckhouse and two next to the wheelhouses. The standard self-tacking jib has a hanging rail, while the German-style mainsail sheet point is fixed in the cockpit. Worth noting is the position of the mast which, as on the GS 44, is set back to maximize the “J” and therefore the base of the headsails. It is also available in carbon fibre in the Race version, together with a sail plan of greater proportions than the standard version.

” We have found the right proportions to create a large, functional deck for both racing and cruising,” explains Massimo Gino of Nauta Design, “where all the rigging designed with Matteo Polli and Cantiere del Pardo are positioned in ergonomic, practical and functional solutions for both uses. In a light, sleek hull, we have managed to include all the necessary functions in a 40-footer that also offers comfort and functionality in the interiors. From the cabin to the master head, from the galley to the dinette, the volumes, stowage and all the functions are precise and well proportioned. The rich, understated style is one that has been tried and tested and is much appreciated on board all Grand Soleils”

Lower Deck

The lower deck of the GS 40 is offered in two versions: with three cabins and one head (for more storage space and large walkways in the master cabin) or three cabins and two heads.

Spaces have also been optimised to maximize liveability between the living and dining areas. The GS 40 is equipped with a galley at side with considerable linear dimensions (2.6 metres with a white resin top), completed by a 75-litre horizontal cockpit fridge with double opening and an optional 42-litre fridge with front opening. The large central area is also designed for racing needs: the passageway can be used for stowing sails and quickly changing equipment.

Grand Soleil 40: Race version

The Race version amplifies the competitive potential of this performance-oriented boat. The deck plan is optimized with 6 winches, a long bowsprit, hydraulic backstay, jib rails in a transverse position and a recessed mainsail traveller.

The standard draft is also designed with racing (IRC) in mind, with a length of 2.4 meters, cast iron blade and lead torpedo. But the GS 40 has two other options: the first (2.1 m) is numerically controlled and optimized for ORC racing, while the second has a shallow draft of just 1.85 meters. In both versions, the stern platform can be opened electrically and has a ladder for climbing out of the water.

Grand Soleil 40 – Technical Specs

LOA (Performance) 12.90 m
LOA (Race) 13.60 m
LH 11.90 m
Max Beam 4.07 m
Standard Draft 2.40 m
Optional Draft 2.10 m & 1.85 m
Displacement 7,500 kg (ballast 2,500 kg)
Engine Volvo Penta 30 HP saildrive (50 HP opt.)
Mainsail ( Standard) 46 m2
Mainsail  Race) 50 m2
Optional Jib (108%) 45 m2
Self-tacking jib 38 m2
Spinnaker (Race) 130 m2
Spinnaker (standard) 140 m2
Gennaker (Race) 160 m2
Berths 6/9
Water Capacity 300 l approx
Fuel Capacity 170 l approx
CE Category: A “OCEAN”
Naval Architect: Matteo Polli
Interior & Exterior Design: Nauta Design
Builder: Cantiere del Pardo

Discover more about the GS 40

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