Grand Soleil BLUE (9.99 m): the new recyclable, zero-impact daysailer

Cantiere del Pardo, manufacturer of the famous Grand Soleil sailboats and Pardo Yachts motor yachts, is one of the brands that has grown the most in recent years on the Italian and international scene, in terms of range renewal and sales.

The Long Cruise line has been a success from the start, and with Matteo Polli joining the role of designer, the Performance line has also gained new momentum. With the arrival of Franco Corazza as project manager, the product for boats over 60 feet was also rethought, and the new GS 72 was born
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, declined in the dual versions Long Cruise and Performance.

From Boot Dusseldorf, Cantiere del Pardo announced two new sailing innovations coming soon, the new Grand Soleil BLUE for 2024 (debut in Cannes) and the new Grand Soleil 60 Long Cruise planned for 2025. In these lines we tell you what the first one will be like, but don’t miss the in-depth look at GS 60 as well shortly.

Grand Soleil BLUE – The 33′ Daysailer Zero Impact

From a design by Matteo Polli, water lines, and Nauta Design, for deck and interiors, and in technical collaboration with Northern Light Composites, the pioneers of recyclable composites applied to boating, comes the new Grand Soleil BLUE.

It is a daysailer/weekender, 9.99 m long and 3.70 m wide, built to be fully recyclable at the end of its life cycle. The boat is designed for weekend sailing, perhaps even staying overnight on board, or for fun day trips.

Instead of the classic thermo-hardening resin, which is difficult to recycle, in this case the composite is based on thermo plastic resin, which at the end of its life can be reheated and separated from the fibers, making the hull recyclable. The Grand Soleil BLUE will also be equipped with a lithium battery bank and electric propulsion for zero-emission sailing.

The installation of solar panels will provide renewable energy autonomy, recharging the battery bank that powers the electric motor. The range of the Grand Soleil BLUE allows, with the standard battery pack, to cruise 30 nautical miles at about 5 knots, which translates to 6 hours of continuous engine operation or 12 hours with the dual battery pack.

A hydrogeneration system will also be installed:while sailing, while the propeller is in motion, the Grand Soleil BLUE’s batteries will be recharged by taking advantage of the flow of water generated by the boat’s speed.

Grand Soleil BLUE – Performance and minimal style

T-keel, single rudder blade, stern with a high knee on the water in the Polli style, which winks at the ORC and comes in handy in light winds to have less wetted area, sail plan with 62 sq m of upwind area plus 100 of gennaker: these are the salient features of the Grand Soleil BLUE.

The displacement of 3300 kg promises a boat that will be able to accelerate quickly, without necessarily having to have a large sail plan that would become more difficult to handle and would be contrary to the boat’s philosophy, which is sporty but el respect for easy sailing. Not surprisingly, there are just two winches installed, with all rigging concealed, easy sailing that is also confirmed by the fact that the boat is offered with a self-tacking jib as standard.

Grand Soleil BLUE – The interiors you don’t expect

Thanks to a width of 3.70 meters, the interior of this 33-footer will be larger than one would imagine on a boat of this philosophy. The interior is basically open space, with a dining area, electric galley on the left, and a double bed in the bow. Inside there will be everything you might need to spend a day or weekend on a boat, without sacrificing any comforts.

Grand Soleil BLUE – The Numbers