Grand Soleil 52 Performance (17 m), first photos unveiled!See how she sails

Notice to mariners: at the upcoming Cannes Boat Show (Sept. 10-15) forbidden to miss a visit to the Grand Soleil shipyard. Reason? The presentation of the new 52 Performance of which we show you preview photos.

Grand Soleil 52 Performance – What a boat it is

This new boat, a true jewel of engineering and design, represents the modern evolution of its predecessor designed by German Frers in 1987, of which some 60 examples were produced that were destined to become an icon of sailing. The design of the new 52 was entrusted to Matteo Polli (naval architect) and Nauta Design (interior and exterior layouts), who reinterpreted the ideas of the boat whose baton the Performance takes.

Grand Soleil has included the new boat in the shipyard’s line of the most prestigious boats (the Performance, precisely), which are intended for a very demanding, competent, passionate audience that does not disdain participation in regattas, for which the boat can be chosen in Race declination.

GS 52 P – Construction

The construction of the GS 52 Performance is sandwich construction with composite wood, marine plywood and pvc compartment bulkheads, the Grand Soleil 52 Performance has been designed down to the smallest detail to maximize volume and offer uncommon roominess on this size, without affecting weight.

Grand Soleil 52 Performance and Race

As can be imagined, the two versions differ in deck configuration and sail plan structure.
The “Performance” version features a less pulled deck plan, with 4 aft winches, fixed point mainsail sheet, self tacking jib and carbon bowsprit; the cockpit is free from rigging to be safely usable by guests while cruising.

The “Race” version, on the other hand, features 6 winches, jib trolleys, recessed mainsail traveller, sails with a larger area and a bowsprit 90 cm longer than the standard version. The mainsail sheet is German style on both versions. The mast is positioned aft of the main bulkhead to optimize sail center and maximize performance.
Keels also differ: standard with a T-shaped lead torpedo at 2.90 m for the Performance version, while the Race has a steel-bladed keel, fiberglass hydrodynamic fittings, and optimized antimony lead torpedo with a draft of 2.7 m.

Interiors

Below deck, on the other hand, the distribution of space includes a dinette, C-shaped galley equipped with 3 refrigerators with freezers, and three cabins: the master cabin with bathroom in the bow, while a second bathroom, VIP cabin, and a second guest cabin with twin beds are in the aft area. At the forefront of all electronic and plant systems, the new Grand Soleil 52 Performance boasts a 24 V electrical system, with thinner wiring and longer battery life (with electronic battery cut-offs). The new Grand Soleil 52 Performance is powered by a 75-horsepower Volvo Penta (80 horsepower available as an option) with saildrive transmission and bow and stern thrusters to eliminate any risk in mooring.
F.L.

Grand Soleil 52 Performance – Data Sheet

Overall length: 17.05 m Hull length: 16.20 m Maximum beam: 5.15 m Standard draught: 2.90 m Draught (optional): 2.30 m – 2.70 m Displacement: 16,500 kg Motorization: Volvo Penta 75hp saildrive (Yanmar 80hp optional.) Berths: 6/8 Interior layout: 3 cabins and 3 bathrooms Water tank: 600 l Diesel tank: 350 l Construction and concept: Cantiere del Pardo Naval architecture: Matteo Polli Exterior, interior design and layout: Nauta Design

• Learn more about the new Grand Soleil 52 Performance

GS 52 P, the other photos