VIDEO – GS BLUE (9.99 m), a Grand Soleil like this has never been seen before

A Grand Soleil like this we had never seen before. Cantiere del Pardo’s new Blue makes headlines for more than one reason: it marks the Italian shipyard’s return to a boat under 10 meters, it is a weekender (a first in the brand’s history), and it is made in collaboration with Northern Light Composite, which provided its know-how, namely the thermoplastic resin that allows the boat to be recycled at the end of its life. The design is by Matteo Polli for the water lines, Nauta Design for the exterior and interior. Northern Light Composite’s thermoplastic resin makes it possible to reheat the composite at the end of its life, and separate the resin from the fibers, in order to be able to reuse, at least in part, the construction materials.

Grand Soleil Blue – The Video

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 by recharging the battery bank that powers the electric motor. The range of the Grand Soleil BLUE allows, with the standard battery pack, 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 square meters 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 might imagine on a boat of this philosophy. The interior is basically open plan, with a dining area, an electric galley on the port side, and a double bed in the bow. Inside, there will be everything one might need to spend a day or weekend on a boat, without sacrificing any comforts.

Grand Soleil BLUE – The Numbers