Cantiere del Pardo: How three brands characterise Italian yacht building
YACHT
· 28.04.2026
Anyone travelling through Forlì in northern Italy has little idea of the sea at first. And yet it is here, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, that yachts are built that are later moored in the harbours of Saint-Tropez, Miami or Mallorca. Cantiere del Pardo, CDP for short, has developed from an inland location into one of the most prominent names in Italian yacht building.
The history of the shipyard began in 1973 in Bologna. Today, Cantiere del Pardo stands for more than five decades of boatbuilding, over 5,000 yachts delivered and a portfolio that includes sailing and motor yachts between 30 and 80 feet.
From craft business to international yacht builder
In 1988, the company moved from Bologna to Forlì. The site is located in a historic "Made in Italy" district and is still regarded today as an environment in which quality craftsmanship, design expertise and specialised suppliers are closely linked.
For Cantiere del Pardo, this location is more than just a production address. The shipyard relies on qualified specialists, regional supplier structures and a level of craftsmanship that contributes significantly to the character of the boats.
Today, CDP designs, builds and markets sports and leisure yachts in various segments. Three brands take centre stage: Grand Soleil Yachts, Pardo Yachts and VanDutch Yachts.
Grand Soleil: The shipyard's sailing heritage
Grand Soleil is Cantiere del Pardo's most traditional brand in the sailing yacht sector. It has made the shipyard famous since the seventies. Today, the model range is divided into several areas.
The Performance range is aimed at owners who want to combine sporty sailing with high-quality fittings. The range extends from the GS 40 about the GS 44, GS 52, GS 65, GS 72 up to the GS 80. For regatta orientated sailors there are special race configurations.
The Long Cruise models, labelled with the suffix LC, are designed more for comfortable long-distance sailing. With new models such as the GS 42 LCthe GS 52 LC, the GS 60 LCthe GS 65 LCthe 72 LC and a 80-foot project In the performance segment, Cantiere del Pardo is clearly positioned in the "luxury blue water" yacht segment.
With the project Grand Soleil BLUE the shipyard is also pursuing a concept that combines sustainability with the modern weekender segment.
The interior remains a central feature. According to the shipyard, more than 100 craftsmen work on the woodwork, surfaces and finishes. CDP refers to the regional tradition of Italian furniture craftsmanship that characterises the yachts' interiors.
Pardo Yachts: The step into the motorboat market
With Pardo Yachts, Cantiere del Pardo ventured into the motorboat market in 2017. The brand was to transfer the experience gained from building sailing yachts to a new segment: modern motor yachts with clear lines, open deck layouts and high design standards.
Pardo now comprises three series. The walkaround models P38, P43 and P50 form the core of the brand. The Endurance line with the 60- and 72-feet-models is designed more for longer stays on board. In between is the GT serieswhich combines elements of dayboat, cruiser and motor yacht.
In just a few years, Pardo has become an important growth driver in the Cantiere del Pardo portfolio.
VanDutch: Exclusivity as its own segment
The latest addition to the brand portfolio is VanDutch Yachts. The Dutch brand joined Cantiere del Pardo in 2020 and is recognised as an independent design brand in the luxury motor yacht segment under 80 feet.
VanDutch is deliberately positioned exclusively. Marketing takes place via so-called VanDutch Centres in selected locations, including Lake Garda, Saint-Tropez, Miami, the Balearic Islands and Amsterdam. With the VanDutch 75 a new flagship was also announced.
The acquisition adds a brand to CDP's portfolio that is more strongly tailored to lifestyle, design and urban luxury destinations.
Sustainability becomes part of the brand strategy
Alongside design, craftsmanship and brand management, Cantiere del Pardo is increasingly focussing on the concept of sustainability. The shipyard refers to a strategy to reduce materials with a negative impact, to supply chain control and to the special responsibility of a company whose products are directly linked to the marine ecosystem.
With Grand Soleil BLUE, CDP is attempting to translate this claim into a concrete product promise. The concept is intended to show how the construction of modern yachts can be combined with a development approach that is more focussed on sustainability.
More than just a boat: the owner community
Another component of the strategy is the community surrounding the brands. Exclusive regattas, events and presentations are designed to keep owners loyal to the shipyard even after the purchase. This idea plays a particularly important role for Grand Soleil.
Cantiere del Pardo is thus following a trend that is becoming increasingly important in premium yacht building: The purchase of a yacht does not end with the handover. Brand loyalty is increasingly created through events, personal contacts, service offers and the feeling of being part of an exclusive network.