The race version is equipped with four winches in the cockpit and two on the coachroof and fitted with a fixed bowsprit. A carbon rig is possible. As a performance cruiser, the Grand Soleil 40 is configured with four winches and a self-tacking jib, the rail of which is recessed; instead of a traveller, there is only a fixed point for the foot block of the mainsheet. In any case, the boat is equipped with a single rudder. The keel is available in three draughts.
The design is based on that of the successful Grand Soleil 44, which won the last ORCi World Championship. However, according to designer Polli, even more attention has been paid to a balanced buoyancy distribution of the hull with increasing lean angle. The bow shape was kept slim for good sailing characteristics in light winds and waves. This means that Cantiere del Pardo is not following the trend towards voluminous foreships.
The interior has two aft cabins and one or two heads, there is no more variation. The galley is installed parallel to the port side and is quite spacious. The passageway between the galley and seating area is kept wide so that sails can be stowed and packed well during a regatta. The light-coloured interior design comes from Nauta Design and is intended to be both contemporary and of high quality.
The shipyard has not yet announced a price. Trade fair premiere is in Cannes in autumn
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Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT
