The Performance version with self-tacking jib, aluminium mast and the cruising-oriented "Easy Sailing" cockpit layout with sheets, halyards and trim lines consistently led aft is standard. This means that the cockpit remains largely unobstructed for guests sailing on board and is completely free of any functions for setting and trimming the sails.
The Race version of the boat is also available for demanding regatta sailors. This very sporty version can be equipped with either a jib or an overlapping genoa (106 percent) and, on request, with a higher and even more powerful rig made of carbon fibre. The layout in the cockpit is also very different. The halyards and trim lines are led to additional winches on the side of the companionway and operated there using powerful winches. And for trimming the genoa and mainsheet, primary and secondary winches are available on the side and behind the coaming. The layout is very consistently designed for handling with an experienced and ambitious regatta crew. In the race version, the carbon fibre bowsprit is also 90 centimetres longer than on the standard boat. The mainsheet is operated via a long and therefore very efficient traveller on the cockpit floor. The exact sail areas are still the subject of further calculations.
Regardless of the variants, the buyer must also decide on the type and size of keel. The standard T-keel with its strikingly long, slender and hardened lead bulb has a draught of 2.90 metres. Variants provide for reduced draughts of 2.30 metres or 2.70 metres. The keel shaft is made of steel and is encased in GRP profiles. The hull and deck of the Grand Soleil 52 are built as GRP sandwich constructions with a foam core and vinyl ester resin using the vacuum infusion process.
The interior layout remains essentially the same with the same variants: a layout with three double cabins is planned: The owner's cabin in the bow is equipped with a comfortable island bed and its own bathroom with separate shower area. The VIP cabin in the stern can be equipped with either a double bed or two single beds and has direct access to the large toilet room with shower cubicle. The shipyard is installing a third double cabin on the port side, also with its own en-suite bathroom directly accessible from the cabin. The galley is particularly generously planned to the side of the companionway, as an almost closed functional unit with large work surfaces and plenty of storage space.
The Grand Soleil 52 Performance is set to celebrate its world premiere at the Yachting Festival in Cannes in September 2024. The prices have not yet been announced by the shipyard.
Technical data Grand Soleil 52 Performance
- Designer: Matteo Polli Yacht Design
- Interior and exterior styling: Nauta Design
- Hull length: 16.20 m
- Overall length Performance (with bowsprit): 17,05 m
- Overall length Race (with bow bowsprit): 17,95 m
- Width: 5.15 m
- Standard draught: 2.90 m
- Draught variants: 2.30 m/2.70 m
- Weight: 16.5 tonnes
- Motorisation: built-in diesel Volvo Penta 75 hp/Saildrive
- Fuel capacity: 400 litres
- Fresh water capacity: 600 litres
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Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
