Even on closer inspection, there are hardly any significant external differences to the larger sister Grand Soleil 46 LC, with which the shipyard in the Italian boatbuilding stronghold of Forli launched the new blue water line in 2015 (test in YACHT 14/2015). In terms of appearance, design, deck layout and equipment on deck, the sisters are almost identical twins. The only difference is that the new ship, the 42 LC, is a good metre shorter.
Nevertheless, the concepts differ. The shipyard will now offer two basic versions of the 42 LC. The standard version is still aimed at touring sailors and is equipped for relaxed, safe cruising with a carbon fibre targa bar above the cockpit, a self-tacking jib and two additional storage boxes aft, which also serve as seats for the helmsman. In the Sport version, the same boat is equipped with a higher rig and rod shrouds. In this case, the targa bracket is also omitted and a traveller for the mainsheet guide is installed in the cockpit floor instead. And instead of the self-tacking jib, a genoa with a short overlap of 106 per cent is planned. For the larger sister Grand Soleil 46 LC, the shipyard can basically offer the same options, but these are not specifically bundled in packages. The carbon fibre bowsprit is already included in the standard scope of delivery for both versions. Either a gennaker or a code zero can be attached to it. The trunk also serves as an anchor bracket.
Halyards, sheets and all trim lines are also redirected below deck from the mast foot to the trim stations directly in front of the steering columns and operated there on two large winches, for which there are also electric drives. This means that the cockpit remains unobstructed for guests and the helmsman can also operate the functions in his working area himself. YACHT has already emphasised the good single-handed capability of the 46 LC in its test. However, it was also pointed out that the two winches are very close together and close to the stopper battery. For this reason, the sheet guides must be well organised and prepared for smooth manoeuvres. This will be no different on the new ship due to the identical cockpit layout.
The layout below deck of the 42 LC is also essentially the same as that of its larger sister. The standard layout here is also three cabins and two very generously proportioned heads, each with its own shower area. Alternatively, the shipyard can enlarge the aft cabin on the starboard side and move the longitudinal bulkhead aft. In this case, the second aft cabin is removed to make way for a large forecastle. If desired, the galley can also be enlarged or the extra space can be used as a walk-in wardrobe or technical room. The customer has a free choice here.
The first ship will be ready in September 2019 and is intended as a premiere for the Trade fair in Cannes announced. Since this spring, Diamond Yachts in Laboe has been the official sales partner for Grand Soleil in Germany. Dealer Dines Pontoppidan quotes a base price of 367,700 euros gross. By comparison, the Grand Soleil 46 LC, which is around one metre larger, currently costs 451,000 euros including 19 percent VAT.
The first model of the new cruising line from Cantiere del Pardo in Italy tested by YACHT tv
Read the detailed test of the Grand Soleil 42 LC from YACHT 05/2020 here!
