The Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise is the new flagship of the Plus line, which at Grand Soleil comprises the models above 60 feet.
After your First ditching At the beginning of April this year and after a few test runs by the shipyard, the new 80 passed its baptism of fire at the Grand Soleil Cup off Porto Cervo/Sardinia at the end of May. The yacht is set to make its official debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival from 8 to 13 September 2026. We were already on board off Porto Cervo.
The new Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise measures 26.20 metres overall and is 6.60 metres wide. She is aimed at owners who want to combine long journeys with a high level of comfort, safety and a noticeable sailing experience. However, the first unit was equipped by her owner with charter cruising in mind.
In-house construction and lots of carbon on board
The concept comes from Cantiere del Pardo. Matteo Polli is responsible for the hull lines, while Nauta is responsible for the exterior, interior and layout. According to the shipyard, the yacht was built entirely in-house, from lamination to launching.
The construction is based on a sandwich structure with epoxy-vinyl ester resin and vacuum infusion. Carbon reinforcements are used in highly stressed areas. The so-called in-place approach is also interesting: according to the shipyard, structural elements are customised to the final layout. This applies, for example, to different strongbacks for the keel options on offer.
Hull, keel and rudder for long legs
The hull shape combines narrow foredeck sections with more width aft. This should ensure a clean entry into the wave and at the same time create volume below deck. Polli describes the design as a balance of stability, payload and performance.
A special feature of the first unit is the combination of double rudder system and telescopic keel. The draught varies between 2.80 and 4.80 metres. This means that the yacht should offer control and performance on long journeys, while also being able to reach harbours and anchorages with less water depth.
Alternatively, Grand Soleil also offers the Plus 80 Long Cruise with a single rudder and various keel versions. Depending on the configuration, the draughts range from 2.40 metres to deeper versions.
Rig, deck layout and hybrid platform
The sail plan is based on a carbon mast and boom. A V-boom, into which the mainsail falls like a lazybag, is designed to make handling the mainsail easier, especially with a small crew. There is also a rod rig, fixed bowsprit and the option of using two gennakers: a classic nylon gennaker for light winds and a furling gennaker on an anti-torsion cable. Staysails and an optional inner forestay for a storm jib are also provided.
All running lines are led aft. This leaves the central cockpit area free and the working areas are clearly separated from the lounge areas. The side wing islands at the twin helm stations are designed to enable ergonomic seating and a good view of the headsails on long trips.
In terms of technology, the new flagship relies on a centralised hydraulic system for winches, mast functions, telescopic keel and trim settings. It also features a hybrid platform from Torqeedo. Two battery packs, each with 40 kilowatt hours, supply the electric drive and the on-board consumers. Two generators, each with 45 kilowatts, are provided for the long-distance configuration.
Lots of light, lots of volume and clear separation on board
Visually, the new Plus 80 Long Cruise follows on from the smaller models. GS Plus 65 LC and GS Plus 72 LC on. The raised deckhouse with large windows is striking. It is designed to provide 270-degree views, create more height in the interior and free up space for technology under the raised saloon floor.
Below deck, Grand Soleil emphasises a clear separation between guest and crew areas. The first unit is designed for the charter market with four guest cabins and two crew cabins. Alternatively, a layout with three guest cabins and two crew cabins is available. The owner's cabin is forward and has a free-standing bed and a private bathroom in the forward area.
The saloon is the central living area on board. The dining area is to starboard, with an L-shaped sofa opposite. The crew area, galley and chart table are located aft. This area has its own access so that the crew can move around without having to pass through the saloon or guest areas.
A tender garage has been dispensed with. Instead, the space freed up can be used for technical purposes, such as additional cooling capacity or a washing machine. Warm oak and high-quality textiles on the bulkheads were chosen for the interior.
Technical data of the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise
| Length over all | 26,20 m |
| Hull length | 23,99 m |
| Waterline length | 22,00 m |
| Width | 6,60 m |
| Standard draught | 3,95 m |
| Displacement, empty | 42,5 t |
| Fuel | 2000 l |
| Fresh water | 1300 l |
| Auxiliary motor | Yanmar 4LV250, 250 hp |
| Sail area | 400 m² |
| Design | Cantiere del Pardo |
| Naval Architecture | Matteo Polli |
| Exterior, interior, layout | Nauta |
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
