Cantiere del Pardo conquers the 2026 Venice Boat Show with Pardo Yachts, VanDutch, and Grand Soleil
The 2026 edition of the Venice Boat Show once again welcomed Cantiere del Pardo, which brought a representative selection of its power and sail ranges to the Arsenale della Serenissima from May 27 to 31. This marked a significant return for the Italian shipyard, confirming its commitment to maintaining a strong presence at one of the most strategic events in the Mediterranean marine industry. The highlights of the showcase were the Pardo Yachts, VanDutch Yachts, and Grand Soleil Yachts lines, featuring models designed to interpret different yachting philosophies—ranging from sporty walkarounds and long-range cruisers to racing sailboats—captivating the crowds that packed the show.
The Venetian Debut of the Pardo 43
Among the most well-received highlights at the Venetian show was the local debut of the new Pardo 43. Already introduced at major international events earlier this season, this yacht embodies the brand’s stylistic identity: sleek lines, sculpted topsides, the iconic vertical bow, and an exterior layout designed to prioritize socializing on board. The walkaround features wide side decks, large sunpads forward and aft, and a spatial arrangement tailored for day boating and short cruises.
The spacious, modular cockpit seamlessly integrates with the swim platform and the central living area, which can quickly transform from a dining space into a lounge. Below deck, refined interiors boast a contemporary design and high-end finishes, with configurations that emphasize comfort and natural light. Performance-wise, the model retains the sporty DNA of the Pardo range, delivering a dynamic and stable ride even at top speeds—as we experienced firsthand during our recent sea trial of the Pardo 43.
Pardo Endurance 72: Cantiere del Pardo’s Take on Long-Range Cruising
Alongside the Pardo 43 was the Pardo Endurance 72, the flagship of the Endurance line, which embodies a radically different philosophy compared to the brand’s classic walkarounds. The Endurance 72 was designed for owners focused on long-distance cruising who demand efficiency, comfort, and extended range. While the design retains Pardo Yachts’ signature elements, it introduces significantly larger volumes and a different layout.
A key aspect of this model is the seamless connection between the interior and exterior. Large glass surfaces enhance visual continuity and natural lighting, while the main living areas are developed on a single level to improve livability and the flow of movement on board. The aft beach club, the panoramic flybridge, and the lounge areas spread across the bow and cockpit complete a layout tailored for extended stays at sea. The IPS propulsion systems help reduce fuel consumption and noise levels while maintaining high cruising performance.
VanDutch 48 Confirms Its Role as a Style Icon
The Venice show also featured the VanDutch 48, one of the most iconic models from the Dutch brand owned by Cantiere del Pardo. With its minimalist profile, clean surfaces, and essential design that has redefined the day cruiser segment in recent years, the VanDutch 48 remains one of the most recognizable boats on the market.
The layout prioritizes open-air living, featuring a large aft sunpad, a central dining area protected by the hardtop, and a deck free of unnecessary clutter. Its performance hull and intuitive use of space make it particularly well-suited for coastal and lagoon cruising. Below deck, the model maintains VanDutch’s signature minimalist approach, offering clean yet refined spaces designed for day trips or weekend getaways.
Grand Soleil’s Racing Soul in Venice
On the sailing front, the Grand Soleil Yachts area was managed by dealer BS Nautic and hosted two performance-oriented models: the Grand Soleil 52 Performance and the Grand Soleil 44Performance. Both models were designed to blend racing competitiveness with cruising comfort.
Grand Soleil GS44 Performance
The 52P stands out for its hull optimized for high-performance offshore sailing, a generous sail plan, and a weight distribution engineered to ensure balance and control even in the most challenging conditions. The interior maintains an elegant and functional layout with ample living space. Meanwhile, the 44P is one of the most versatile platforms in the Grand Soleil range, highly regarded both on the ORC racing circuits and by sports-cruising owners. The model combines structural lightness, precise helm control, and deck solutions designed for easy shorthanded maneuvering.
Grand Soleil GS52 Performance
Venice Becomes Increasingly Central to the Mediterranean Marine Scene
Cantiere del Pardo’s participation confirmed the growth of the Venice Boat Show as a strategic platform for the international marine market. In recent years, the event has consolidated its place on the European and Mediterranean calendars, highlighting the relationship between yachting, the city, and maritime culture.
For Cantiere del Pardo, its presence at the Arsenale also provided an opportunity to present a comprehensive vision of its production, spanning from performance sailing to luxury power yachts, all while maintaining a highly recognizable design identity.
Cantiere del Pardo at the 2026 Venice Boat Show – FAQ
Which models did Cantiere del Pardo present at the 2026 Venice Boat Show?
The lineup on display included the Pardo 43, the Pardo Endurance 72, the VanDutch 48, and the Grand Soleil 52P and 44P.
Where and when did the 2026 Venice Boat Show take place?
The event was held at the Venice Arsenale from May 27 to 31, 2026.
What features distinguish the new Pardo 43?
The model features a modern walkaround layout, spacious outdoor living areas, a contemporary design, and sporty performance.
Alessandro Giuzio
Alessandro is a professional journalist and contributes to The International Yachting Media since 2022. He is an expert on the sea and of course on boats.