Grand Soleil 65 Performance: the sporty evolution is more elegant and faster than ever

The Long Cruise version was a big success, but that wasn’t enough for Cantiere del Pardo. The brand’s ambition is to constantly outdo itself, and that’s exactly what it’s done with the launch of the new Grand Soleil 65 Performance. This is the sportier evolution of a model already praised for its elegance, build quality, and comfort—and now it promises even more speed and responsiveness under sail.

The Grand Soleil 65 Performance combines sleek lines, a low-profile deckhouse, and an optimized sail plan to deliver high performance without sacrificing onboard comfort. After making its world debut at the Palma International Boat Show last May, the Grand Soleil 65 Performance is now back in the spotlight with this official release, complete with an exclusive photo shoot by Fabio Taccola set against the stunning backdrop of the Argentario coast.

The GS 65 Performance is part of Grand Soleil’s Plus Line, dedicated to models over 60 feet. But “Plus” signifies more than just size, it embodies an evolved concept of excellence and owner-centric design, where the client is involved from the earliest stages of the project. Each yacht is the result of a collaborative process with a dedicated team, delivering a fully customized vessel built entirely in-house to the highest quality standards. From hull lamination to post-sales service, every detail is crafted to ensure exclusivity, performance, and a sailing experience like no other.

The development of the Grand Soleil Plus 65 Performance concept was overseen and refined by the expertise of Franco Corazza, project manager for the entire Plus Line. “The 65-footer is the result of a totally Made-in-Italy design process that brings together a team of professionals representing Italian excellence in the yachting sector – says Corazza – That means designer and ORC champion Matteo Polli for the naval architecture, Marco Lostuzzi for the structural design and Nauta Design for the general layout as well as the deck and interior design”.

These top-tier talents, combined with Cantiere del Pardo’s five decades of boatbuilding expertise, ensure the highest quality standards in design and construction of the new Grand Soleil Plus 65 Performance: a model developed around the needs of owners who appreciate a made-to-measure approach.

Last but not least, the Grand Soleil Plus 65 Performance, like any other yacht by Cantiere del Pardo, is designed to respect the marine environment in which it sails. The materials and construction methods implied yield low environmental impact and a high degree of recyclability: the teak, for example, derives from a sustainable supply chain, the glass is laminated for better insulation, the composite lamination uses linen and eco resins, the paints are water-based and solar panels provide renewable green energy.

The naval architecture of the Grand Soleil Plus 65 Performance

The hull is made by infusing epoxy-based vacuum vinylester resin into biaxial fiberglass and unidirectional carbon fabrics for a light, rigid and robust structure. The longitudinal and transverse structures and the load-bearing areas of the hull are laminated in fiberglass and stiffened with unidirectional carbon reinforcements. All the construction processes and onboard systems are tested and certified according to the most stringent quality controls.

Grand Soleil Plus 65 Performance’s naval architecture by Matteo Polli aims at hitting the same targets as its predecessor Grand Soleil Plus 72, but presented in a smaller size scale.

“The hull form, for example, maintains the pronounced V in the bow and low wetted surface of the Grand Soleil Plus 72 for less resistance, greater dynamic stability when heeling and better performance in light airs – says Polli – However, the overall geometry has been completely revisited to ensure a balanced weight distribution regardless of the different internal layouts. The hull is designed to perform at its best in the entire range of displacement, from lightship in racing conditions up to full load in cruising mode”.

In terms of sail plan, the mast is stepped well aft to maximize the size of the foretriangle. The distribution of sail area ensures excellent aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining a relatively low center of effort, which reduces heel. The rig is designed to be reefed while preserving optimal balance between hull and appendages, allowing the yacht to perform reliably in a wide range of wind and sea conditions. As standard, the Grand Soleil Plus 65 Performance is equipped with a self-tacking jib, ensuring safe and effortless sailing even with a short-handed crew. In fact, the yacht can easily be handled by an owner couple, without the need for additional crew.

A single rudder blade and an inverted T-shaped keel were chosen for the underwater appendages. The single rudder provides the best balance between maneuverability and performance in a range of conditions, including under power, while the inverted T-keel allows for reduced ballast weight without compromising stability and hydrodynamic efficiency. Multiple draft configurations are available, including the standard (3.5 m), shallow (3.0 m), and telescopic keel options.