GS 48 Performance : fast by name, by nature. Complete Sea trial

Sea trial for the new GS 48 Performance.

When a fast cruiser stems from the waterlines of its race version, it generates the inestimable quality of preserving excellent performance “tamed” by a simplified equipment that is specially designed for cruising.

This postulate finds absolute confirmation in the Cantiere del Pardo GS 48 Performance that we have just tested.

GS 48 Performance Sea Trial

After years elapsed between races on performing yachts and cruises on comfortable boats, I’ve learned to perfectly recognize the difference between these different types of boats.

While the second leads you to your destination in total comfort, the first one offers strong emotions during navigation.

The new GS 48 Performace, instead, combines the two different aspects. It is sufficient to steer her to realize that she is a comfortable, easy-to-manage and very fast boat.

The wind in the Gulf of Trieste is blowing about 12 knots and generates some light waves on the sea surface. Just the time to open the lazy bag where the mainsail is accommodated that we quickly hoist it and unroll the jib. Then, I start to sail close-hauled. The instrument marks a speed of 8 knots with a true wind angle of 55 degrees.

We’re running really fast.

In order to keep this sailing point, I bear away a little. The boat has a light natural tendency to luff as all well-balanced models do.

So, I slightly release the pressure I exert on the wheel with my hands and let the boat move alone.

The GS 48 Performance goes on sailing close to the wind while losing just a little speed.

At 50 degrees from the true wind (with a true wind of 30 degrees) we’re still running at over 7.5 knots, which is an excellent result, especially if we consider that the boat is equipped with a self-tacking jib.

But what amazes even more is the responsiveness and precision of the wheel as well as the capacity of the boat to transform the changes in the wind strength into speed.

With these premises, it is easy to luff and bear away and therefore maintain a top performance with a high average speed.

The mainsail trimmer today is the designer of the GS 48, Marco Lostuzzi, who leads us to the discovery of both the boat and its performance capabilities.

Tacking with this boat is an extremely easy maneuver on this boar. The jib is self-tacking and the mainsail has a fixed fairlead.

The GS 48 therefore remains always fast and stable.

The precision of the wheel contributes to maintain the sailing point steady and, when necessary, a complete set of electric easy-to-reach winches support the sail trimming operation.

Moreover, the boat is equipped with a furling Code 0 installed on the bowsprit.

The wind gets stronger and, with a 100-degree true wind angle, we are running at 10 knots.

The GS 48 Performance has no difficulty in such wind conditions.

At 150 degrees from the true wind, our instrument still marks 7.5 knots. It’s an excellent speed, achieved without using the gennaker.

The interiors of the GS 48 Performance

Fine and elegant, the interiors of the GS 48 Performance are designed by Nautica Design.

The boat layout is composed by a large central dinette, a master cabin with private bathroom and two astern cabins with one single bathroom that can also be used as a day toilet.

The maniacal attention to the detail finds confirmation in some remarkable details that can make the difference when staying on board.

Positioned under the big master bed, in addition to some lateral lockers, there is, for example, a wide storage compartment that is easily accessible without lifting the mattress.

Spacious and with a shower box, the master bathroom also includes an easy access to seacocks.

The bathroom reserved to the two astern cabins, instead, has a privileged access from the starboard one that is also the larger of the two cabins. This spacious area also accommodates a wardrobe where passengers can put their wet sailing jackets.

Even the dinette, flooded with natural light, features two interesting elements.

The first is the dining table that, positioned on the left, has a closing system that is not only easy to use but significantly reduces dimensions, allowing for a easy circulation between seats.

The second one is the the chart zone that, obtained from a table adjacent to the sofa, frees us much space in this environment.

The dinette is completed by a L-shaped galley that, equipped with tilting burners and a large sink, features two fridges: a cockpit one and a drawer one.

Moreover, a convenient waste compartment, through an opening on the hob, makes it possible to eliminate waste quickly and comfortably.

Conclusions

The Cantiere del Pardo GS 48 Performance we tested will appeal to all those who like sailing fast with little crew on board.

Moreover, the shipyard offers the possibility to implement some elements of the Race version (construction materials, deck equipment and interiors) in the Performance one (and vice versa).

This means that the possibility to establish a compromise between performance and comfort is at the discretion of the owner, which is a not inconsiderable detail.

GS 48 Performance – Performance Table

Performance detected with a wind between 14 and 14.5 knots, slightly rough sea, 6 passengers on board. The boat we tested was powered by a Volvo Sail Drive 74 HP engine with three-bladed propeller.

GS 48 Performance – Technical Specs

Grand Soleil Yachts