GS Plus 80 Long Cruise: Grand Tourer, Grand Ambitions

The city of Fano provided the backdrop for a historic moment for Cantiere del Pardo: the launch of the first Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise unit, celebrated in the presence of the owner and his family. The launch of this new 26.2-meter yacht marks a key milestone in the shipyard’s unstoppable growth path as it decisively enters the high-end maxi sailing yacht segment, further strengthening its leadership in the Made in Italy boating industry and bringing the moment of delivery to its fortunate owner significantly closer.

Design, Performance and Versatility

The GS Plus 80 Long Cruise is the new flagship of the Plus line and the largest yacht ever built under the Grand Soleil Yachts brand. Born from Cantiere del Pardo’s in-house concept and developed with naval architecture by Matteo Polli, this maxi yacht embodies the perfect blend of style, performance, and long-range cruising capability. The project was created to meet the needs of a broad and diverse clientele: those seeking comfort and ease of handling while cruising can take advantage of the telescopic keel, while those looking for a more sporty and high-performance approach can choose the Performance version with a fixed keel and various draft options.

The hull lines have been designed to ensure long, safe passages without ever sacrificing the pleasure of sailing. The fine bow ensures a smooth and efficient entry even in rough seas, while the maximum beam carried aft guarantees stability, generous interior volumes, and spacious, livable deck areas.

The first unit is equipped with twin rudders and a telescopic keel, with a variable draft ranging from 2.8 to 4.8 meters—a solution that combines performance with accessibility, even in harbors or bays with shallow waters.

The sail plan also reflects this versatility: the carbon mast and V-boom allow for different configurations, from the use of furling gennakers and Code Zero sails to the installation of a staysail on an optional forestay. This solution allows the GS Plus 80 Long Cruise to glide effortlessly across the water in light winds as well as tackle more demanding passages, in full bluewater spirit.

“Seeing the GS Plus 80 Long Cruise finally in the water is a great emotion – comments Franco Corazza, Project Manager of the Plus line – In true Grand Soleil tradition, the entire construction process is carried out in-house, from lamination all the way to launch. This allows us to guarantee the highest quality standards, thanks to the experience of our team and the use of advanced construction technologies. This yacht fully represents our vision: to offer a vessel capable of combining performance, comfort, and reliability, designed for those who want to sail far and experience the sea without compromise”.

The interiors of the new GS Plus 80 Long Cruise

The exterior lines and the layout of the interior spaces bear the signature of Nauta, which has elegantly and contemporarily interpreted the family feeling of the range, optimizing both functionality and the interior layout.

On deck, the cockpit extends seamlessly from the coachroof to the stern area, with wide seating integrated into the bulwarks and a dining area equipped with twin tables. Moving aft, the spaces transform into relaxation and sunbathing areas, while the zone near the mainsheet traveler provides convenient access to the water during anchorage stops. All running rigging is led back to the helm stations, leaving the deck perfectly clear and safe, while the twin helm positions ensure full control and visibility on every point of sail.

The beating heart of life on board is the large central saloon, exceptionally bright thanks to the expansive coachroof glazing and the hull windows, which offer uninterrupted views of the sea. The interiors of the GS Plus 80 Long Cruise combine elegance and contemporary style with warm woods, fine fabrics, and light tones.

The sleeping quarters include an owner’s suite forward with a private bathroom and a walk-around double bed, three guest cabins, and two crew cabins with independent access from the working cockpit, ensuring maximum privacy for guests.

Following the launch, the yacht will enter its final outfitting phase and undergo a sea trial program of approximately 1,500 miles before heading to Porto Cervo, Sardinia, where it will be showcased at the Grand Soleil Cup 2026 from May 21 to 23.

Meanwhile, a second GS Plus 80 unit in the Performance version is already under construction, with delivery scheduled by the end of 2026.

Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise – FAQ