Sea trial for the new Grand Soleil Plus 80 LC: here is the quintessence of beauty.

Grand Soleil Plus 80 LC Sea Trial

It is hard not to be ecstatic about the sensations transmitted through the wheels of the Grand Soleil Plus 80. Despite the weight and volume of this 26-meter (85-foot) yacht, the boat moves with surprising agility. All lines and controls are smartly led back near the helm stations, making the handling of this giant surprisingly simple and manageable even for a shorthanded crew. This is indisputably proven by the crew of three (including the chef) who are preparing to manage her for the upcoming charter season.

Our day out began with light air, with winds fluctuating between 6 and 7 knots and only briefly exceeding 10. Yet, we consistently sailed upwind at speeds close to or exceeding the true wind speed. Helm response is astonishing; the twin rudders guarantee an impeccable grip on the water, even as the heel angle increases. The Grand Soleil Plus 80 moves through the waves beautifully—the hull of this sailing superyacht cuts through the sea naturally, delivering absolute comfort.

As we cracked off, our speed rose. Even in these light wind conditions and without hoisting the Gennaker, the GPS frequently hit double digits—truly impressive for a sailing yacht weighing over 41 tons.

However, to fully grasp the potential of this flagship, it is essential to analyze the polar curve data, calculated specifically for the test boat, which features a carbon mast and a telescopic keel.

As you can easily see, when the true wind hits 12 knots, the Grand Soleil Plus 80 LC develops significant speed, both upwind and, naturally, when cracking off to a beam reach or a broad reach. The diagram also highlights how hoisting the Gennaker coaxes even more speed out of the boat.

Returning to our sea trial, it is important to note that despite the high speeds, the feeling in the cockpit remains one of total safety. The reactions of this sailing yacht are always progressive and measured—a behavior that confirms Cantiere del Pardo and Matteo Polli have hit the bullseye. They have created a mile-munching machine capable of sailing fast (very fast) anywhere in the world, in grand comfort and absolute safety.

There were 12 of us on board, but thanks to the layout of the central guest cockpit—a true open-air lounge—the sheer amount of available space made it feel like there were only four. Even when the boat heels, this space remains completely free of running rigging, meaning there is always a spot to sit or lie down comfortably. The ergonomics engineered into this sailing superyacht are remarkable, a testament to the extensive research by Nauta Design.

Finally, the performance of the hybrid platform developed by Torqeedo is well worth noting. Generating an impressive 100 kW of power, it allowed us to motor at cruising speeds of 10 knots and beyond. This electric motor draws power from two 40 kWh battery packs, which also act as the energy reserve for all onboard hotel loads. For long-range cruising, two 45 kW generators ensure rapid recharging and virtually unlimited range.

Deck and Sail Plan: Power and Easy Handling

The GS Plus 80 LC boasts a sail plan designed to dominate any weather conditions, with a standard sail area of 400 m². The technological heart of the rig lies in the carbon mast, complemented by a V-boom that dramatically simplifies managing the large 228 m² mainsail. Forward, the setup features a 172 m² jib (with a 143 m² self-tacking option) and a massive 290 m² Code 0. The bowsprit—another masterpiece—also allows for rigging two gennakers, one of which reaches 600 m². A radical innovation on board is the centralized hydraulic system that manages all deck maneuvers, from the winches to the mast functions. This eliminates individual dedicated electric motors, saving weight and keeping the deck extremely clean. The operational areas are relegated aft. Here, the Nauta-designed “wing islands” stand out: ergonomic side seats near the steering stations that offer an unparalleled view of the jib telltails, allowing for comfortable steering during long crossings.