Cantiere del Pardo, the renowned Italian shipyard, has proudly introduced its flagship model, the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise (GS Plus 80 LC), measuring an impressive 24 meters. The production of the first hull is already underway, with an anticipated delivery in 2026.
This new flagship model follows the successful launches of the Grand Soleil 65 and Grand Soleil 72, marking a significant milestone as it debuts the yard’s “Plus” line—an exclusive series of sailing yachts designed for those who seek vessels longer than 18 meters. The shipyard emphasizes that the GS Plus 80 LC has been specifically crafted for “discerning sailors who yearn for extended voyages in complete comfort and safety.” Additionally, there’s a performance version available for those looking to maximize their sailing experience.
The design vision for the flagship sailing model comes from Cantiere del Pardo in collaboration with naval architect Matteo Polli. The exterior styling, interior design, and layout have been artistically crafted by the talented team at Nauta Design. Many successful design elements from the yard’s smaller models have been expertly integrated into this new creation, thanks to the same skilled team behind them.
The hull of the GS Plus 80 LC has been meticulously engineered to ensure an optimized racing pedigree. It features a sleek, narrow bow for smooth water entry, gradually widening towards the stern to maximize internal space and livability below deck. This vessel promises a beautiful fusion of comfort and aesthetics while being designed for exceptional performance under sail through its robust sail plan, which offers noteworthy versatility.
Accommodating up to eight guests, the yacht boasts four cabins. The forward master cabin includes a walk-around bed, forward-facing views, and an en suite bathroom, while the three guest cabins can be arranged as double, twin, or Pullman-style beds. For those who prefer a more compact experience, a three-cabin layout option is also available. Additionally, a crew of four will find comfortable quarters in two dedicated cabins, complete with separate access for ease and privacy.
For the first hull, the interior will feature warm oak furnishings. However, the design scheme for the GS Plus 80 LC remains highly customizable, allowing each owner to tailor the living space to their preferences.
The main saloon, highlighted by the shipyard as a space that “immediately captures the eye and serves as the central hub of life on board,” is both spacious and filled with natural light, thanks to large windows. It includes a generous L-shaped sofa and a separate dining area, enabling guests to fully enjoy panoramic views from their seats.
Read about –67m CRN Motor Yacht Amor à Vida Launched
In a thoughtful design choice by Nauta, the twin helm stations include lateral wing islands that double as comfortable seating for extended passages while ensuring excellent visibility. This is just one of the many details designed with the user’s experience in mind; the central cockpit is also distinctly separated from the maneuvering area, creating a welcoming environment ideal for shared moments, whether at anchor or cruising.
Interestingly, the first hull of the GS Plus 80 LC will not include a tender garage. Instead, this space is repurposed for other utilities, such as housing a freezer or a washing machine, enhancing the practicality of the yacht.
The yacht will be equipped with twin rudders and a telescopic keel, facilitating a variable draft ranging from 2.8 to 4.8 meters. This feature not only improves control in challenging weather conditions but also allows for convenient access to shallow ports and anchorages. For traditionalists, there is also an option for a single-rudder configuration for the 24-meter model.
This exciting unveiling follows the recent introduction of Cantiere del Pardo’s 22.8-meter flagship motor yacht, the GT75, which made waves in the industry following Marcello Veronesi’s appointment as CEO last September.