Italy’s Cantiere del Pardo has released the first comprehensive photos of its latest model launched to date. Shot by Fabio Taccola, the photoshoot perfectly captures the bluewater character of the new Grand Soleil 72 Long Cruise. This concept by Cantiere del Pardo features naval architecture designed by Matteo Polli, with exteriors, interiors, and layout by Nauta Design, a team of professionals that has been proven over the years.

Displaying all the sleek lines of the brand’s famously sporty DNA, the new boat offers an elegantly raised and lengthened deckhouse and a deeper, cozier cockpit thanks to the higher and more encompassing coamings compared to those on the Grand Soleil 72P. The all-important proportions have been preserved, alongside the sparkling performance – all allied to a supremely comfortable interior that can sleep up to eight in four cabins. These solutions are designed for long-distance sailing enthusiasts, allowing them to maneuver safely even with a reduced crew. Additionally, all onboard systems are state-of-the-art, enabling minimal fuel consumption and optimal resource management.

“We always intended to complete the Grand Soleil 72 project by designing and building an exceptional Long Cruise version,” said Franco Corazza, project manager for Grand Soleil’s fleet over 60ft. “Tradition and innovation have shaped this yacht, which blends the security of Grand Soleil’s years of experience in advanced composites with the reliability and sheer beauty od our Made in Italy partners. On the back of the success of the GS 72 Performance, where we’ve already sold four hulls, it is gratifying to have sold two of the Long Cruise too.”

More cruising volume

The differences between the two variants are deliberately subtle, but the most important is the raised deckhouse which creates valuable extra saloon space. This has two significant benefits for cruising. The first is new glazing which creates a 270-degree panoramic view from the saloon, whose 20 square metres is divided between a large eight-person dining table and an insanely comfortable, deep sofa to starboard.

The other is to permit an offset companionway so that the spacious cockpit can be reconfigured to create a bigger C-shaped sofa to port without sacrificing the twin sunbeds at its aft end. In this way, the Grand Soleil 72 LC is able to offer two exceptional social hubs – one on deck and the other below.

Technically, there is another advantage to this changed layout, as well. By raising the deckhouse roof and sole a little, greater technical space opens up underfoot. The electrical and mechanical systems that can be relocated here in turn open up useful space elsewhere around the boat. Impressively, all the additional cruising features add no more than 500kg to the displacement.

“The secret of the Grand Soleil 72 LC is the deck geometry that Nauta designed starting from the same cockpit levels of the Performance version, applied in a raised saloon version, with a coachroof featuring 270° panoramic view,” said Massimo Gino, Nauta co-founder. “That coachroof is so low and well proportioned that it doesn’t impact on the spectacular view from the cockpit to the surrounding environment, and it harmoniously integrates in the general look of the boat. Consequently, in the LC version the saloon level is closer to the cockpit than in the Performance version, making for an even more comfortable indoor-outdoor circulation.”

Born to amaze

Of course, all Grand Soleil yachts are firmly rooted in a long tradition of high performance, and the Grand Soleil 72LC is no exception. Her naval architecture is signed by Matteo Polli – Italian designer with extensive experience in the optimisation of race boats, including the current ORC world champion: the Grand Soleil 44. The hull is laid up using vacuum infusion in high quality epoxy-based vinylester and glass/carbon fibre and recycled PVC foam core.

Quality is second to none.

Combined with a powerful sailplan and an easy-to-manage deck layout, the Grand Soleil 72LC can produce good performance on long offshore passages. Polars indicate boat speeds well ahead of true wind speeds up to around 10 knots. Flying a big asymmetric, she will effortlessly broad reach at over 14 knots, but the sail trials also showed she was capable of 20-knot sleigh rides.

With her long bowsprit and carbon rig, the boat can carry a powerful sailplan – a fat-head main is an option, as well as a furling gennaker, Code sail and staysail. But the Long Cruise version of the boat is optimised for the light to medium winds that most cruisers will typically encounter in the Med. Sail handling is easy, thanks to the self-tacking jib and large electric sheet winches. What’s more, the sail controls are all led aft of the cockpit to the twin ergonomic helm stations, so that family or guests are free to enjoy the sailing without tangling with the lines.

Cozy and contemporary

As an Italian icon, Grand Soleil Yachts is fastidious about the styling of its yachts, turning once again to the renowned Nauta Design for the interior of the Grand Soleil 72LC. Long collaboration between the two firms has resulted in an instinctive understanding of the blend of elegance, comfort and practicality the long-range yachts demand. The natural volume of the design has been maximized by utilizing the incredible saloon space, while also offering intelligent storage solutions and complete domestic amenities. From its comfortable seats, you can enjoy wide ranging views through the deckhouse windows. Light also pours in through the glazed skylights.

Grand Soleil Yachts and Nauta have found a smart solution to the chart table conundrum, providing a deep shelf at the forward end of the saloon seating which converts easily from navigation station to desk or open storage. At the aft end of the saloon, a large flatscreen TV makes comfy movie nights a possibility.

There are two alternative galley configurations. Opt for an aft galley conveniently positioned to port, down a few steps from the dinette and cockpit. This is more akin to the traditional ocean-going galley, where everything is within easy reach. The other choice is a much larger galley forward that is half open to the saloon, enlarging the sense of space. This would be perfect for preparing a meal with family.

Either way, the master cabin is positioned forward, where it enjoys natural light across the beam of the boat and a greater degree of privacy. There is plenty of hanging space and storage here, as well as a beautifully appointed ensuite shower room and heads. As with the galley, two possible configurations are available for the owner's cabin: in one, the bed is placed in the traditional position with the headboard facing forward; in the other, the bed faces the cruising direction, with the bathroom relocated towards the bow. Two large guest cabins can be configured as spacious doubles or twins to suit, and both can be made ensuite as well. The captain can either take the fourth cabin, or a dedicated crew space at the bow.

The styling itself is sober, fresh and welcoming in a mixture of high quality upholstery, fine woods and stainless steel detailing. Three different palettes have been designed around a choice of either warm teak, dark walnut or limed oak. Understated and contemporary, the purity of the design language creates a sense of volume and coherence that makes the interior feel like a very welcoming space.

“This boat is a synthesis of all our craft and experience as a shipyard and it appeal to true sailors,” said Franco Corazza. “Our owners are not just looking for a boat, but are passionate about the entire journey with us, from design and construction to delivery. They value the fact that our team includes many pro sailors who are able to provide unparalleled advice. We call our owners true sailors because they are enthusiastic about the journey, not just the project.”