The Grand Soleil 65 Performance marks a new chapter in the Plus line

by Grand Soleil Yachts 29 Jun 00:38 PDT

Grand Soleil 65 Performance © Fabio Taccola

Following the success of the Long Cruise version, Cantiere del Pardo unveils the new Grand Soleil 65 Performance: the sportier evolution of a model already celebrated for its elegance, build quality, and onboard comfort.

Designed to deliver speed and responsiveness under sail, it blends sleek lines, a streamlined coachroof, and an optimized sail plan to ensure high performance without compromising the pleasure of life on board. Making its world premiere at the Palma International Boat Show last May, the Grand Soleil Plus 65 Performance now takes center stage once again with this official release, enriched by an exclusive photo shoot set against the stunning backdrop of the Argentario coast.

The GS 65 Performance is part of Grand Soleil's Plus Line, dedicated to models over 60 feet. But "Plus" signifies more than just size, it embodies an evolved concept of excellence and owner-centric design, where the client is involved from the earliest stages of the project. Each yacht is the result of a collaborative process with a dedicated team, delivering a fully customized vessel built entirely in-house to the highest quality standards. From hull lamination to post-sales service, every detail is crafted to ensure exclusivity, performance, and a sailing experience like no other.

The development of the Grand Soleil Plus 65 Performance concept was overseen and refined by the expertise of Franco Corazza, project manager for the entire Plus Line. "The 65-footer is the result of a totally Made-in-Italy design process that brings together a team of professionals representing Italian excellence in the yachting sector," says Corazza. "That means designer and ORC champion Matteo Polli for the naval architecture, Marco Lostuzzi for the structural design and Nauta Design for the general layout as well as the deck and interior design."

Grand Soleil 65 Performance - photo © Fabio Taccola

These top-tier talents, combined with the shipyard's five decades of boatbuilding expertise, ensure the highest quality standards in design and construction of the new Grand Soleil Plus 65 Performance: a model developed around the needs of owners who appreciate a made-to-measure approach.

Green Waves

Grand Soleil Plus 65 Performance, like any other yacht by Cantiere del Pardo, is designed to respect the marine environment in which it sails. The materials and construction methods implied yield low environmental impact and a high degree of recyclability: the teak, for example, derives from a sustainable supply chain, the glass is laminated for better insulation, the composite lamination uses linen and eco resins, the paints are water-based and solar panels provide renewable green energy.

Grand Soleil 65 Performance - photo © Fabio Taccola

Naval Architecture

The hull is made by infusing epoxy-based vacuum vinylester resin into biaxial fiberglass and unidirectional carbon fabrics for a light, rigid and robust structure. The longitudinal and transverse structures and the load-bearing areas of the hull are laminated in fiberglass and stiffened with unidirectional carbon reinforcements. All the construction processes and onboard systems are tested and certified according to the most stringent quality controls.

Grand Soleil Plus 65 Performance's technical design by Matteo Polli aims at hitting the same targets as its predecessor Grand Soleil Plus 72, but presented in a smaller size scale.

"The hull form, for example, maintains the pronounced V in the bow and low wetted surface of the Grand Soleil Plus 72 for less resistance, greater dynamic stability when heeling and better performance in light airs," says Polli. "However, the overall geometry has been completely revisited to ensure a balanced weight distribution regardless of the different internal layouts. The hull is designed to perform at its best in the entire range of displacement, from lightship in racing conditions up to full load in cruising mode."

In terms of sail plan, the mast is stepped well aft to maximize the size of the foretriangle. The distribution of sail area ensures excellent aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining a relatively low center of effort, which reduces heel. The rig is designed to be reefed while preserving optimal balance between hull and appendages, allowing the yacht to perform reliably in a wide range of wind and sea conditions. As standard, the Grand Soleil Plus 65 Performance is equipped with a self-tacking jib, ensuring safe and effortless sailing even with a short-handed crew. In fact, the yacht can easily be handled by an owner couple, without the need for additional crew.

A single rudder blade and an inverted T-shaped keel were chosen for the underwater appendages. The single rudder provides the best balance between maneuverability and performance in a range of conditions, including under power, while the inverted T-keel allows for reduced ballast weight without compromising stability and hydrodynamic efficiency. Multiple draft configurations are available, including the standard (3.5 m), shallow (3.0 m), and telescopic keel options.

Deck & Interior Design

Maximizing usable space: this was the guiding principle behind the deck and interior layout of the Grand Soleil Plus 65 Performance, developed by Nauta Design for Cantiere del Pardo. From volume distribution and ergonomics to stowage capacity, functionality, and detailing, everything has been conceived to match the standards typically seen in the superyacht world.

True to Grand Soleil tradition, the new Plus 65 Performance embodies that signature blend of sportiness and elegance. The coachroof is sleek and gently tapered, giving the yacht a low-profile, dynamic silhouette - in contrast to the LC version, which is characterized by its distinctive panoramic windows. On deck, the yacht features the latest Grand Soleil design language and refined detailing that speaks to the brand's sailing DNA. The deck layout is tailored for hands-on helming, with sail handling systems optimized for responsive, performance oriented sailing.

Grand Soleil 65 Performance - photo © Fabio Taccola

Below deck, the atmosphere is both refined and welcoming. The interior styling echoes the balance of elegance and functionality seen in the LC version, but with a significant innovation: the saloon has been lowered, bringing it closer to the level of the forward and aft cabins. This design solution improves flow and continuity throughout the interior, creating a more harmonious and connected onboard experience. All materials are carefully selected in partnership with the owner from the shipyard's exclusive range, and interpreted by Nauta through a palette of sophisticated tones and textures, each yacht reflecting a unique, bespoke character.

"With the Plus 65 Performance, our goal was to blend the performance-driven spirit of the line with the bespoke refinement that defines every Nauta Design project," explains Massimo Gino. "Our challenge was to convey a sense of motion and energy while preserving comfort, functionality, and style, values we've always shared with Grand Soleil."