Grand Soleil 34 (Skyron) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The original Grand Soleil 34, designed by Cino Ricci, debuted as a prototype in 1977 and quickly became a market success for Cantiere del Pardo, with over 200 units produced by 1982. The Grand Soleil 34 (Skyron), introduced in 2018, marks a modern reinvention of this iconic model, carrying forward the legacy of performance and elegant Italian design. The builder, Cantiere del Pardo, has a long-standing reputation, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, built on a vision of creating sailing yachts that embody Italian design excellence and robust performance. Throughout its history, Cantiere del Pardo has consistently embraced innovative technologies and high-quality materials, with a design philosophy centered on a harmonious blend of comfort, quality, and performance.

The naval architecture for the 2018 Grand Soleil 34 (Skyron) was entrusted to Skyron Srl, with the goal of creating a "much faster one" compared to its predecessor, without ignoring comfort. The project aimed to deliver a modern performance cruiser that could excel in coastal racing while still being comfortable for cruising. This approach reflects Cantiere del Pardo's enduring commitment to producing luxury performance sailing and cruising yachts that offer uncompromised quality and thrilling sailing experiences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Grand Soleil 34 (Skyron) is engineered for spirited performance and responsive handling, characteristic of its racer-cruiser designation. With a reported sail area of 764.24 square feet and a displacement of 10,803 pounds, its Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) calculates to approximately 25.19. This exceptionally high ratio suggests excellent light-air performance, indicating the boat is easily driven and can accelerate quickly even in minimal breeze.

The boat's stability is further highlighted by its Ballast to Displacement ratio (B/D) of approximately 0.4489. With 4,850 pounds of ballast in a fin keel, this high ratio indicates significant stiffness and stability, allowing the Grand Soleil 34 (Skyron) to stand up to a greater amount of wind and carry its sail area effectively without excessive heel. This combination suggests a yacht that is not only fast but also secure and capable of handling varying sea states with confidence. The design incorporates dual rudders, which typically provide precise control and grip, especially when heeled, contributing to a balanced and responsive helm. Descriptions often characterize the boat as emphasizing performance, making it a lively and engaging vessel to sail, well-suited for both competitive coastal racing and exhilarating recreational sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

While the Grand Soleil 34 (Skyron) places a strong emphasis on performance, its interior design, a collaboration between Cantiere del Pardo and Skyron, ensures that comfort is not overlooked. As a sport cruiser, it is designed to offer practical and well-appointed accommodations for its size, making it suitable for short-term cruising and overnight stays. The boat typically features two guest cabins, providing private sleeping quarters.

Although specific details on headroom are not provided in the primary data, the overall design ethos of Grand Soleil suggests a high standard of finish and intelligent use of space. Modern Grand Soleils are known for combining aesthetic appeal with functional layouts, often featuring clean lines, quality materials, and effective lighting and ventilation. Based on the builder's reputation, the interior likely features a contemporary style with thoughtful details, maximizing the comfort and usability of the living spaces for a yacht of its size.