Grand Soleil 35 (Jezequel) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Grand Soleil 35 was conceived during a period when Cantiere del Pardo, founded by Giuseppe Giuliani Ricci, was rapidly expanding its influence in the performance cruising market. The shipyard's ethos, then as now, revolved around fusing robust performance with distinctive Italian design excellence and exceptional craftsmanship, utilizing innovative technologies and high-quality materials in their construction.

Alain Jézéquel, known for a series of successful Grand Soleil designs including the later GS 343, 39, and 46, was entrusted with the design of the Grand Soleil 35 to create a "fast, marine" yacht for the early 1980s. His design for the 35 delivered a vessel described as "solid and balanced," aiming for both seaworthiness and an enjoyable sailing experience. While there is a mention of a "long stern" version in some discussions, significant formal variations like MkI/MkII were not broadly documented during its production period.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Grand Soleil 35 (Jezequel) is characterized by its moderate displacement and responsive handling, attributes that contribute to its enduring appeal as a performance cruiser. With a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 218.42, she falls firmly into the moderate displacement category, indicating a yacht capable of comfortable cruising while retaining good speed potential. Her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of 15.90 suggests decent light-air performance for a boat of her type, meaning she can keep moving even in lighter breezes, while still offering a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio stands at around 32.7%. While on the lower side for stiffness compared to some dedicated racers, this ratio, combined with her overall design, still contributes to a stable feel on the water. Owners and reviewers often describe the Grand Soleil 35 as "solid and balanced," highlighting her predictable behavior and stability, which are further enhanced by her maximum beam being amidships and a protected spade rudder. This rudder configuration typically provides excellent control and maneuverability. Overall, the boat is known for being enjoyable to sail, offering a blend of speed and confidence-inspiring handling.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior specifications for the Grand Soleil 35 (Jezequel) are less common in public records, it is known that the yacht typically features a two-cabin layout, designed for comfortable cruising. Interiors of these vintage Grand Soleils, generally, are noted for being well-maintained in many renewed examples. Drawing from the general reputation of Grand Soleil yachts of this era, the interior likely features quality craftsmanship with thoughtful use of materials, often incorporating warm wood finishes for a classic marine aesthetic.

A typical layout for a cruiser of this size and era would include a forward V-berth cabin, a main salon with settees that may convert into berths, a galley, and a head compartment. Though no precise headroom figure is available for this model, Grand Soleil typically prioritizes comfortable living spaces. The galley is expected to be functional for coastal cruising, potentially featuring a stove, oven, and refrigeration, consistent with other Jezequel-designed Grand Soleils of the period, such as the Grand Soleil 39. Overall, the accommodations are designed to provide a comfortable and practical living environment for extended periods on board.