Grand Soleil 40 (Polli) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Grand Soleil 40 entered production in 2022, representing a contemporary addition to Cantiere del Pardo's celebrated lineup of yachts. Naval architect Matteo Polli, known for his expertise in optimizing designs for racing success, particularly under ORC ratings, was engaged to create uncompromised hull lines aimed at maximizing performance and sailing qualities. Polli's philosophy for the Grand Soleil 40 focused on achieving lively and maneuverable sailing characteristics, while notably avoiding the latest trends of very broad forward sections. The design brief for the GS 40 was similar to that of its larger sibling, the GS 44, also designed by Polli.

Cantiere del Pardo, with its rich history dating back to 1973, instilled its characteristic ethos of Italian design excellence and robust performance into the Grand Soleil 40. The shipyard, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, consistently employs innovative technologies and high-quality materials, upholding its reputation for producing "luxury performance sailing & cruising yachts". The Grand Soleil 40 itself is available in both "Performance" and "Race" versions, catering to a spectrum of sailing ambitions. Furthermore, the design offers two additional keel options: a deeper 7.87 ft (2.4 m) draft, and shallower 6.89 ft (2.1 m) and 6.07 ft (1.85 m) drafts, with the 2.1m option specifically optimized for ORC racing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Grand Soleil 40 is engineered for exhilarating performance. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 21.9, she exhibits strong light-air performance, indicating that she will be responsive and able to accelerate well in lighter wind conditions. Her Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp) ratio of about 0.33 suggests a design choice favoring speed and responsiveness, though she may be more sensitive to gusts and require active helming compared to heavier, more ballasted cruisers. However, a low Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 124.2 categorizes her as a lightweight, performance-oriented vessel, suggesting she will be agile and capable of impressive speeds for her size.

Anecdotal reports from initial tests highlight her "very lively and manoeuvrable" sailing characteristics, demonstrating strong upwind capabilities and an easily handled nature. The uncompromised hull lines by Matteo Polli contribute significantly to her overall performance and balanced handling across various points of sail. Equipped with a bulb keel and a spade rudder, she offers precise control and efficiency through the water.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures for the Grand Soleil 40 are not provided in the detailed specifications, the interior and exterior design by Nauta Design suggests a focus on luxurious and optimized accommodation within the hull volume defined by Polli. Grand Soleil, known for "luxury interiors," ensures that the vessel maintains a high standard of finish and material use, typically incorporating a blend of modern composites with refined touches.

The interior layout of the Grand Soleil 40 typically features a comfortable owner's cabin, often located forward. An optional layout provides for a three-cabin, two-head configuration, offering flexibility for different cruising needs. The deck plan is described as neat and uncluttered, contributing to both aesthetics and ease of movement. While specific details on storage and ventilation would require more in-depth reviews, Grand Soleil's reputation for quality suggests well-considered solutions for comfort and liveability on board.