Grand Soleil 42 LC Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Grand Soleil 42 LC debuted in 2019, marking a significant addition to Cantiere del Pardo's celebrated lineup. As part of the Long Cruise series, her creation was driven by a philosophy focused on delivering "Blue Water" capable yachts that prioritize comfort, spaciousness, and substantial autonomy for extended periods at sea. Naval architect Marco Lostuzzi was responsible for her hull lines and structure, while the acclaimed Nauta Design studio crafted both her elegant deck and interior spaces. This collaboration reflects Grand Soleil's enduring commitment, as articulated by Cantiere del Pardo, to fuse performance, elegant design, and exceptional craftsmanship, embracing innovative technologies and high-quality materials in their construction processes.

The design features a fractional sloop rig, with an optional race version offering a taller mast for enhanced performance. The Grand Soleil 42 LC is also notable for offering two distinct deck configurations: one with a classic rollbar to maximize living space on deck, and a sportier version without the rollbar. This adaptability allows owners to tailor the yacht to their specific cruising preferences, reinforcing its identity as a versatile, "all-rounder" capable of both leisurely coastal cruising and more spirited regattas.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 45.44 feet, the Grand Soleil 42 LC is designed to deliver a harmonious blend of speed and stability. Her calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 19.89 indicates a yacht with good light-air performance, suggesting she will be responsive and capable of moving well even in lighter breezes. This is supported by anecdotal reports of her making 4 knots boat speed in just over 5 knots of true wind.

Her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, based on an approximate waterline length of 42.32 feet (12.90m hull length), comes in at around 279, classifying her as a medium-heavy displacement cruiser. This suggests a yacht with a comfortable motion in a seaway, suitable for offshore passages. The ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 0.285 indicates a design that balances stiffness with performance, relying on a modern bulb keel and spade rudder for efficient hydrodynamics. Owners and testers praise her respectable sailing performance and easy handling, noting her ability to point well and provide a smooth ride through waves. The mainsheet is led aft, simplifying trimming for ease of use.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Grand Soleil 42 LC, designed by Nauta Design, emphasizes comfort, generous spaces, and a high-quality finish, aligning with Grand Soleil's reputation for luxury performance cruising yachts. The yacht offers flexibility in its layout, available in a standard three-cabin configuration or an optional two-cabin setup, each typically featuring two heads.

While specific details on materials and ventilation require further owner input, the focus on "Long Cruise" functionality implies ample storage and well-thought-out living areas for extended periods aboard. Reviews often highlight the "quality of the interior" and overall "finish," suggesting a premium feel consistent with the Grand Soleil brand.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Grand Soleil 42 LC generally express high satisfaction with their vessels, frequently praising the boat's solid construction and impressive sailing abilities. The yacht's reputation for being easy to handle and performing remarkably well under sail contributes significantly to positive owner experiences. While the vessel is noted for being "expensive with complete equipment," this appears to be balanced by the perceived value in its solid construction and performance. The positive reception indicates that the Grand Soleil 42 LC effectively delivers on its promise as a versatile, comfortable, and capable yacht for long-distance cruising.