Grand Soleil 46 (Jezequel) Information, Review, Specs

The Grand Soleil 46 (Jezequel) entered production in 1984, continuing until 1989, with approximately 91 units built. Its creation aligned with Cantiere del Pardo's established ethos, a shipyard founded in 1973 by Giuseppe Giuliani Ricci, with a vision to craft sailing yachts embodying Italian design excellence and robust performance. Throughout its history, Grand Soleil has been committed to fusing performance, elegant design, and exceptional craftsmanship, appealing to sailors who prioritize both speed and style.

Alain Jezequel, the esteemed designer behind this particular Grand Soleil 46, was known for his "ingenious" designs that consistently delivered excellent sailing capabilities. His work on models like the Grand Soleil 39 and 35 further cemented his reputation for creating high-class sailing yachts that harmonized performance and aesthetics. While the core design remained consistent, the Grand Soleil 46 saw minor variations during its production run, encompassing different interior layouts, rigging options, keel configurations, and subtle hull shape adjustments.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Grand Soleil 46 (Jezequel) lives up to its heritage as a performance cruiser, exhibiting characteristics that translate into a rewarding sailing experience. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 22.18, she is a high-performer, particularly adept at handling light air conditions. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.415 indicates a stiff and stable vessel, well-equipped to stand up to stronger winds and maintain her composure in a seaway. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of approximately 229 places her in the category of moderately heavy performance cruisers, suggesting a solid feel and comfortable motion without sacrificing speed.

Anecdotal reports consistently praise the Grand Soleil 46 for its "excellent sailing" capabilities and overall high performance. Owners describe her as "very stable" with good righting capability, instilling confidence on the water. The deck layout is often noted for its practicality, making the boat manageable for a solo skipper while also accommodating a crew effectively.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Grand Soleil 46 (Jezequel) is recognized for its "ingenious and refined" design, reflecting Cantiere del Pardo's commitment to combining comfort with quality. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the overall layout typically emphasizes efficient use of space. Common configurations include a three-cabin arrangement with two heads, providing ample privacy and comfort for longer cruises.

The interior finish generally features high-quality materials, often incorporating wood trim that aligns with the builder's reputation for "best in class" furnishings. Descriptions suggest a well-appointed main saloon, a functional galley, and comfortable sleeping quarters, indicative of the thoughtful design expected from Grand Soleil. The cockpit often features L-shaped settees, enhancing comfort and usability for both sailing and relaxation. Overall, the interior is designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and practical for extended periods aboard.