Hull and Construction
Cantiere del Pardo built the Grand Soleil 35 at Pardo Shipyard with a solid fiberglass hull and deck. An internal galvanized steel grid supports the keel, shrouds, and mast loads.
The fin keel carries 3,968 pounds of iron ballast. Displacement is near 12,125 pounds, giving a ballast ratio of 32.7 percent and grounding the boat as a cruising platform. The deep bow and fine entry contribute to seaworthy behavior, while the modest stern avoids the bloated transoms associated with IOR designs.
Rig and Handling
The Grand Soleil 35 is a masthead sloop with 526 square feet of sail area. Its moderate rig is paired with a hull tuned for passage speed. A 29.16-foot waterline and 7.24-knot hull speed suit offshore work. Classic Boat describes the design as a fast and seaworthy cruiser.
The 11.55-foot beam and 5.9-foot draft, together with a spade rudder, aid manageable handling.
Accommodations and Auxiliary Power
The 3.52-meter beam provides interior volume without compromising the hull’s fine-lined form. Water capacity is 80 gallons, compared with 24 gallons of diesel, favoring time aboard over extended motoring.
The Volvo Penta MD2003 is a modest 28-horsepower auxiliary for harbor work.
The Verdict
Jézéquel’s hull avoids rating-rule compromises and remains elegant decades later. Cantiere del Pardo’s construction is serviceable. Overall, the Grand Soleil 35 is a coherent, fast, and seaworthy cruiser untainted by IOR.
Pros
- Hull designed outside IOR logic, without racing compromises
- Fine lines, deep bow, modest stern, and intelligent design
- Fast and seaworthy, according to Classic Boat
- Solid fiberglass construction with an internal steel grid
Cons
- 24-gallon fuel capacity limits auxiliary range
- Modest stern provides less volume aft
