Design and Construction
The hull and deck use hand-laid, vacuum-bagged vinylester/e-glass composite over a foam core. Beneath them sits a massive galvanized stainless-steel grid. A formidable U-shaped steel stringer anchors the chainplates, while the standard 7-foot-6-inch tapered bulb keel carries a metal frame bolted directly to the internal steel structure.
Buyers could also choose an 8-foot-6-inch fin keel without a bulb or a 6-foot-6-inch shoal-draft bulb keel.
The Grand Soleil 43 displaces 19,621 pounds and carries 6,283 pounds of ballast. Its 32.0 ballast-to-displacement ratio and 169 displacement-to-length ratio place it firmly among modern lightweight performance cruisers. A sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 24.9 confirms that the rig is powerful for the boat’s displacement.
Rig, Deck, and Handling
A lofty, triple-spreader fractional Sparcraft rig rises above the low, clean, expansive coach roof and carries 1,130 square feet of sail. The deck hardware is comprehensive, with Harken blocks and winches, Spinlock clutches, Lewmar hatches, and a recessed Facnor furler.
The balanced rudder works through Solimar steering and a large, recessed destroyer wheel. Test sailors described the steering as light and feathery. An open-transom version with twin wheels was also available.
Under power, the 55-horsepower Volvo diesel, coupled to a saildrive and three-bladed fixed propeller, pushed the boat at 7.6 to 7.8 knots.
Accommodations
Interior designer Patrick Roséo was asked to create a layout that felt homey at anchor but remained ready for racing. He answered that brief with two main-saloon arrangements.
On the test boat, hull number 43, an L-shaped galley sat to starboard at the foot of the companionway, with the navigation station to port. The alternative layout put a straight-line galley to port and an expansive navigation station to starboard.
Forward, there’s a huge master stateroom and a generously sized owner’s head, where a folding glass panel contains the shower. Twin double cabins aft also serve as excellent sea berths offshore. In the saloon, a wraparound settee surrounds the dining table. Mahogany furniture and bulkheads were standard, with oak available as an alternative.
Known Issues
The same reviewer who praised the boat’s poise found the footing on the gelcoat deck somewhat tenuous. Teak decks were offered as an option specifically to address that concern.
The reviewer also noted that the outward-opening coach-roof ports sat directly in the path of the jib sheets when open.
The Verdict
The Grand Soleil 43 is a genuine performance cruiser from a respected Italian builder. It combines America’s Cup-proven design talent, a rigid steel-grid structure, and a versatile interior. It suits sailors who want racing lineage without giving up cruising comfort, though the slick gelcoat decks and coach-roof port placement call for care.
Pros
- Race-proven Botin & Carkeek design with a lofty, triple-spreader fractional rig
- Massive galvanized steel grid, with chainplate and keel loads anchored directly to the structure
- Two saloon layouts, a huge forward master stateroom, and twin aft doubles that work as sea berths
- Light, feathery steering from the balanced rudder and Solimar system
Cons
- Gelcoat deck footing described by the reviewer as somewhat tenuous
- Open coach-roof ports sit in the path of the jib sheets
