Design and Construction
Lostuzzi developed a relatively light, stiff hull with a powerful shape. Its sheerline rises gradually toward the bow, while the hull carries a generous 4.50m beam and a deep single rudder.
The structural grid incorporates carbon in high-stress areas, including the chainplates and the top of the grid. Rather than being bonded directly to it, the saloon floor sits on an aluminium frame above the grid. The Performance version was built with Vinylester resin rather than epoxy.
The design and engineering allow lockers and furniture to be fitted modularly. This enables the same hull to accommodate three keel options, three sailplans, three cockpit layouts, and three choices of build material.
On deck, a fixed composite bowsprit incorporates the anchor roller. A wide, reassuring toerail has a scupper that channels water aft and overboard, while the flat side decks give the helmsman a steady perch.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
Tested off Portopiccolo in 4 to 13 knots of true wind, the 48P delivered the lively performance suggested by its sail area/displacement ratio of 24.0. With the all-important Code 0 flying, testers matched wind speeds as low as 4 to 5 knots. When the breeze briefly rose into double figures, the boat clocked 8.5 to 9 knots.
Sailing deep at 135 degrees to the true wind under the code sail, she still made 7 knots in 11 knots of breeze. Under jib alone, she maintained 6.5 to 7 knots in 9 to 11 knots.
The cruising deck layout, paired with a self-tacking jib, made it practical for one sailor to work the boat actively. A good space between the wheel and winches invites the driver to sit forward and trim. However, the split backstay can foul the helmsman’s head when standing in that position.
The other caveat from the trial was persistent weather helm. Lostuzzi suspected that the rig, as set up for the test, had too much rake.
Interior and Accommodation
Nauta Design created a clean-looking interior with plenty of natural light from multiple coachroof and hull portlights. The saloon seats eight around a fixed table, and both settee berths are long enough for sleeping. The standard version has no dedicated navstation, relying instead on a switchboard behind the starboard sofa.
The starboard cabin has twin berths and private access to a second heads. This includes a separate shower, a seat, and a wet hanging locker. Forward, stowage is genuinely good, with deep drawers beneath the central berth and raised lockers high along the hull sides.
Compared with the Race sister, the Performance version gains a larger L-shaped galley and considerably more stowage. Even so, the galley remains modest. It has a large resin worktop with fiddles and a two-burner stove, but limited room for pots and pans.
Cockpit and Stowage
Long cockpit benches flank a large fixed table. In keeping with Italian fashion, however, their backrests are rather low. There’s also little protection for seated crew beyond the sprayhood.
The cockpit bench lockers were sacrificed to provide more headroom in the aft cabins. That leaves only the central stern locker, though it’s large enough to hold an inflatable tender.
Known Issues
The split backstay intrudes into the helmsman’s space and can foul the head when someone stands forward of the wheel to trim. That’s a real nuisance on a boat whose deck layout encourages exactly that position.
The cockpit provides very little protection beyond the sprayhood, leaving the crew exposed in anything but calm conditions. The standard galley’s modest stowage and two-burner limitation will also matter to any owner expecting serious meal service at anchor. None of these shortcomings is a structural defect, but each affects how the boat works in daily use.
The Verdict
The Grand Soleil 48 Performance is a genuinely versatile sporty cruiser. It earns Lostuzzi’s “transformer” label through real choices in layout and equipment rather than marketing gloss. Despite its 25,353-pound displacement, it shows remarkable light-air pace, while its modular interior engineering lets buyers tailor the boat without commissioning a custom build.
The compromises are typical of the genre: limited cockpit protection, a minimalist galley in standard trim, and a backstay that demands care from anyone standing forward to trim.
Pros
- Light, stiff hull with carbon reinforcement at the chainplates and grid tops
- Strong light-air performance under Code 0, matching the speed of a 4 to 5 knot breeze
- Modular fit-out offering unusual customisation for a series-built yacht
- Nauta interior with saloon seating for eight and long settee berths
Cons
- Split backstay can foul the helmsman when standing forward to trim
- Minimal cockpit protection beyond the sprayhood
- Standard galley limited to two burners, with poor stowage for pots and pans
- No dedicated navstation in the standard layout
