Cantiere del Pardo, the respected Italian yard founded in 1973, builds the new 52. It draws on the spirit of the original Grand Soleil 52, designed by German Frers in 1987, of which nearly 60 were built. Lighter materials, safer deck ergonomics, and a performance-oriented hull bring that legacy into the 21st century.
Design and Construction
Cantiere del Pardo builds the 52 Performance entirely in sandwich construction, using lightweight woods, marine plywood, and PVC foam cores. Composite bulkheads are structurally bonded to increase rigidity without adding unnecessary weight. Foam-cored panels and full-ply structural bulkheads help the boat meet its strict designed light weight of 16.5 tonnes.
Polli’s hull lines carry volume aft for stability and power. The hull’s form stability also reduces the need for excessive ballast.
Two configurations are available: an easy-to-manage Performance trim and an upgraded Race setup. Both use the same hull but differ significantly in their optimization. In this case, the Performance designation refers to a sleek coachroof rather than a raised one.
Rig, Deck, and Handling
A tall rig and generous sail area give the 52 plenty of punch in lighter air. The rig sits aft of the main bulkhead—as far aft as it could be—to fine-tune the center of effort and improve balance under sail.
In Performance trim, the boat has four aft winches, a fixed-point mainsheet, and a standard self-tacking jib. A carbon bowsprit accommodates furling Code sails for more downwind power.
The Race version adds six winches, longitudinal jib tracks, a recessed traveler with electric controls, textile lifelines, and a bowsprit extended by 90 centimeters. An optional carbon mast and boom transforms the yacht into a competitive offshore racer.
Nauta’s deck design keeps sailhandling efficient and unobtrusive, leaving guests a clean cockpit in which to relax. Twin helms provide excellent sightlines, whether cruising or racing short-handed.
Accommodations
The standard interior has three cabins and three heads, each cabin with an en-suite head. The only layout option is a split berth in one of the aft cabins.
Forward, the master suite includes a large berth, private head, and dedicated shower, although the ensuite is a little compact. Aft, the VIP cabin can be arranged with either a double berth or twins, while the port guest cabin has its own double.
The open saloon and C-shaped galley form a bright social hub. The saloon faces forward, providing long sightlines and practical offshore functionality. The C-shaped galley, forward-facing chart area, and expansive dinette complete the main living space.
Interior finishes include oak, gray oak, or teak with contrasting floorboards. The overall effect retains the warm, minimalist Italian look that has defined recent generations of Grand Soleil, though some may find the gray oak Alpi woodwork neutral. Another noted shortfall is that the interior may lack some ventilation.
Equipment and Systems
A 24-volt electrical backbone reduces cable size and increases efficiency. The standard engine is a Volvo Penta 75 hp saildrive, with an 80 hp Yanmar available. A 350-liter (92-gallon) diesel tank provides motoring autonomy.
Four baffled stainless-steel water tanks hold a total of 159 gallons. They sit low in the hull and amidships for ideal weight distribution. On the 52P, the tanks are beneath the saloon sole, close to the center of gravity, so the amount of liquid carried doesn’t affect trim.
Bow and stern thrusters use brushless motors to simplify docking without noise. A folding transom expands the cockpit living space, while integrated air-conditioning has three separate control zones that can be set individually for each living area. The galley includes three fridge/freezers with a combined capacity of 172 liters for offshore cooking.
Keels and Performance
Three keel choices tailor the 52 to different waters and uses. The standard 2.90 m T-keel suits most cruising and club racing. A 2.70 m Race keel improves righting moment for competitive sailors, while a 2.30 m shoal-draft option serves regions with thinner water.
Designed for fast passages, the 52 aims to combine speed with seakindly manners. It is intended as a true dual-purpose yacht: fast enough for ORC/IRC racecourses and capable enough for long passagemaking. Efficient hull lines and a powerful sail plan help it drive hard upwind.
The Verdict
The Grand Soleil 52 Performance is a modern reinterpretation of a timeless name. Its lightweight, sandwich-built hull combines with a far-aft rig and voluminous aft sections to create a fast but manageable cruiser-racer.
The three-cabin, three-head interior is genuinely livable, and the deck ergonomics keep guests clear of sailhandling. The compact forward head and slightly wanting ventilation are minor tradeoffs in an otherwise well-resolved design.
Pros
- Sandwich construction and bonded composite bulkheads provide a rigid, light structure
- Far-aft rig and tall sail plan deliver light-air performance and balance
- Three private cabins with en-suite heads and a flexible aft-berth layout
- Low, central tank placement preserves trim regardless of load
- Twin helms, thrusters, and a clean Nauta deck support short-handed sailing
Cons
- Forward ensuite is tight
- Interior ventilation could be better
- Shoal and Race keels limit one-boat versatility across all venues
