Grand Large Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Edel Grand Large behaves with the predictable, forgiving nature expected of a Maurice Edel design. With a displacement of roughly 1,000 kg and a ballast ratio that typically hovers around 35%, the vessel feels more planted than many of its lightweight dinghy-style contemporaries. According to technical documentation found via the EdelVoilier Owner Association, the boat features a fixed fin keel with a draft of approximately 1 meter, which provides sufficient lift for windward work while maintaining a low enough profile for easier trailering.

The sail plan is conservative, usually featuring a masthead rig that is easily managed by a solo sailor or a small crew. In light air, the boat requires a larger genoa to maintain momentum, as the increased windage of the taller "Grand Large" coachroof can act as a slight brake compared to the sleeker, flush-decked Edel 6. However, once the breeze refreshes to 10–15 knots, the hull finds its groove, tracking well thanks to a well-balanced rudder. While it is not a high-performance racing machine, the Grand Large is noted for its "sea-kindliness," a term often used by French reviewers to describe how the hull handles the choppy conditions of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coast without slamming.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The "Grand Large" designation is most evident once you step below deck. While the standard Edel 6 was often criticized for its limited "sitting" headroom, the Grand Large variant utilized a redesigned deck mold to increase vertical clearance, making the cabin feel significantly less claustrophobic. The layout is a classic four-berth arrangement: a double V-berth forward and two long quarter berths that extend under the cockpit seats.

Materials are typical of 1970s French production, utilizing molded fiberglass liners (the "contre-moulage") which provide a clean finish but can limit access to the outer hull for repairs. Storage is tucked under the settees and in small cubbies along the hull sides. A compact galley area, often consisting of a single-burner stove and a small sink, is situated near the companionway for ventilation. The boat was produced alongside its sibling, the Edel 6, which shared the same hull but featured a lower profile. Later iterations and siblings like the Edel 660 (marketed in the mid-1980s) further refined these interior volumes, often incorporating more wood trim to soften the "plastic" feel of the earlier fiberglass interiors.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Edel Grand Large should focus on the structural hallmarks of 40-year-old French fiberglass construction. While the hulls are generally robust, there are several "gotchas" common to the model:

1. Compression Post & Deck Sag: Because the Grand Large has a taller coachroof, the load from the deck-stepped mast must be perfectly transferred to the keel via the internal compression post. Check for any "crow’s feet" cracking around the mast step or a visible dip in the deck.
2. Rudder Play: The rudder bushings on Edel models of this era are prone to wear, leading to a "clunky" feel in the tiller. Replacing these often requires custom-machined Delrin spacers.
3. Chainplate Leakage: The stainless steel chainplates are bolted through the deck. Over decades, the sealant can fail, allowing water to wick into the interior liners. If left unchecked, this can lead to localized delamination of the deck core.
4. Window Seals: The large side windows that define the Grand Large silhouette are prone to UV degradation. Leaking windows are the primary cause of interior "mildew" smells in these boats.
5. Keel Bolt Inspection: While Edel used high-quality materials, the interface between the cast iron keel and the fiberglass stump should be inspected for "the smile"—a gap at the leading edge that suggests the keel bolts may need tightening or the sealant needs renewal.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and restoration projects is EdelVoilier, a comprehensive French-language resource that hosts original brochures, wiring diagrams, and sail plans specifically for the Edel 6 and Grand Large series. Additionally, the broader French sailing community, centered around publications like Voiles et Voiliers, frequently references the Edel line when discussing the evolution of French yachting history.

The Verdict

The Edel Grand Large is a quintessential "first cruiser" for those who value simplicity and French design heritage. It successfully bridges the gap between a day-sailor and a coastal cruiser, providing enough volume for a couple to spend a week on the water without the complexity of larger, more expensive systems.

Pros:

• Internal Volume: Significantly more headroom and "airiness" than the standard Edel 6.
• Easy Handling: Simple masthead rig and stable hull make it an excellent solo boat.
• Trailerability: At roughly 1,000 kg, it can be towed by many standard SUVs, expanding cruising grounds.
• Build Quality: Solid fiberglass hull construction that has aged better than many of its contemporaries.

Cons:

• Windage: The taller cabin profile makes the boat more susceptible to leeway in high winds.
• Dated Aesthetics: The 1970s interior liners and brown/orange color palettes may feel "retro" to modern buyers.
• Limited Headroom: Despite the "Grand Large" improvements, tall sailors will still find it a "crouch-only" interior.