Following in the wake of his big brother
After the success of the Grand Soleil 44 âeuros winner of the last ORC World Championship âeuros the Italian manufacturer of Grand Soleil, Cantiere del Pardo launches a smaller version, inspired by its predecessor, le Grand Soleil 40 . The first boat, whose construction has already begun, will be kept by the shipyard with the objective of winning the ORC championship again in 2023. The second model will be delivered in the Mediterranean. The official presentation will take place in September 2022 in Cannes.
Same hull, different deck plan and layout
Like the GS 44, the GS 40 is signed by the naval architect Matteo Polli, the interior and exterior design Nauta Design as the previous models. The hull design is based on the GS 44, with a very thin bow profile. The specifications were similar, the challenge being to do as well or better in a 40-foot unit. The differences are in the deck layout and interior design. On the 44-footer, maneuvers are located aft, near the double helm stations, each with two winches. On the GS 40, the layout is more traditional, with 6 winches (in the Race version): 2 genoa winches, 2 piano winches and 2 mainsail winches, as the size of the boat does not allow for grouping the maneuvers. The double helm configuration is nevertheless kept on the GS 40.
Performance version as standard and Race for more speed
The GS 40 is offered as standard in a performance version and as an option in a race version.
"In the latter, the ballast ratio and sail surfaces are more important, the fittings more dimensioned. The self-tacking jib is replaced by a genoa with a larger overlap. Instead of having a fixed mainsheet, the complete mainsheet track is recessed. The mast and boom can be carbon with a rod rigging, the backstay is hydraulic. This more "regatta" version can be further refined according to the programs: solo, double or crew, IRC, ORCâeuros¦" explains Ghislain Gomiot, Grand Soleil France.
To maximize interior volume, the designers worked on positioning it aft of the shaft line, without compromising performance and comfort. The GS40 is equipped with a monoshaft in a very forward position, a solution adapted to racing and cruising.
A boat for owners who sail
In addition to the performance aspect, the Grand Soleil 40 is equipped for cruising. This is the main program of the boat, even if the owners choose the Race version.
"We have two types of owners. Either people who are looking for performance and a boat that moves forward, or owners who want to participate in a few regattas in the Mediterranean, such as Giraglia, Voiles de Saint-Tropezâeuros¦ In any case, these are people who sail a lot, between 4âeuros000 and 6âeuros000 miles per year" says Ghislain Gomiot.
Two versions of interior design
Two interior layouts are available. In the standard version, three cabins and a shower room in the square on the side of the companionway. As an option, a second shower room can be positioned in the front cabin.
The kitchen has a spacious worktop (2.6 m) with a 75-liter double top opening refrigerator. A 42-liter front-opening refrigerator is available as an option. On the starboard side, the U-shaped saloon is completed with benches around a beautiful table. The chart table is positioned on the starboard side of the companionway.
As standard, the draft has been designed from a racing point of view (IRC) with a depth of 2.4 m with a cast iron sail and lead bulb. Two other options are available: 2.1 m for ORC competition and 1.85 m for a shallower draft.
In both versions, a rear platform opens electronically as an option. It is equipped with a swim ladder for boarding and swimming. We will let you know the prices in a while, once they are finalized for France. In total, 5 copies of the Grand Soleil 40 have been sold before the presentation of the boat. The beginning of a success?
