A trio of specialists to design GS Blue
Del Pardo takes its first step towards ecological sustainability with the design of the Grand Soleil Blue. This 10-m sailing yacht is the result of a collaboration between Matteo Polli for naval architecture and Nauta Design for interior and exterior design. The shipyard turned to NL Comp, a specialist in recycled composites and the initiator of the Ecoracer 30, a new one-design class for 2024. The Italian company Northern Light (NL) Composites has implemented recyclable and recycled processes and materials for the construction of the boats. The aim of this yacht is to have zero environmental impact when sailing, and to be completely recyclable.
A sailing yacht for weekend cruising with a high level of comfort
The Grand Soleil Blue is an elegant weekender capable of accommodating up to 4 overnight guests. The deck layout is that of a weekender, with a handsome cockpit and two forward-facing helms. At the stern, a very large bench with a sunbathing area and a tilting bathing platform, totally open and equipped with a bathing ladder.
The interior is brightly lit by the deck and hull portholes, and the light colors of the upholstery. On the port side of the companionway is a small galley and on the starboard side a toilet. The U-shaped saloon frames a central table, and the forepeak offers a double berth that can be obtained by moving the back of the bench seat.
Thermoplastic resin construction
The GS Blue is built using thermoplastic resin, which allows the boat to be recycled at the end of its life. Traditional thermoset resin construction is very difficult, if not impossible, to recycle. Thermoplastic resin, on the other hand, enables easier separation of the resin from the glass or carbon fibers for environmentally responsible reuse or disposal.
Similarly, the shipyard guarantees easy separation of accessories and components at the end of the boat's life, similar to the automotive industry.
Lithium batteries, electric propulsion and solar panels
The GS Blue will be equipped with electric propulsion and lithium batteries for zero-emission navigation. The installation of solar panels ensures autonomy and recharging of the battery pack powering the electric motor. The advertised range is 30 miles at around 5 knots with a standard battery. This corresponds to around 6 hours of continuous motor operation, or 12 hours with a double-capacity battery.
In keeping with the project's sustainable philosophy, the sails are made from thermoplastic materials. Finally, while underway, the GS Blue recharges its batteries using hydrogeneration.
This project is co-financed by the Emilia-Romagna region as part of a call for experimental R&D projects.
