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With the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise, Cantiere del Pardo is expanding its Plus line, which is dedicated to yachts over 60 feet. The first vessel, named Bianca II, is set to make its international debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 8 to 13, 2026. Beyond its size, this sailboat raises several questions: build quality, seaworthiness, energy management, deck ergonomics, and livability during extended voyages.
A composite structure designed to integrate onboard systems
The first issue concerns the structure itself. On an 80-foot sailboat designed for long-distance voyages, sturdiness is not limited to the thickness of the laminates.
The shipyard reports that the vessel is being built using a composite sandwich construction that combines vinyl ester epoxy resin and vacuum infusion. Carbon fiber reinforcements are used in the areas subject to the greatest stresses.
One of the most interesting technical aspects is the ?in-place? construction method. The structural components are tailored to the boat?s final configuration. On Bianca II, the bulkheads incorporate carbon fiber ducts for cable routing.
For the crew, this layout offers practical benefits. Access to electrical and utility systems is simplified?an aspect that is often overlooked at the time of purchase but is essential for maintaining a long-range cruising sailboat.
A long-distance hull that strikes a balance between speed and comfort
The naval architecture was entrusted to Matteo Polli, known for his work in the world of racing. The hull design features narrow bow sections to ensure a smoother ride in rough seas. The hull volume gradually increases toward the stern to preserve living space.
In this segment, the challenge is to maintain sailing performance without compromising the crew's comfort during long legs.
The shipyard offers several configurations. The Bianca II is equipped with two rudders combined with a telescopic keel, with a draft ranging from 2.90 to 4.40 meters. This design is intended to maintain control when the boat heels sharply, while also allowing access to shallower anchorages.
Owners who prefer a more traditional design can opt for a single rudder and different keel depths.
Special attention was also given to controlling the center of gravity. On a sailboat of this size, the distribution of equipment, tanks, and systems directly affects stability and handling under sail.
A sail plan designed to reduce the workload
The Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise is equipped with a carbon mast and boom. This choice reduces weight in the upper rigging while increasing the rig's stiffness.
The V Boom is designed to simplify operations involving the mainsail. For small crews, this feature can help alleviate certain challenges when taking in reefs or performing maneuvers in port.
The sail plan includes several configurations suited to a variety of conditions. The fixed bowsprit can accommodate two separate gennakers. An inboard forestay and a storm sail are also among the available options.
All routine controls are located aft. This layout frees up space in the central cockpit and clearly separates the leisure areas from the work areas. For offshore sailing, this layout helps ensure safe movement around the boat when the sea becomes rougher.
Energy independence is becoming a central part of the program
On large cruising yachts, power has become almost as important as the sails. Bianca II features a hybrid system developed in collaboration with Torqeedo. Two 40-kWh batteries power both the electric propulsion system and the onboard electrical systems.
Two 45-kW generators round out the system to recharge the batteries and ensure a long driving range.
The boat also features a centralized hydraulic system. The winches, the telescoping keel, and several rigging functions are powered by a single circuit.
This approach limits the number of dedicated electrical components, reduces wiring, and helps keep the overall weight down. For a sailboat designed to travel long distances, simplifying certain electrical systems often offers maintenance benefits.
An interior layout designed around life on board
The raised deckhouse offers a panoramic view of 270 degrees and provides additional headroom. This design also made it possible to create a large technical space beneath the saloon floor.
There are two benefits. Mechanical and electrical systems take up more space, while living areas remain less cluttered.
Two main configurations are available. The first includes four guest cabins and two crew cabins. The second features three guest cabins and two crew cabins.
The owner's cabin is located at the front of the boat and features a central bed facing the bow. The guest cabins can be configured with different sleeping arrangements as needed.
Another distinctive feature is that the Bianca II does not have a tender garage. The available space can therefore be used for other technical or domestic equipment, such as additional storage or appliances for life on board during long cruises.
Who is the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise really designed for?
The GS Plus 80 Long Cruise is designed for a very specific clientele. Its storage capacity, its 2,000-liter fuel tanks and 1,300-liter fresh water tanks, its deck layout, and its power system all reflect a clear focus on offshore cruising.
Owners looking primarily for a yacht to showcase while at anchor will naturally find many competitors in this segment. On the other hand, those planning extended voyages?with a professional crew or experienced family crew?will find here a platform designed with practical sailing considerations in mind.
With an overall length of 26.20 meters, a stated displacement of 42.5 metric tons, and a sail area of 400 m², the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise exemplifies the Italian shipyard?s commitment to maintaining a lineup of large cruising sailboats in a market largely dominated by motorboats. The appeal of this model lies less in its size than in the way it combines naval architecture, range, and onboard living arrangements to meet the demands of modern ocean cruising.
How much does the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise cost?
The shipyard has not released any pricing information for the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise. This is nonetheless an interesting development, as this model is positioned in the segment of 80-foot semi-custom cruising yachts. With its carbon-reinforced composite hull, carbon rigging, telescoping keel, centralized hydraulic system, and hybrid propulsion platform developed in collaboration with Torqeedo, it falls into a category where budgets far exceed those of production sailboats.
Compared to its direct competitors, such as the Solaris 80, Oyster 805, and Swan 80, a market estimate suggests that the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise likely falls within a range of between 6.5 and 9 million euros, excluding tax depending on the level of customization chosen by the shipowner. The first Bianca II, equipped with a particularly comprehensive range of technical features, is likely at the high end of this range.
