DATA SHEET
Naval Architecture: Matteo Polli
Exterior & Interior design: Nauta Design, Technical Department of Cantiere del Pardo
Hull length: 44 ft
Maximum beam: 14 ft
Draft: 8,50 ft (7,90 ñ 9,10 opt.)
Displacement: 19.850 lb
Ballast: 5.5950 lb
Mainsail area: 66 sqm (race version), 59 sqm (std version)
Genoa area: 57 sqm (race version), 53 sqm (std version), 47 sqm (self-tacking jib)
Gennaker area: 195 sqm (race version), 170 sqm (std version)
Photo credits: Studio Borlenghi
“It is the only boat with a double deck layout to satisfy both shipowners with racing ambitions and cruise enthusiasts who appreciate an aggressive yet elegant design”, said Vincenzo Candela, engineer in charge of Cantiere del Pardo’s Technical Office, regarding Grand Soleil 44. The new 44-footer, designed by Matteo Polli, a designer known for his high-performance hull lines, completes the Performance range of Grand Soleil Yachts, dedicated to the sportiest shipowners looking for a high-performance boat capable of getting results even in regattas.
The Grand Soleil 44 is available in a double version: GS 44 Performance and GS 44 Race, two different layouts designed to be enjoyable on a cruise and win in a regatta. “I asked Matteo Polli to create a hull with good stability that would be a winner in a regatta but not too extreme in the lines so as not to heavily decrease the volumes”, said Gigi Servidati, head of development for all the new models of Cantiere del Pardo.
“It is the most performance-oriented model of the entire Grand Soleil range,” said Massimo Gino of Nauta Design, responsible for the exterior and interior design, “The deck, which reflects the family feeling of the bigger models, is if possible even more streamlined and sporty with the addition of some new touches of style on the geometry of the deckhouse, on the sheer line, and on the transom. Given the very light and sporty hull, the spaciousness of the interior is surprising.”
Among the distinctive characteristics is the aftward positioning of the mast, “to the benefit of the size of the bow triangle,” underlines Matteo Polli, “The larger size of the jibs not only improves performance in light air, but also makes the boat very responsive out of turns. In addition, this peculiarity means that self-tacking cruising sails with remarkable area and proportions can be used. A large bow triangle also allows you to make better use of rollable sails (staysail, jib, Code 0), ideal for cruising as well as racing because they allow you to always have the right sail at the right time without the need for challenging conventional sail changes.”
Performance, comfort, and great spaciousness, with three cabins and two bathrooms with separate shower; a configuration that, in the owner’s cabin, offers guests a comfortable double bed, a sofa, and a dedicated bathroom.
