Italian yard Cantiere del Pardo has released a sportier riff on its Grand Soleil flagship at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival.
The Grand Soleil Plus 80 Performance builds on the long-cruising design introduced at this year's boot Düsseldorf, with Italian studio Nauta Design and Matteo Polli returning on design and naval architecture, respectively. The 23.9-metre model will provide an "exhilarating sailing experience" while preserving onboard comfort, as seen in the reimagined stern, which has optimised hydrodynamics for sharper performance under sail.
A "noticeably sleeker" profile has also been achieved thanks to the cabin top, which has been lowered by 150 millimetres (compared to the Long Cruise version) and elongated. The saloon floor has also been lowered by 230 millimetres, resulting in airier, more spacious interiors.
Two cockpit sunbathing areas are featured on the new model, with an optimal forward sunbathing area complete with a Bimini top. The main cockpit has been reimagined with continuous benches extending aft, maximising seating capacity and allowing easier movement during sailing.
Another highlight is the accommodation, which is arranged as three double cabins plus a forward and "fresh, sporty" owner's suite, all with en suite facilities. The galley, crew area, navigation table and crew mess are positioned aft with dedicated separate access, ensuring privacy.
Below the waterline, the GS Plus 80 Performance is equipped with a fixed keel for a draught of 3.95 metres and a single advanced deep rudder for precise handling. Owners can also opt for a twin rudder setup, depending on keel configuration and draft preferences.
The first unit of the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Performance is already sold and under construction, with launch slated for the close of 2026.
According to BOATPro, three other projects are currently under construction at Cantiere del Pardo: the GS Plus 80 Long Cruise, a GS Plus 72 Performance and a GS Plus 65 Long Cruise.
For more breaking news from the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival – from yacht launches and onboard tours to the latest business developments – take a look at BOAT's liveblog.