⚓ A New Era for Bluewater Sailing

On April 10, 2026, Italian shipyard Grand Soleil unveiled its largest vessel to date: the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise. Measuring 26.2 meters, this flagship is engineered to bridge the gap between competitive racing performance and the luxury required for long-distance ocean crossings.

Technical Mastery by Matteo Polli

The vessel’s design, led by naval architect Matteo Polli, focuses on adaptability. Central to its performance is a telescopic keel that shifts between a 4.8m draft for open-water speed and a 2.8m draft for shallow-water accessibility. Coupled with a high-rigidity carbon rig and a dual-rudder configuration, the yacht ensures precise control in challenging conditions.

Sea Trials and Official Debut

Following its launch, the yacht is embarking on a 1,500-nautical-mile sea trial program. According to Marine Industry News, these trials are the final hurdle before the yacht’s public showcase at the Grand Soleil Cup in Porto Cervo (May 21-23, 2026).

Protecting Your Asset

Owning a flagship of this caliber demands sophisticated insurance coverage. For owners looking to secure their investment, specialized policies are available through YachtSecure.com.

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