- News and Industry Insights
The 18-Meter Shift: Securing Autonomy with the New Grand Soleil Flagship
The Strategic Fleet Expansion
The global sailing market is witnessing a definitive move toward larger, more autonomous cruising platforms. Cantiere del Pardo has responded to this industry shift by announcing the Grand Soleil 60 Long Cruise. As the new flagship of the LC range, this 64-foot vessel serves as a professional response to owner demand for increased volume without the logistical complexity of a mega-yacht. It represents a calculated effort to capture the “middle ground” of the market, where owners look to upscale their experience while maintaining a focus on cost-effectiveness and ease of handling.
The Polli-Nauta Alliance
A yacht of this caliber relies on a specialized division of labor. The 60 LC features naval architecture by Matteo Polli, a designer synonymous with optimizing hull efficiency and stability. Complementing the technical foundation, Nauta Design handled the exterior, interior, and general arrangement. This professional synergy has resulted in a hull with a pronounced V-shaped bow and low-wet surface area—technical milestones that ensure the yacht remains competitive in both light winds and heavy offshore conditions.
Autonomy as an Industry Benchmark
In the “News and Industry Insights” sphere, the 60 LC’s storage capacity is its most significant talking point. By equipping the yacht with 1,000-liter fuel and water tanks, Grand Soleil is addressing a primary concern for the modern voyager: the need for independent endurance. In an era where port congestion is increasing, the ability to bypass frequent stops for refueling or water replenishment provides a level of regional autonomy that is becoming the new gold standard for the international fleet.
Architecture of Short-Handed Sailing
The industry is moving away from the requirement for large professional crews on mid-size flagships. The Grand Soleil 60 LC utilizes a “step-free” deck design that centralizes all maneuvers. Main winches and hydraulic controls for the backstay and vang are positioned within easy reach of the helm. This ergonomics-first approach allows for high-tier performance to be managed by a couple, reflecting a broader trend where technology is utilized to simplify the sailing experience for owner-operators.
Redefining the 18-Meter Interior
Internal volume management has seen a sophisticated recalibration on this model. The decision to place the open-plan galley forward—spanning both sides of the hull—creates a natural buffer between the social saloon and the owner’s suite. This layout, combined with the inclusion of a French-style bed, challenges the traditional spatial limitations of the 18-meter class. Furthermore, the modularity of a fourth cabin option allows the yacht to adapt to diverse commercial or private social requirements, ensuring the vessel maintains high resale value in a competitive marketplace.
A Final Perspective on Manufacturing
The arrival of the 60 LC confirms that Grand Soleil is not just maintaining its identity but evolving it to meet the rigors of global voyaging. By integrating “semi-raised” saloon architecture and a foldable aft platform that extends the deck by a meter, the shipyard is merging Italian style with the practical grit required for real sea time. As the 2026 season approaches, the 60 LC stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation, establishing a new professional benchmark for the entire bluewater sector.
