Grand Soleil 39: nifty, charming and fast
Sporty, elegant and full of good ideas, the new Grand Soleil 39 exhibits the qualities of a modern performance cruiser and what sets it apart from common cruising yachts
Whenever the cold northerlies sweep through the Gulf of Genoa, it feels like getting hit on the back of the head in an ambush. It happens so quickly and unexpectedly, there’s hardly any time to react. While testing the new Grand Soleil 39 at Lavagna, the yacht’s test crew is caught off guard by such an assault. Within minutes, the offshore breeze jumped from 15 to 30 knots and more. One moment it was relaxed reaching under code zero, then the large and fragile headsail had to be rolled up in a hurry to keep it from getting blown to shreds. At the time, the speedo showed 13 knots through the water.
On the way in, sailing hard on the breeze it was clear that the aluminum stick was not tuned for the prototype. There’s not enough rig tension, the leeward shrouds are sagging badly and the mast shows a nearly frightening amount of flex. Quickly the brand-new laminated main comes down and is secured, as there is no chance to continue in this breeze that continues to freshen. Slowly, the auxiliary Volvo Penta diesel pushes the boat home through choppy waters.
Despite the abbreviated test the best impression of reaching under code zero remain. With her flat-bottomed hull and high-aspect ratio appendages, the Grand Soleil 39 showed her sporty character and lively temperament. The boat responded quickly and dynamically. The surprisingly rapid acceleration and the well-balanced rudder system make it easy to steer the boat safely on course while keeping up the pressure. Based on the velocity prediction numbers in the polar diagrams the 39 earns good marks. At 14 knots of wind, the boat is supposed to reach 6.9 knots sailing high on the breeze at a true wind angle of 40 degrees.
Traditional values, new concepts
With the Grand Soleil 39, Cantiere del Pardo wanted to introduce more than just a new model, because much has changed for the Italian yard in the recent past. In December of 2010, Bavaria Yachtbau, Germany’s largest production boatbuilder, took over the financially ailing company and the sister-firm Dufour Yachts in France. Now all three brands operate under one roof, benefiting from synergies, both in production and global distribution. The new CEO, Ruggero Gandolfi is charged with repositioning and reinvigorating Grand Soleil and with the 39 he has a solid and powerful tool at his disposal that has deep roots in the brand’s traditional and proven values. Regarding design and construction, the Grand Soleil 39 is synonymous for a new beginning at Cantiere del Pardo. The lines were drawn by Italian Claudio Maletto who is succeeding Botin & Carkeek from Spain, Grand Soleil’s former standard designers.
The 39 replaces two older models in the lineup of Cantiere del Pardo, the Grand Soleil 37 and the 40. The most notable differences include a stern that’s beamier and brawnier and an open cockpit, which enables the use of twin wheels that create a passage between them. The portlights in the cabin top are larger, and as a clever style element, they help offset the conspicuously high freeboard. The 39 is visibly more voluminous than her predecessors, higher and beamier relative to her overall length. This helps the interior, but also the boat’s handicap under IRC (1.058) and ORC (602.8).
The designers retained the angular and stepped coachroof with the long and narrow opening for the portlights. The looks are consistent and match the other Grand Soleil models, despite many conceptual modifications. Noticeably absent are lines and sheets on deck, as the running rigging is tucked away in hidden channels and recesses whenever possible, which improves both aesthetics and functionality.
The rig has a sporty bent and is tuned for performance
The shrouds of the two-spreader rig by Sparcraft are now directly connected to the hull. In difference to the preceding models Cantiere del Pardo no longer installs a structural steel grid into the hull. Added stiffness in the hand-laid hull laminate that uses Vinylester resin comes from carbon fibre reinforcements in the densely structured GRP- floor section that is directly laminated to the hull. Thus the rig forces can be channeled straight to the T-keel that consists of a cast iron fin and a lead bulb.
The rig has a sporty bent and is tuned for performance. Following the general trend in performance boats, the mast is positioned further aft. This extends the J-measurement, so the jib area, which is limited to a 106 per cent overlap by the shrouds’ position, remains large enough to develop decent pressure in light air. In addition, a code zero or a flatter code one are recommended, as they have a wide spectrum of use and can be rolled up without fuss. Spinnaker and gennaker are offered as well. There’s also the option of a bowsprit, which prior to racing can be quickly attached in the recess in the bow area. The cruising version has a guide for the anchor chain instead.
The mainsheet traveller
Good ideas, clever implementation
A neat solution was found for the mainsheet. Instead of leading it forward on the boom and back to the cockpit, it is led under the cockpit floor and directly to the winches on the cockpit coaming. This arrangement is flawless and runs smoothly thanks to high-end hardware and fittings, but racers still can get the optional German Admiral’s Cup mainsheet system. The mainsheet trimmer is positioned directly in front of the steering wheels, a spot that’s a bit confined and not exactly comfortable, besides it is nearly impossible to work the winches effectively. There’s more comfort for the helmsman, who finds good support on the unfolded footrests either sitting or standing up.
Noticeably absent are lines and sheets on deck, as the running rigging is tucked away in hidden channels and recesses whenever possible
If the interiors of the Grand Soleil 37 and 40 were considered rather dark and conservative, the new model gets high marks for a pretty and modern arrangement. Cantiere del Pardo is using a lot of white surfaces and more painted composite materials. It looks splendid and brightens up the interior a great deal. Because of the portlights’ larger size and greater number, the space below deck is also getting more natural light. In the standard version the boat comes with mahogany veneers, with options of light oak or teak, which was installed on the test boat.
Gone are the long in-line pantries of the 37 and 40. The layout reflects the current standard in this category, with the owners cabin and an optional additional head forward and two separate aft cabins. Another layout version has a large lazarette that is accessible from below, plus a shower cabin in the lavatory. The pantry is L-shaped and the nav station is practical and forward facing.
The yard also is quite flexible about the installation of the dividing wall between the two aft cabins, which can be offset from the center. This produces one larger stateroom with bigger and more comfortable berth measurements, which families with kids might prefer.
The level of workmanship is pleasantly high with exact and solid joiner work all the way down to the details. The only point of critique is the dimensioning of the hardware and hinges on the closets and hatches of the storage spaces, which appear too small and fragile.
There are a variety of layout options
Not cheap, but reasonable
Without a doubt, the new Grand Soleil 39 is one of the hottest new releases in the performance cruiser segment under 12 metres, which will get her attention at the boat shows. The standard version is listed at €234,430, which is not exactly a bargain, but considering the quality of equipment and workmanship, plus the sails that are included in this price, the calculation is quite reasonable. The Grand Soleil was also one of our top 10 'must sees' at the London Boats Show earlier in the year - see London Boat Show opens: our top 10 ‘must see’ boats. For more details on the entire range see Grand Soleil.
This article was re-published with kind permission of YACHT, Europe’s largest sailing publication.
