First Look: Grand Soleil 65 Performance

The Grand Soleil 65 Performance has a sleek profile and low coachroof that hint at its speed-focused naval architecture and refined Italian design DNA. Fabio Taccola

Cantiere del Pardo has unveiled the Grand Soleil 65 Performance, the sportier sibling to its Long Cruise model and the newest addition to its Plus Line. While the Plus designation speaks to yachts over 60 feet, it also signals a more personal approach: each yacht is tailored to the owner’s vision from the earliest design stages, blending handcrafted Italian boatbuilding with performance-driven naval architecture.

Designed by Matteo Polli with structural engineering by Marco Lostuzzi and interior and deck styling by Nauta Design, the 65 Performance aims to deliver speed and responsiveness while keeping the hallmark elegance and comfort that Grand Soleil owners expect. The sleek coachroof, optimized sail plan, and balanced hull form are intended to give sailors the thrill of performance sailing without sacrificing liveaboard comfort.

A cockpit engineered for performance-oriented control, with ergonomically placed sail handling and a layout tailored for intuitive, hands-on sailing. Fabio Taccola

“The 65-footer is the result of a totally Made-in-Italy design process that brings together a team of professionals representing Italian excellence in the yachting sector,” says Franco Corazza, project manager for the Plus Line.

The yacht’s hull draws from the Grand Soleil 72 Performance, carrying a pronounced V at the bow and a low wetted surface to reduce resistance and improve performance in light air. The rig is stepped well aft to enlarge the foretriangle, improving aerodynamic efficiency while keeping the center of effort low. Sail handling systems, including a standard self-tacking jib, are designed for safe, shorthanded sailing—making it possible for an experienced couple to manage the boat without additional crew.

Living spaces flow seamlessly. Design-led comfort meets functional layout for a smooth onboard experience. Fabio Taccola

Underwater, a single rudder blade balances control and efficiency, while the inverted T-keel reduces ballast weight without compromising stability. Multiple keel options, including a telescopic version, allow owners to tailor the boat’s draft to their cruising grounds.

Nauta’s interior plan lowers the saloon to create a more seamless flow between cabins, while the deck layout prioritizes ergonomics and usable space. Owners select finishes from an exclusive materials palette, ensuring every Grand Soleil 65 Performance is unique.

Like all Cantiere del Pardo builds, the yacht incorporates sustainable materials and processes, including eco-resins, sustainably sourced teak, and solar power integration.

Below deck, Nauta Design brings bespoke elegance through lowered salon levels, premium finishes, and thoughtful ergonomics built for both performance and liveaboard luxury. Fabio Taccola

For sailors seeking a performance cruiser at the upper end of the size spectrum, the Grand Soleil 65 Performance offers an uncommon blend of speed, customization, and handcrafted Italian style.

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