Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise, the flagship without borders
Grand Soleil Yachts presents Bianca II, the first unit of the GrandSoleil Plus 80 Long Cruise that joins the PLUS line, after an exclusive preview reserved for owners during the Grand Soleil Cup 2026. The first GS Plus 80 LC will be showcased at the Cannes Yachting Festival (September 8-13, 2026), the first event in a journey that marks the beginning of its presence on the international scene.
With an overall length of 26.20 meters and a maximum beam of 6.60m, the GrandSoleil Plus 80 LC is a boat designed for those owners who love long voyages in total comfort and safety, but do not want to give up performance, an integral part of the brand’s DNA.
The concept is always by Cantiere del Pardo, the naval architecture is designed by Matteo Polli, the exteriors, interiors, and layout are by Nauta. “In the full Grand Soleil tradition, we have also realized everything internally in the GS Plus 80 LC, from lamination to launching the boat,” explains Franco Corazza, project manager of the PLUS line. “This choice allows for more accurate quality control and promotes greater integration between construction and systems, fully meeting the needs of our owners.”
The “in operation” approach to construction is the distinguishing element; each structure is created and adapted based on the layout. On board Bianca II, the bulkheads have been designed integrating carbon pipes for the passage of electrical cables, a solution that has allowed for thin and clean finishes while improving accessibility and organization of the systems. The construction involves composite sandwich with vinylester resin based on epoxy, combined with the vacuum infusion lamination technique, with extensive use of carbon in areas of greater stress.
One of the many innovations of this Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise is the option for a double rudder blade, which on this first unit is “paired” with the telescopic keel (the draft varies from 2.90 m to 4.40 m). This is undoubtedly an ideal solution for large yachts, especially when facing challenging weather conditions. With a double blade, the boat maintains superior control even when heeled, as the reference blade is fully submerged and does not feel the heeling angle, ensuring precise maneuverability and an immediate response at the helm. Furthermore, the double blade allows for a reduced draft compared to a single blade, facilitating access to shallower ports and bays without compromising performance.
“Designing the waterlines of an 80-foot hull is a challenge that becomes even more complex when considering the multiple configurations of systems that an owner can choose,” explains Matteo Polli. “In the design of the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise, we worked to keep the center of gravity as low as possible, optimizing the position of all the main systems. The hull has been designed to offer stability both at full load, with tanks and systems at maximum capacity, and with lighter configurations.”
GS Plus 80 Long Cruise, rigging and sails
The carbon mast and boom ensure lightness and structural rigidity to maximize performance. The V-boom facilitates the handling of the mainsail, making maneuvers quick, simple, and safe, even with a reduced crew. The rod rigging has been chosen to offer an ideal combination of strength and durability. The fixed bowsprit allows for the rigging of two different gennakers, one traditional in nylon for light winds and a second on a rolling anti-torsion cable, with the tack fixed to the anchor’s stem fitting. Being a rigging designed for long distances and extensive sailing, the possibility of mounting a staysail is provided, with an optional second stay for a storm jib.
All maneuvers are led to the stern, freeing the central cockpit with a separation between operational areas and convivial spaces. The wing islands next to the helms, designed by Nauta, offer ergonomic seating designed for long voyages and ensure optimal visibility both on the headsails and the mainsail, contributing to constant control even in challenging conditions. The hydraulic system manages all deck maneuvers. Winches, mast systems, telescopic keel, and sail plan adjustments are powered by a single centralized circuit, eliminating dedicated electrical utilities.
GrandSoleil, unmistakable style
The raised deckhouse of the Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise remains true to the unmistakable style of its predecessors, the GS Plus 65 LC and the GS Plus 72 LC. The “raised saloon” configuration ensures better natural light entry below deck thanks to the windows that allow for a 270-degree view and, above all, greater internal height.
“Eight feet represent the most challenging measurement to design,” explains Massimo Gino, CEO and Co-Founder of Nauta. “We have paid extreme attention to optimizing the heights of the freeboard, internal spaces, and cabin sizes, integrating all the equipment and accessories required in each area: from the deck to the sail locker, from the cabins to the kitchen and other areas of the vessel. An 80-foot yacht must encompass the qualities, functions, and main characteristics usually found on yachts from 95 to 100 feet.”
Bianca II features four cabins and two crew cabins; it is also possible to opt for a layout with three guest cabins plus two for the crew. In both versions, the owner’s cabin, located at the bow, has a walk-around bed facing forward and a private bathroom at the bow. The guest cabins can be configured as spacious doubles or twins with single beds, which can also be converted to pullman beds to increase sleeping capacity, depending on needs. See you at the Cannes Yachting Festival to discover this new model.
Project Data of the GrandSoleil 80 Plus LC
| Shipyard | Cantiere del Pardo |
| Project | Cantiere del Pardo |
| Naval Architecture | Matteo Polli |
| Design & Layout | Nauta Design |
| Overall Length (LOA) | 26.20 m (85.9 ft) |
| Hull Length (LOH) | 23.99 m (78.7 ft) |
| Waterline Length (LWL) | 22.00 m (72.18 ft) |
| Maximum Beam | 6.60 m (21.7 ft) |
| Standard Draft | 3.95 m (12.96 ft) |
| Displacement (empty) | 42.5 t (93,700 lbs) |
| Sail Area | 400 m² (4,306 ft²) |
| Auxiliary Engine | YANMAR 4LV250 TM170 — 250 HP @ 3,800 rpm |
| Fuel Tank | 2,000 l (528 US gal) |
| Water Tank | 1,300 l (343 US gal) |
| Internal Layout | 4 cabins + 3 crew members |
