The project with a long name of Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise was launched in January 2025. Inspired by the success of Grand Soleil 65 and Grand Soleil 72 models, the Italian shipyard decided to create a larger yacht for “discerning sailors who desire extended voyages in total comfort and safety”
The yacht’s exterior style, layout and interior design are owed to Nauta Design. Her naval architecture was developed by Matteo Polli in collaboration with racer Franco Corazza, former Italian, European and world champion and currently project manager for the PLUS line at Cantiere del Pardo.
Taking the best of the previous models’ design elements as the basis, the yard did not only scale them up, but optimized the hull to improve their performance characteristics. The GS Plus 80 LC’s narrow bow ensures a smooth entry into the wave and widens gradually aft up to 6.6 m, maximising the internal volume and, consequently, comfort below deck.
The carbon rig and V-boom can carry a wide sail wardrobe suitable for any wind conditions.
The telescopic keel capable of changing the draft from 2.8 to 4.8 m ensures directional stability and access to shallow anchorages. A fixed keel with different draft options is available, too.
The first GS Plus 80 LC does not have a tender garage. Instead, the owners opted for additional storage space with freezers.
The yacht can accommodate eight guests across four cabins, including the owner’s at the bow and three guest cabins towards the midships that can be configured as twins or doubles. There are two cabins for a crew of four aft, with dedicated access.
The main saloon with an L-shaped sofa and a cosy dining area looks light and spacious thanks to the panoramic windows and skylights. The Bianca II’s interior features a contemporary luxe style with cream and wood shades dominating the colour palette and blending with oak furnishings.
“It’s a real thrill to see the GS 80 Plus Long Cruise in her natural environment at last. We do everything in-house, from lamination to launch, applying our expertise and advanced construction techniques to deliver unparalleled quality”, said Franco Corazza at Cantiere del Pardo’s dedicated Plus models shipyard in Fano.
The Bianca II is to undertake 1,500-mile sea trials in the coming weeks, after which she’ll head to Sardinia for her first Grand Soleil Cup, running on 21-23 May in Porto Cervo.
The second GS Plus 80 is currently being built in the Performance configuration and is scheduled for delivery towards the end of 2026.
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