New boats
Graham Snook takes a look at new designs in the pipeline, from two 34-footers all the way up to the 48ft RM1370 and an Amel 50
Grand Soleil's new offering is designed for those who want to race or get a thrill from sailing fast, and judging by her hull shape she’ll do just that.
The hull features a reverse bow, long, hard chines and twin rudders. Her low, broad cockpit can accommodate twin wheels or a tiller to control the twin rudders – with broad, buoyant aft
sections she needs two to retain control when she heels. She carries her maximum beam well aft for speed and form stability, not for extra accommodation.
She has a 9/10 fractional rig with a 110% genoa and a fixed 70cm bowsprit from which to fly offwind sails.
Down below, she has a forward-facing chart table to starboard, opposite a small galley. Both are set outboard to give the saloon area more space as well as making it practical to move sails around while racing. There’s a double berth up forward that can be converted into sail storage, and a double cabin aft.
Should you still feel the need for a bit more speed, the plywood surfaces, such as the cabin sole, chart table and seat bases, can be replaced with composite materials to make her lighter still.
Who would she suit?
Those who enjoy fast cruising or racing offshore, short-handed or fully crewed.