The New design from Matteo Polli that is redefining the class

The latest model of Italian shipyard Grand Soleil is a sporty 44″ performance-cruiser offered in two formats with two different deck layouts, one for cruising and another optimized for racing.

performance cruiser
Grand Soleil 44 Performance Cruiser

The new Grand Soleil 44 Performance Cruiser was designed by Matteo Polli, and its the evolution of hull shapes utilizing computational fluid dynamics technology originally developed for the Prada America’s Cup team.

The hull features a maximum beam that is carried well aft at deck level, but is narrower at the waterline, witch reduces drag and suits a single rudder configuration.

The Grand Soleil 44 offers a good performance to rating ratio for those who want to race, together with a low center of gravity which also benefits performance cruisers.

Polli also evaluated three different mast positions, finding that maximizing the J measurement benefited both racing and cruising use. This makes the fore triangle sufficiently large for a self-tacking jib to be fitted as standard to the cruising version and allows for plenty of flexibility for furling staysails, Code sails, and asymmetric spinnakers.

Despite a sleek, low-profile coach roof, the extra space outside is achieved without compromising space below decks. The standard arrangement is for three cabins and two heads, both of which have separate shower stalls. 

The first Grand Soleil 44 Performance Cruiser is scheduled to be launched this spring in San Diego, California.

Specification Grand Soleil 44 Performance Cruiser

Hull Length : 13.4m (44ft)

Beam : 4.3m (14ft)

Drought Std Keel : 8ft 2in

Drought ORC Keel : 7ft 9 n

Drought IRC Keel : 9ft 1in

(* shallow keel on request )

Displacement : 9500 kg (10850 lbs)

Cabins : 3Fuel Tank : 53 Gal

Water Tank : 80 Gal

Engine : Volvo 50 Hp, or 60 Hp

Two Deck Layouts : Performance Cruiser or Race

Suggested Retail Price : On Request



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