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Grand Soleil Plus 80 LC, the horizon becomes a bespoke project

Twenty-six metres designed to sail far, with naval architecture by Matteo Polli, Nauta design and a project shaped around its owner

Grand Soleil Plus 80 LC takes the shipyard’s philosophy into ocean cruising, combining generous spaces, performance and customisation

The Grand Soleil Plus 80 LC was conceived with an ambition that goes beyond simply becoming the new flagship of the range. At 26.20 metres overall, with a hull length of 23.99 metres, the project takes the Grand Soleil philosophy into the world of long-range sailing while seeking to preserve the direct relationship with sailing that has always been part of the brand’s identity, even as volumes, autonomy and onboard complexity increase.

This is a yacht conceived for owners who see the sea not simply as the setting for a holiday, but as a space to cross and explore. Performance, safety and comfort are therefore not treated as separate aspects of the project, but as parts of the same experience.

An 80-footer created to go further

Naval architecture is by Matteo Polli, while Nauta Design developed the exterior, interior and layout. The hull lines clearly express the yacht’s intended purpose, with fine forward sections designed for a progressive entry through the water and a geometry that becomes broader towards the stern, increasing both form stability and available volume.

The design does not attempt to separate its Blue Water character from Grand Soleil’s more performance-oriented DNA. Instead, it brings the two together. Twin rudders are part of this approach, maintaining control and responsiveness when the yacht is heeled, a particularly relevant characteristic during long passages under sail.

From open ocean to sheltered anchorages

Among the available solutions is a telescopic keel, designed to vary the yacht’s draft and extend the range of places it can reach. It captures one of the ideas behind the Plus 80 LC particularly well: being sufficiently capable for demanding passages without giving up the freedom to approach more sheltered bays and anchorages.

That becomes especially meaningful in the Mediterranean. A large sailing yacht can cover substantial distances and, only a few hours later, become the base from which to enjoy a bay, coastline or small island. Long-distance sailing and time at anchor are therefore not two different uses of the yacht, but different parts of the same journey.

A cockpit that separates relaxation from sailing

On deck, Nauta Design has focused on separating the guest areas from those used to operate the yacht. The central cockpit is conceived as a protected social space, while sail handling is concentrated further aft, close to the twin helm stations.

This separation becomes particularly valuable on a yacht designed for extended periods on board. Those managing the yacht can work without interfering with the guest area, while the cockpit remains largely free from operational activity.

The wing islands alongside the helm stations provide additional seating with a clear view towards the headsails. It is a detail aimed particularly at owners who, even aboard a yacht of this size, still want to take an active role in sailing.

A saloon overlooking the horizon

Below deck, one of the defining features is the raised saloon. Panoramic glazing surrounds the space, maintaining a visual connection with the outside even while living indoors.

Raising the saloon also serves a technical purpose. Beneath the floor is a substantial area dedicated to systems, tanks and onboard equipment. On a yacht intended to spend considerable time away from its home port, system accessibility, ease of maintenance and technical organisation become tangible aspects of comfort, just as important as cabin size or the quality of the finishes.

On the first yacht, the arrangement includes four guest cabins, an owner’s suite forward and a crew area aft with its own galley and independent access. The layout is primarily intended to separate service circulation from private areas, while still leaving considerable scope for customisation.

Customisation begins before the interiors

Grand Soleil uses the concept of made-to-measure for its Plus range, but on the Plus 80 customisation extends beyond woods, fabrics and colours. The yacht is developed at the Fano atelier through direct dialogue with the owner, including the organisation of spaces and the way the yacht is expected to be used.

It is an interesting approach because it moves the meaning of customisation from decoration towards function. Before choosing the finishes, decisions need to be made about how the yacht will be sailed, how much time will be spent aboard, how many guests it will accommodate and what relationship the owner wants to have with the crew.

Construction is also managed in-house at Fano. Grand Soleil describes an infusion lamination process using vinylester resins and carbon reinforcements, with the aim of controlling weight, strength and the integration of the various components of the project.

Dimensions that take Grand Soleil into a new scale

The figures clearly position the Plus 80 LC in a different dimension from the brand’s more traditional performance cruising yachts. Overall length is 26.20 metres, waterline length 22 metres and maximum beam 6.60 metres. Declared light displacement is 42.5 tonnes.

The sail plan covers 400 m², while auxiliary propulsion comes from a 250 hp Yanmar 4LV250. Fuel capacity is approximately 2,000 litres and fresh water capacity 1,300 litres, figures consistent with a yacht conceived for extended stays and substantial passages. Standard draft is 3.95 metres.

From Fano towards the Mediterranean

The first Grand Soleil Plus 80 Long Cruise was launched in Fano on 30 March 2026. Following final outfitting, the shipyard’s programme included approximately 1,500 nautical miles of sea trials, an appropriate way of assessing a yacht whose purpose is closely connected with real long-distance use.

The project is now entering its international public phase. The Plus 80 LC is scheduled to appear at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival, taking place from 8 to 13 September, offering an opportunity to see the yacht not simply through renderings and specifications, but as a completed vessel.

Perhaps this is the most revealing step in understanding the new Grand Soleil. The Plus 80 LC takes the shipyard into a larger dimension, but seeks to do so without turning sailing into little more than the backdrop to a floating residence. The underlying promise remains to sail, and to sail far, while building the experience around the owner.

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04 September 2026
© MED Yachting Editorial Team
Grand Soleil Plus 80 LC, the horizon becomes a bespoke project
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The information in this article has been sourced from and adapted from official sources and/or press releases, in accordance with our editorial code of ethics.