If you’re considering a Grand Soleil, one of the first decisions is whether the Performance or Long Cruise (LC) range is the better fit.
Both share the qualities Grand Soleil is known for, Italian design, quality construction, strong sailing performance and beautifully considered interiors, but they have been developed with different owners and styles of sailing in mind.
The Performance range places a greater emphasis on speed, responsiveness and an engaging sailing experience, while the Long Cruise range combines Grand Soleil performance with increased comfort, space and practicality for extended cruising.
So, which one suits you?
Grand Soleil Performance: For Those Who Love to Sail
The Grand Soleil Performance range is designed for owners who want to get the most from the sailing experience.
These boats combine performance-focused hull forms, efficient sail plans and carefully considered deck layouts with the comfort and finish expected from Grand Soleil.
They are equally at home enjoying a fast coastal passage, competing in a club race or simply making the most of a good afternoon breeze.
Why choose a Grand Soleil Performance?
- More performance-orientated sailing characteristics
- Responsive and rewarding at the helm
- Efficient sail plans
- Deck layouts designed with sailing and sail handling in mind
- Suitable for both performance cruising and competitive sailing
- Contemporary Italian interiors without sacrificing sailing ability
For owners who genuinely enjoy the process of sailing – trimming, helming and getting the best from the boat – the Performance range is likely to have the stronger appeal.
Models include the Grand Soleil 40, Grand Soleil 44, Grand Soleil 52 Performance, Grand Soleil 60 Performance, Grand Soleil 65 Performance, Grand Soleil 72 Performance and Grand Soleil Plus 80 Performance.
Grand Soleil Long Cruise: Performance With Cruising Comfort
The Long Cruise range takes a slightly different approach.
Rather than removing Grand Soleil’s performance DNA, the LC range combines it with features particularly suited to owners who intend to spend longer periods aboard.
The emphasis shifts towards comfortable passagemaking, generous living spaces, easier movement around the boat and practical solutions for cruising.
That makes the LC range particularly appealing for couples and families planning extended coastal cruising, longer passages or simply wanting a boat that is exceptionally comfortable for weekends and holidays aboard.
Why choose a Grand Soleil Long Cruise?
- Greater emphasis on cruising comfort
- Spacious and practical interior layouts
- Generous accommodation and storage
- Deck layouts suited to relaxed cruising
- Designed with longer periods aboard in mind
- Strong sailing performance without a race-focused feel
Models include the Grand Soleil 42 LC, Grand Soleil 46 LC, Grand Soleil 52 LC, Grand Soleil 60 LC, Grand Soleil 65 LC, Grand Soleil 72 LC and Grand Soleil Plus 80 LC.
Performance vs Long Cruise at a Glance
| Performance | Long Cruise | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Sailing performance | Performance cruising |
| Helm experience | More responsive and performance-focused | Comfortable and controlled |
| Typical use | Performance cruising, club racing and coastal sailing | Coastal and extended cruising |
| Deck philosophy | Optimised around sailing | Optimised around cruising and ease of use |
| Interior focus | Contemporary, lightweight and refined | Spacious, comfortable and practical |
| Best suited to | Owners who prioritise the sailing experience | Owners who prioritise cruising and time aboard |
Does Long Cruise Mean Slow?
Not at all.
The name Long Cruise can sometimes give the impression that these boats sacrifice performance for comfort, but that isn’t really the case.
Grand Soleil’s LC models are still designed to sail well. The difference is in where the priorities lie.
A Performance owner may be prepared to place greater emphasis on sail handling and outright sailing ability, while an LC owner may value additional comfort, storage and practicality when spending several days or weeks aboard.
Both are unmistakably Grand Soleil, they simply approach the ownership experience from different directions.
Can You Cruise on a Grand Soleil Performance?
Absolutely.
Choosing a Performance model doesn’t mean committing to racing. Many owners choose Performance models because they enjoy a more responsive boat while still wanting comfortable accommodation for weekends away and longer trips.
Likewise, choosing an LC doesn’t mean giving up enjoyable sailing.
The decision is less about racing versus cruising and more about what you want your boat to prioritise.
Which Grand Soleil Is Right for You?
A useful way to decide is to think about how you realistically expect to use the boat.
Choose Performance if you find yourself saying:
- “I want cruising comfort, but I don’t want to compromise too much on sailing ability.”
- “I really enjoy sailing the boat, not just arriving.”
- “I want something responsive at the helm.”
- “I’d like the option to race occasionally.”
- “Performance in different conditions matters to me.”
Choose Long Cruise if you find yourself saying:
- “We’ll spend a lot of time living aboard.”
- “Comfort and space are very important.”
- “We want to undertake longer coastal trips or passages.”
- “Practical storage and accommodation matter.”
- “I still want a boat that sails beautifully, but outright performance isn’t my first priority.”
Explore Grand Soleil in Australia
There isn’t necessarily a better range – only the range that better suits the way you want to sail.
At Sydney Marine Brokerage, we represent Grand Soleil in Australia and can help you compare the Performance and Long Cruise ranges, individual models and specifications based on how you intend to use your boat.
Whether you’re looking for a responsive performance cruiser, a comfortable long-distance sailing boat or something that sits somewhere between the two, we can help you explore the Grand Soleil range.
Explore Grand Soleil or speak with the Sydney Marine Brokerage team to discuss the right model for you.
