Cantiere del Pardo wanted to include a boat in its standard range which would be fast in regattas but also a comfortable cruiser.
The Grand Soleil 34.1 incorporates all of the experience gained while designing the 40’ ims “Pistrice” and “Querida” and from the changes made to the various regatta and cruiser hulls, such as the x 412, j 39, x 38 and Grand Soleil 45.
Of care and attention has gone into making way for the important factors for IMS rating reduction, such as the wetted surface of the bulb and rudder, the stern lines and the construction technology used. The sail plan features a mast head rig, without running sails, so as to guarantee simple manoeuvres with a smaller crew. The mainsail and genoa ratios are typical of those of a fractional rig, with all of the relevant advantages in handling terms. There is to be a large full batten main with lazy jack, while the genoa and spinnaker have been made smaller. The boat is therefore simpler to use under sail power as well as being well balanced at the helm, especially upwind, which is also thanks to its very high rudder. The deck is basic, with a large, rationally designed cockpit, which is versatile enough to suit both regatta and cruise uses. MAIN FEATURES LENGTH 10.00 m WIDTH 3.27 m DRAFT 2.00 m DISPLACEMENT 4200 kg BALLAST 1400 kg SAIL AREA 65.00 m2 MATERIALS Monolithic glass fiber unidirectional and bi-axial with the use of epoxy resin isophthalic.
The interior is divided into two comfortable cabins, each with wardrobes, one in the bow and one in the stern. There is also a dinette, laid out along the length of the craft, which can covert, as needed into two separate berths. The L-shaped galley on the port side is roomy and equipped with fridge, hob with four burners, and two sinks. The course plotting area is opposite the galley and has a larger table than is usually found as standard on boats of this size. The bathroom is aft of the course plotting area. Symmetrical division of the interior has made it possible to use furnishing units and structural bulkheads in such a way as to make further reductions in the craft’s total weight, which is only 4,200 kg. The construction itself is monolithic, unidirectional GRP in biaxial compression, with epoxy resin and isophthalic resins. The keel bulb is lead, concentrating the majority of the ballast low down, which works to the advantage of both stability and comfort while sailing.
