A RARE SPECIES? HERE’S A CRUISER-RACER WITH GOOD LIGHT AIRS PERFORMANCE, APPEALING ACCOMMODATION AND A PROVEN HERITAGE
RUPERT HOLMES
Test conditions Where: Port Ginesta, Spain, mid October Wind: Force 2-4 Model: Hull No1 with performance deck layout, including taller rig and longer bowsprit, plus rig and deck gear race package, including cockpit mounted mainsheet traveller, electric coachroof winch and Flexiteek decks
Grand Soleil’s latest launch is something of a rarity in today’s market – acruiser-racer with a comfortable three-cabin interior, yet the ability to excel on the racecourse. Often such claims can be quickly dismissed, but the yard’s last new model, the GS 44, notched up two back-to-back ORC world championship victories.
The new 40 is born of the same philosophy. Naval architect Matteo Polli was engaged to draw uncompromised hull lines that maximise performance and sailing qualities, particularly the hull balance as heel angle increases. Nauta Design was then tasked with optimising the accommodation within the available volume, while staying within a weight limit Polli specified for the interior and systems.
My first outing gave a chance to get the boat fully powered up at tight wind angles with the Code 0 in 12 knots of true wind, when boat speed consistently hovered around the hull speed of 8.3 knots. The helm positions are lovely and even though our test boat lacked foot chocks, the optional Flexiteek deck covering – which is specified by 90% of Grand Soleil owners – provided ample grip.
An efficient and deep single rudder is set well forward. The helm stays light even when the boat is pressed hard, with the rudder retaining excellent grip, though feedback increases reassuringly as rudder loads build. Close-hauled in 9 knots of true breeze we made 6 knots, at an apparent wind angle of 33-34°.
ALWAYS SAILING
My next sail was on a stereotypically gorgeous autumn Mediterranean afternoon, with temperature in the mid 20s and generally light airs, the true wind speed mostly around five knots.
Not long ago we wouldn’t have bothered sailing in such light conditions. However, despite the huge stability that’s so reassuring in heavy weather, today’s best designs also excel in light airs. This is often particularly true of singlerudder boats designed primarily for Mediterranean conditions that, despite wide beam on deck, don’t have a huge wetted surface area.
