Green sails
At first glance, this is a simple, charming daysailer that can be used for amateur regattas (two helm consoles, a lifting keel, decent rigging including code zero) or for a seaside picnic with friends.
Massimo Gino, CEO and co-founder of Nauta Design studio, confirms this perception and is clearly pleased with his creation: “The exterior design of the GS Blue features clean, expressive lines and captivates with a typically youthful, ‘childlike’ appeal expected from the smallest model in the Grand Soleil line. It is a look that is easily recognizable, immediately likable, and grows on you even more over time.”
However, despite being the youngest and most compact in a line of successful predecessors ranging from 40 to 80 feet, the new model is positioned as the pioneer of a new concept and an example of a more progressive approach to yacht building as a whole.
Gigi Servidati, CEO of the Cantiere del Pardo shipyard, which owns the Grand Soleil Yachts brand, explains: “The project is based on a dual goal: to simplify access to sailing for experienced yachtsmen by offering a boat that is always ready to sail, even solo; and at the same time to take a step toward environmental sustainability — this is the first fully recyclable model in the sailing segment of Italian yacht building.”
In other words, at the end of its service life, the yacht can be disposed of with minimal environmental impact. That is why, in addition to the shipyard's longtime partners — Nauta Design studio responsible for the exterior, interior design, and layout, and Matteo Polli, the author of the naval architecture — the project team includes NL Comp, a company known for pioneering developments in eco-friendly materials.
For the GS Blue, the shipyard upgraded its production line by introducing innovative technologies. The composite hull molding now uses Elium thermoplastic resin from Arkema, which matches traditional resins in strength characteristics but has a unique property — it can be recovered and reused after the boat is decommissioned. Another material suitable for multiple recycling is the foamed PET core filling the hull sandwich.
Moreover, the GS Blue boasts the world's first "green" sails, 4T Fortet by OneSails. These are also made from thermoplastic, with a base polymer that is 100% recyclable using standard waste disposal methods.
For ease of future recycling, the yacht is even designed so that its components can be easily disassembled, as is done in the automotive industry. The shipyard uses special adhesives for the deck, and wherever possible, the components are bolted rather than glued.
The propulsion system on this super-eco-friendly yacht is, of course, electric (although a diesel option is available). Manufacturers emphasize that, in addition to zero emissions and absolute silence onboard, it offers low operating costs and simplicity — everything is based on the "plug and play" principle. The compact 6 kW electric motor with direct Pod Drive transmission from E-Propulsion is powered by a 190 Ah lithium battery, with a range of up to 30 nautical miles at a speed of 5 knots, which can be doubled by adding a second battery pack. During cruising, the Pod Drive generates electricity through hydrogeneration (water flow created by the propeller's movement, even when the yacht is under sail) and provides minimal recharging of 240 W at speeds of 6 knots.
Additional autonomy is provided by solar panels. The integrated photovoltaic system, manufactured by Solbian, is built into the deck and is walkable — the surface is non-slip. With a power output of about 340 W, it not only recharges the engine battery but also transfers excess energy to the service battery pack, ensuring optimal charge balance for overall energy efficiency.
Well, such a set of innovations is truly impressive. But to get the full picture, let's look below deck — after all, onboard comfort plays an important role when choosing a boat.
With a hull length of 9.99 m (11.3 m including bowsprit), the Grand Soleil Blue has no interior bulkheads, except for the bathroom. The interior is an open space with a corner galley, a folding table in the center, a fixed double bed in the forepeak, and side sofas that can also be converted into beds. This means that four people can stay onboard overnight.
Although the Blue is essentially a Mediterranean boat (the aft sunbed is surprisingly large, and the deck is equipped with sockets for a bimini top), the shipyard considers it suitable for any climate.
“Even in northern waters such as the Baltic, where conditions are harsher and the sailing season is shorter, there is high demand for fast, elegant, and easy-to-operate weekenders,” says Gigi Servidati. “Our yacht can be adapted with minor technical changes, but its conceptual foundation — emotional design and the opportunity to enjoy a weekend day at the helm — remains highly relevant in Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and along the entire Atlantic coast.”
