BROAD APPEAL
FACTS
▶ Where we tested: Portopiccolo, Italy
▶ Wind: 4-13 knots
▶ Model: 48P cruising version with alloy rig, shallow keel, four winches, self-tacking jib and standard interior
Without meaning to sound too shallow, looks make a big impression. Take the impact of this opening photograph. Who wouldn’t want to be in that helmsman’s position, heading offshore at the wheel of a sexy new Italian performance yacht?
Its sharp design attracts buyers aboard, while owners of these yachts want heads to turn wherever they go. But Grand Soleil knows all too well that the Italian fast cruiser market is brimming already and that looks alone won’t translate to sales. The 48 Performance has therefore been designed with plenty of smart thinking to back up the seductive styling.
It’s conceived as a versatile new model, which comes with a multitude of options to make it suitable for inshore
