Great things are expected from Grand Soleil, undisputed champion of the European IRC/IMS circuit.

After a successful 2002 season, where the Grand Soleil 44' Race and Grand Soleil 40' Race have dominated the IMS circuits winning the World's, European and Italian Championships, Cantiere del Pardo has decided to continue to invest in the racing area and is extending its "Race" range with two new models: the Grand Soleil 42' Race and the Grand Soleil 56' Race designed by the Spanish designers Botin & Carkeek.

The reason behind this important investment in the racing area is the trust in benefits that can be transferred from these racing yachts to the legendary Grand Soleil fast-cruiser range. At the project level, the sum of experience derived from the Race range is directly transmitted for: hull hydrodynamics, appendages, deck gear, simplicity and efficiency of manoeuvring as well as the safety of the hull and deck structure.

In the meantime, great results have been obtained in testing new techniques, structure and materials.

Following the concept that the sea is the only true testing area for boats, Cantiere del Pardo has decided to continue to enter the International circuits (both under IMS and IRC rules) with the conviction that there is no better test than racing at the highest level.