Cantiere del Pardo
Italian yacht builder founded in 1973, known for Grand Soleil sailboats, Pardo motor yachts, and VanDutch.
Last updated September 26, 2026
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Overview
Cantiere del Pardo is an Italian yacht-building company headquartered in Forlì, Italy. It was founded in 1973 by Giuseppe Giuliani. The company operates three yacht brands: Grand Soleil Yachts for sailing yachts, Pardo Yachts for motor yachts (created in 2015), and VanDutch Yachts, a Dutch company acquired in 2020. Its first major success was the Grand Soleil 34, designed by Jean Marie Finot, which won the Mediterranean Championship in 1974, followed by the Grand Soleil 41 in 1978. Over the decades, the shipyard collaborated with numerous renowned naval architects, including Alain Jezequel, Germán Frers, Bruce Farr, Doug Peterson, Japec Jakopin, Massimo Paperini, Botin & Carkeek, Luca Brenta, Claudio Maletto, and Marco Lostuzzi. The company has produced a wide range of models, from the Grand Soleil 34 to the Long Cruise line (46LC, 52LC, 42LC). Today, Cantiere del Pardo is a prominent player in the Italian and international yachting industry, with its Grand Soleil brand being its flagship sailing yacht line.
History
Cantiere del Pardo was founded in 1973 by Giuseppe Giuliani in Forlì, Italy. The shipyard quickly gained recognition with its first success, the Grand Soleil 34, designed by Jean Marie Finot, which won the Mediterranean Championship in 1974. This was followed by the Grand Soleil 41 in 1978. In 1983, the company launched several models designed by Alain Jezequel: GS 35, GS 343, GS 39, GS 46, and GS 48, with the GS 343 following in 1984. During the 1990s, Cantiere del Pardo began collaborating with Argentine designer Germán Frers on models such as the GS 42, GS 45, and GS 52. In 1992, New Zealander Bruce Farr designed the 64 Maxi One. In 1997, the Grand Soleil 50 was launched, designed by Doug Peterson, and Japec Jakopin (J&J) designed the 46.3, followed by the GS 37 and GS 43. In 2000, the GS 40 was built, designed by Massimo Paperini, which won the IMS World Championship in Class 2. In 2004, the design studio Botin & Carkeek, led by Marcelino Botín Naveda and Shaun Carkeek, joined, producing the Grand Soleil 37B&C (winner of European and world championships), 40B&C, 43B&C, 46B&C, 47, and 50B&C. In 2007, the Grand Soleil 54 was presented, a project by Luca Brenta, and in 2013, designs by Claudio Maletto, the Grand Soleil 39 and Grand Soleil 43, were introduced. Subsequently, the Long Cruise range by designer Marco Lostuzzi was launched: Grand Soleil 46LC (2015), Grand Soleil 52LC (2017), and Grand Soleil 42LC (2019). In 2015, the company created Pardo Yachts for motor yachts, and in 2020, it acquired the Dutch company VanDutch Yachts. Today, Cantiere del Pardo continues to operate as a prominent Italian yacht builder with a global presence.
- 2020
VanDutch Yachts, a Dutch company, acquired.
- 2019
Grand Soleil 42LC launched.
- 2017
Grand Soleil 52LC launched.
- 2015
Pardo Yachts brand created for motor yachts; Grand Soleil 46LC launched.
- 2013
Grand Soleil 39 and Grand Soleil 43 designed by Claudio Maletto launched.
- 2007
Grand Soleil 54 presented, designed by Luca Brenta.
- 2004
Botin & Carkeek design studio joins; models 37B&C, 40B&C, 43B&C, 46B&C, 47, 50B&C produced.
- 2000
GS 40 designed by Massimo Paperini built; wins IMS World Championship in Class 2.
- 1997
Grand Soleil 50 designed by Doug Peterson launched; Japec Jakopin designs 46.3, followed by GS 37 and GS 43.
- 1992
Bruce Farr designs the 64 Maxi One.
Products and positioning
Italian craftsmanship in yacht building, offering both sailing and motor yachts under distinct brands.
1974
Grand Soleil 34
Designed by Jean Marie Finot; won Mediterranean Championship in 1974.
1978
Grand Soleil 41
Launched in 1978.
1983
GS 35, GS 343, GS 39, GS 46, GS 48
Designed by Alain Jezequel.
1990
GS 42, GS 45, GS 52
Designed by Germán Frers.
1992
64 Maxi One
Designed by Bruce Farr.
1997
Grand Soleil 50
Designed by Doug Peterson.
1997
46.3, GS 37, GS 43
Designed by Japec Jakopin (J&J).
2000
GS 40
Designed by Massimo Paperini; won IMS World Championship in Class 2.
2004
Grand Soleil 37B&C, 40B&C, 43B&C, 46B&C, 47, 50B&C
Designed by Botin & Carkeek; 37B&C won European and world championships.
2007
Grand Soleil 54
Designed by Luca Brenta.
2013
Grand Soleil 39, Grand Soleil 43
Designed by Claudio Maletto.
2015
Grand Soleil 46LC
Long Cruise range designed by Marco Lostuzzi.
2017
Grand Soleil 52LC
Long Cruise range designed by Marco Lostuzzi.
2019
Grand Soleil 42LC
Long Cruise range designed by Marco Lostuzzi.
Recent events
Cantiere del Pardo announces acquisition of VanDutch[4]
Reported:
Italian boatbuilder Cantiere del Pardo announced its acquisition of Netherlands-based VanDutch. The article reports the deal as an announcement, not a completed acquisition.
Sources4 sources
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