Grand Soleil's new flagship, the Plus 80 Long Cruise, gets its first international public showing at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026, at Port Canto. The first vessel in the model, Bianca II, was viewed privately at the Grand Soleil Cup earlier this year, but Cannes is where the wider public gets a look. Cantiere del Pardo built her as the biggest yacht yet in the Plus range, reserved for yachts above 60ft. Despite the "80" in the name, she measures 26.20m overall — 85.9ft.
Cantiere del Pardo built her entirely in-house, from lamination through to launch.
Bianca II runs twin rudders paired with a telescopic keel, giving a draught that adjusts from 2.90m up to 4.40m — shallow enough for anchorages a fixed deep keel would rule out. Grand Soleil credits the twin rudders with keeping the yacht under control when she heels. A single-rudder version is also available, with a choice of keel depths starting at 2.40m. Naval architect Matteo Polli led the hull design.
Bianca II has a 100kW Torqeedo electric propulsion system powered by two 40kWh battery packs, giving 80kWh of storage. Two 45kW generators recharge the batteries during longer passages, while a separate buffer battery maintains essential systems. During an independent yacht test, the system drove Bianca II at 10 knots or more under power. Buyers can choose a conventional 250hp Yanmar diesel instead.
On deck, a carbon mast and a V-boom rig are designed to simplify mainsail handling. A single hydraulic circuit runs the winches, mast systems, keel adjustment and sail controls.
Below decks, a raised coachroof brings in more light through 270-degree glazing and frees up extra headroom in the saloon. Bianca II has four guest cabins and two separate crew cabins, giving six cabins in total. An alternative layout offers three guest cabins and two crew cabins.
Learn more about the GS +80 LC here at Grand Soleil.
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