--- title: David Walters Yachts Visits Grand Soleil Shipyard description: A few weeks ago, Erik Haaland had the opportunity to tour the Grand Soleil shipyards in Forlì and Fano — an area known as the Italian Adriatic Riviera. image: https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-08-21%20at%201.03.23%20PM.png --- ![Principal image of the post](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-08-21%20at%201.03.23%20PM.png) 21 Aug ### David Walters Yachts Visits Grand Soleil Shipyard BY Erik Haaland - 0 COMMENTS A few weeks ago, [Erik Haaland of David Walters Yachts](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/broker-page/erik-haaland?hsLang=en&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9W7pnFCSvdMJxgEwfXTUiXFSpH63SBy47fy7Peg5cnQaFPS8IU3hkN_QNMjRymQv_JcpQ2) had the opportunity to tour the [Grand Soleil](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/grand-soleil-performance-sailing-yachts) shipyards in Forlì and Fano — an area known as the Italian Adriatic Riviera. This region is celebrated for its ancient history, seafood, beaches, and nightlife, but it is also deeply rooted in yacht-building tradition. With its climate, deep-water ports, and proximity to transportation hubs, this coastline has long been home to some of the world’s most prestigious shipyards, including Ferretti Group (Wally, Pershing, Itama, Riva, CRN, Custom Line), Silent Yachts, Wider Yachts, and many others. Together, the Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions export over $2 billion in yachts annually, contributing to Italy’s $9 billion in global yacht exports. ## **Touring Cantiere del Pardo in **Forlì > As dealers for [Grand Soleil](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/grand-soleil-performance-sailing-yachts), Erik was invited to Italy to tour the production facilities, meet the team, and join the sea trial of the brand-new Grand Soleil 72 Plus Long Cruise. > > The main Cantiere del Pardo (CDP) facility in Forlì is a showcase of Italian craftsmanship and modern efficiency. Walking through the assembly hall is a striking experience — Grand Soleil, Pardo, and VanDutch yachts are built side by side, in stages ranging from fresh hulls just out of the mold to finished yachts ready for shipment. ## Specialized Areas Include: ## [In](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/blog/david-walters-yachts-visits-grand-soleil-shipyard#Hull)-ground testing tank & travel lift:[every yacht is water-tested before shipment.](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/blog/david-walters-yachts-visits-grand-soleil-shipyard#Hull) ##  Keel & rudder installation pits: keels are aligned using lasers and hydraulic platforms for exact precision. ##  Carpentry shop: CNC machines cut and scribe every component, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Larger furniture modules, such as bed frames, are pre-assembled and craned into place, improving both build quality and longevity. > What stood out most to Erik were the people. From managers to electricians, carpenters, and quality control staff, everyone displayed pride in their work and a sense of teamwork that is clearly central to the shipyard’s culture. ![GS60P deck test fit 3](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GS60P%20deck%20test%20fit%203.jpg?width=636&height=477&name=GS60P%20deck%20test%20fit%203.jpg) ### Hull 1 of the new GS 60 in deck/hull test fit ## **The GS Plus Yard in Fano** On the second day of his visit, Erik traveled to Fano, home of the GS Plus shipyard. Here, semi-custom yachts 65’ and larger are built under the leadership of **Franco Corazza**, a multiple-time World and European racing champion. Franco previously served as the Italian importer for X-Yachts and later founded Italia Yachts before joining Grand Soleil to launch the Plus line.   In just a few years, the GS Plus series has seen tremendous success, with more than a dozen GS 65s and 72s already launched and the first GS 80s under construction. Each yacht is built to order, tailored for racing, cruising, or circumnavigation, with nearly every aspect customizable. While photographs cannot be shared due to the confidential nature of production, Erik notes that these yachts stand confidently alongside the finest semi-custom sailing yachts in the world — at a surprisingly realistic price point.   While Grand Soleil has a territory dealer network, GS Plus does not, so David Walters Yachts is happy to offer its unique [Semi-Custom Sailing Yacht New Construction](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/custom-sailing-yachts?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9W7pnFCSvdMJxgEwfXTUiXFSpH63SBy47fy7Peg5cnQaFPS8IU3hkN_QNMjRymQv_JcpQ2) Program to GS Plus clients worldwide.     Your browser does not support HTML5 video. ### Finishing touches in the interior of a GS 44 Performance ## **Sailing the GS 72 Plus Long Cruise** > The highlight of Erik’s visit was sailing aboard a just-completed GS 72 Plus Long Cruise. The new owners had invited him to join their first sea trial, held on a warm Adriatic afternoon with flat seas and 10 knots of breeze. The yacht showed off her pedigree with ease: - Effortless sail handling – Axxon carbon rig with a furling boom, hydraulic sail controls, and a self-tacking jib make her perfectly manageable for two people. - Custom interior – The owners opted for a forward galley layout with two generous aft cabins and a flexible day bunk/crew cabin. - Performance options – This yacht carried the shoal 8’6” draft keel, with deeper and telescopic keel options also available, along with single or twin rudder configurations. - Luxury touches – A premium tender garage with dive compressor, hidden hydraulic passerelle, and advanced onboard systems with full monitoring via B&G displays and tablets. At the helm, the yacht felt balanced, light, and confidence-inspiring. Proportional thrusters made docking simple and precise. For the new owners, who plan a circumnavigation as an owner-operator couple, the GS 72 Plus proved perfectly suited for both ease of handling and offshore performance. ![GS72+ forward view](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GS72+%20forward%20view.jpg?width=677&height=508&name=GS72+%20forward%20view.jpg) ### Sailing aboard the newest GS 72 Plus ## Looking Ahead > Erik’s visit reaffirmed that Grand Soleil is not only preserving its heritage of Italian craftsmanship but also shaping the future of performance cruising and semi-custom sailing. Their ethos of quality, innovation, and timeless design aligns perfectly with the vision of David Walters Yachts. ![Erik at the helm of the GS 72 Plus Long Cruise](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_2625.jpeg?width=677&height=698&name=IMG_2625.jpeg) ### Erik Haaland at the helm of the GS 72 Plus Long Cruise   ### See Grand Soleil at the Fall Boat Shows - **Cannes Yachting Festival (Sept 9-14): **GS 42 Long Cruise, GS 44 Performance, GS 52 Race, GS Plus 65 Performance, GS Plus 72 Long Cruise - **Newport International Boat Show (Sept 11-14): **GS 40 Performance & GS 42 Long Cruise - **Annapolis Sailboat Show (Oct 9-12): **GS 52 Long Cruise David Walters Yachts invites you to stop by for a closer look — and to experience firsthand what makes Grand Soleil one of the most exciting yacht brands in the world today. TAGS: Sail, Grand Soleil ![ Erik Haaland](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/hubfs/agent%20page%20pics/THE%20CREW%20PAGE%20IMAGES/Erik%20-%20Signature%20Block.png) Erik Haaland Erik Haaland is an experienced yacht broker at David Walters Yachts, specializing in luxury sailing and bluewater cruising yachts. With a deep passion for the sea and an extensive background in yacht sales, Erik helps clients navigate the buying and selling process with confidence. His expertise in yacht design, outfitting, and performance ensures that buyers find the perfect vessel for their needs. Known for his dedication to client service and in-depth industry knowledge, Erik is a trusted resource for sailors looking to embark on their next adventure. [ VIEW ALL POSTS ](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/blog) 0 COMMENTS #### LEAVE A COMMENT ###### LATEST POSTS [![Image of the related post](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/hubfs/Events%20%26%20Blog%20Graphics%20(Instagram%20Post%20(45))-Jun-23-2026-08-47-00-8304-PM.png) ](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/blog/june-2026-market-update) [ June 2026 Market Update: Here is what has happened and why DWY is leading the charge ](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/blog/june-2026-market-update) [![Image of the related post](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/hubfs/Events%20%26%20Blog%20Graphics-Jun-05-2026-04-42-09-7587-PM.png) ](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/blog/why-bluewater-cruisers-are-outperforming-coastal-cruisers-in-todays-brokerage-market) [ Why Bluewater Cruisers Are Outperforming Coastal Cruisers in Today's Brokerage Market ](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/blog/why-bluewater-cruisers-are-outperforming-coastal-cruisers-in-todays-brokerage-market) [![Image of the related post](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/hubfs/Events%20%26%20Blog%20Graphics-41.png) ](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/blog/island-hopping-through-the-eastern-caribbean) [ Island-Hopping Through the Eastern Caribbean ](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/blog/island-hopping-through-the-eastern-caribbean) ###### CATEGORIES Hylas Yachts Brokerage Sail DWY Power Cruising Destinations DWY Caribbean Boat Shows Catamarans Market Insights Yacht Ownership Buyers Guide Grand Soleil Jon Van Drent Motor Yachts The Crew Charlie Petosa Erik Haaland Jay Williams Josh McLean MJM Yachts Offshore Yachts Ted Lockwood ###### Share [![Facebook](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/hubfs/Website%20Images/facebook-color.png) ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/blog/david-walters-yachts-visits-grand-soleil-shipyard) [![Twitter](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/hubfs/Website%20Images/twitter-color.png) ](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/blog/david-walters-yachts-visits-grand-soleil-shipyard&text=David%20Walters%20Yachts%20Visits%20Grand%20Soleil%20Shipyard) [![Email](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/hubfs/Website%20Images/email-color.png) ](mailto:?subject=David%20Walters%20Yachts%20Visits%20Grand%20Soleil%20Shipyard&body=https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/blog/david-walters-yachts-visits-grand-soleil-shipyard) ##### Start Your Next Adventure #### SEND US A MESSAGE Purchasing a bluewater vessel can be a daunting prospect, especially if it’s your first boat. When you work with a dedicated DWY broker, you benefit from our team’s 200+ combined years of maritime experience. ![compass rose-1](https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Images/compass%20rose-1.png?width=100&height=139&name=compass%20rose-1.png) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Erik Haaland", "url" : "https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/blog/author/erik-haaland" }, "dateModified" : "2025-08-21T17:30:32.949Z", "datePublished" : "2025-08-21T17:30:32.000Z", "headline" : "David Walters Yachts Visits Grand Soleil Shipyard", "image" : [ "https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-08-21%20at%201.03.23%20PM.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/blog/david-walters-yachts-visits-grand-soleil-shipyard", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/hubfs/Logo%20Primary.png" }, "name" : "David Walters Yachts" } } ```