35 years for Grand Soleil

Italian manufacturer to celebrate its birthday next month with a regatta in Punta Ala

The Grand Soleil Trophy, event organised by the Punta Ala Yacht Club and Cantiere
del Pardo in collaboration with Marina di Punta Ala will celebrate 35 years of activity for Cantiere del Pardo.

In 2008 Cantiere del Pardo sold a total of 66 boats. Given the international economic crisis, these results are satisfactory. The results have been further strengthened by Cantiere del Pardo’s announcement that their stock of available boats has run out, with healthy sales figures for the Grand Soleil 43, 46 and 54 models in particular.

The huge party to be held at Punta Ala Yacht Club on 12-14 June is set to be attended by more than 50 boats and their owners from Italy, France, Spain, Great Britain, Holland and the United States. This is true evidence of the high level of customer loyalty which Cantiere del Pardo manages to create and maintain over time with the owners of its yachts.

As a way of celebrating the Grand Soleil lifestyle, families, friends, journalists and
enthusiasts of the brand will come to Punta Ala for a relaxing weekend, although many of those racing out at sea may view the regatta as a more competitive experience.

The Grand Soleil Trophy will be a great parade, not only for boats but also for the Partners who have always believed in the strength of the Grand Soleil brand: Technogym, Nespresso and North Sails above all. Technogym will provide a personal trainer to guide people as they try out several pieces of stretching and relaxation equipment, both before and after the regatta, in the Hospitality area of the Marina.

In addition, there will be another two valuable brands. The Cesarini-Sforza company from Trento: company’s sparkling wine will be a highlight of the Welcome Drinks party, and will also be used to toast the regatta winners. The prized Chianti red wine from Castello di Ama, on the other hand, will accompany the grand buffet on Saturday evening at the Punta Ala Yacht Club. There is also a new entry from First Week, the Italian-Swiss company which provides consultancy for the control and reduction of costs in key sectors or those that are highly specialised. The Selma Bipiemme Leasing of the Gruppo Bancario Mediobanca will be represented by Marcello Ravaglia’s company, who has been a partner Grand Soleil for many years.

Bamar and Velamania have also been partners of Cantiere del Pardo for a long time, and were keen to lend their support to this event as well, providing prizes which the owners will definitely appreciate. Lastly the Grand Soleil dealer in Punta Ala, Race Nautica Marine, will take care of the regatta administration together with YCPA, and will provide the highly professional logistic support which is essential for the success of the
event.

Various prizes will be awarded as part of the Grand Soleil Trophy, both in the Cruiser category and in the Cruiser-Racer division, for more 'aggressive' crews. The fleet will be at sea on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 to compete in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful areas of the Mediterranean.