T-keel technology

The new Grand Soleil 46 has been designed with performance in mind, as a boat which is great fun to sail and which is very competitive for the wide variety of regatta regulations. The study of the appendage package has satisfied these requirements without compromising the predefined objectives of the designers in any way.

The results of the fluid dynamic research show that the T-shaped bulb keel configuration is the most competitive choice.

For a fast cruising boat with relatively low draught, this option offers the best compromise between a high righting moment and good performance in all conditions.  For those not willing to sacrifice performance, on the other hand, the deep draught option enables a substantial increase in speed, thanks to the higher righting moment and the larger sail area option.

Over the years, all the top performance boats, from the America’s Cup , to the Volvo 70 to the TP 52, have experimented with T-shaped bulb keel appendage solutions similar to those on the Grand Soleil 46.