After securing victory at the 2026 Tre Golfi, the Grand Soleil 52 Race Black Pekoe 3 continues to stand out on some of the most prestigious international racing circuits, claiming second place in the ORC 0 class at the 2026 Loro Piana Giraglia.
As one of the most iconic offshore regattas in the Mediterranean, the Giraglia challenged crews and yachts with particularly light and complex conditions, where strategy, tactical sensitivity, and boat efficiency proved decisive. Despite the light winds, Black Pekoe 3 demonstrated remarkable competitiveness throughout the race, confirming the Grand Soleil 52 Race’s potential even in the most demanding conditions.
Commenting on the result, Black Pekoe 3 owner Ernesto Folli said:
“What impressed me most was the boat’s competitiveness in extremely challenging wind conditions. I had already had the opportunity to evaluate her performance in moderate breeze, but I did not expect such responsiveness even in just 2–3 knots of wind. The greatest satisfaction was seeing how a yacht with a strong racing vocation, yet configured for cruising use — with equipment and displacement designed to be fully enjoyed with family and friends — was not only able to compete, but also finished well ahead of boats purpose-built for racing and with significantly more performance-oriented displacement. I can only congratulate the shipyard and Matteo Polli for achieving such an outstanding balance between comfort and performance.”
This latest result once again confirms the strength of the Grand Soleil 52 Race concept: a yacht designed to deliver high performance in offshore racing without compromising the comfort, elegance, and onboard livability that have always defined the Grand Soleil world, further reinforcing the exceptional balance between performance and comfort that characterizes this production model by Cantiere del Pardo, with naval architecture by Matteo Polli and interior and exterior design by Nauta Design.
The 2026 Loro Piana Giraglia was also a source of great pride for the shipyard, which saw no fewer than eight Grand Soleil yachts competing in one of the most prestigious regattas on the international sailing calendar. A significant presence that reflects owners’ trust in the brand and the strong bond between Grand Soleil and the world of offshore sailing.
