The company originated in Bologna and is associated with Forlì in Emilia-Romagna. Its corporate and shipyard information is linked to that Italian region.
What kinds of boats does it build?
Cantiere del Pardo builds sailing yachts under the Grand Soleil name and motor yachts under the Pardo Yachts name. Its range has included performance cruisers and larger yacht models.
What is the brand best known for?
It is best known for Grand Soleil sailing yachts, especially the Grand Soleil 34 that launched the company’s reputation. The brand is also recognized for combining sporty performance with comfortable cruising.
Cantiere del Pardo is an Italian boat builder founded in 1973. It is known for building sailing yachts under the Grand Soleil brand and, later, motor yachts under the Pardo Yachts brand. The company originated in Bologna and its operations are now associated with Forlì, Emilia-Romagna.
History and shipyard
Cantiere del Pardo was established in 1973 with the goal of producing racing-oriented production sailboats that combined performance, design, and cruising comfort. The first Grand Soleil was the Grand Soleil 34, designed by the French studio Jean Marie Finot. Over time, the shipyard expanded from sailing yachts into motor yachts. Company and reference sources describe the builder as Italian and place its early history in Bologna, with later operations linked to Emilia-Romagna and Forlì.
Model range and design
The builder’s best-known line is Grand Soleil, which has included a long series of performance cruising sailboats and larger cruisers. More recent production also includes Pardo Yachts motorboats, reflecting the company’s move into the powerboat market. The brand is associated with sporty lines, easy handling, and a balance between speed and comfort. Source material also notes a substantial production history, with more than 5,000 boats built across its brands.
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