The objective was to surpass the incredible success of the Grand Soleil 45R', in terms of units produced and also in terms of quality. We have worked to achieve the optimum from a new hull area distributing the volume to the extremities thus increasing the prismatic coefficients. This solution has increased the waterline length significantly, hence the maximum speed of the boat, while giving great cruising interior capacity.

The result of this design research is a modern sailing yacht of the latest generation born to be a new reference, in terms of comfort and boat speed with: - The grace of her sweet sheer line and well-matched proportions between the deck and hull shape. - A balanced hull shape when heeled, to let her sail in any sea conditions with reduced crew and stay under full control at all times. - High volume, which gives her a huge owner's cabin forward in the bow and two big crew cabins aft. - Generous sail plan with low wetted surface and very efficient keel/rudder profiles for high speed and good maneuverability. - High stability for safety and power under sail, which is far over the newest EC rules for Category A.

The Grand Soleil 46.3 is presented as an elegant, fast modern cruising yacht with excellent characteristics of seakindliness, safety, comfort, superior internal volume, layout and sailing performance.

With no doubt she is easy to handle by the cruising yachtsman and has the capability to impress on the racing circuit. Her classic lines, which are typical of the Grand Soleil, are destined to remain beautiful forever. In 1998 the Grand Soleil 46.3 was voted "Yacht of the Year" in Germany by the most famous and widely read European magazine "Yacht".