Yacht Class n°32 (mars-avril-mai 2023)

Cantiere del Pardo

This 16.58-metre has made a successful entry into the open hard-top market, thanks to a trendy silhouette and functional layouts. The Pardo GT52 and her two Volvo Penta IPS800 make the sea even more pleasant and cruising even more attractive.

Written by : Alain Brousse – Photos : DR

The Italian shipyard Cantiere del Pardo chose a legendary and popular port to launch the GT52: Saint-Tropez. This open hard-top has finely carved a wake in the famous gulf, offering a most efficient performance. But before going to flirt with a rather gentle Mediterranean swell, let’s start with introductions. In front of about twenty yacht bows moored in front of Café Sénéquier, the Pardo GT52 displayed her profile created by the Bologna-based firm Zuccheri Yacht Design, an expert in this type of vessel and lobsters. The silhouette of the GT52, very much in line with the trend, conveys a sense of dynamism with its inverted bow, as we saw later on the water. Her superstructure with a sloping windscreen, like a professional boat, and her transom with flowing lines enhance her conquering profile. The P50’s big sister also has a livability more suited to long distance family cruising. 

An exemplary cockpit

Just looking at the stern, one is seduced by the exteriors with, first, the swim teak platform, large enough to be used either as an external garage for a tender of up to 4 metres or, even better, for sea bathing. Just above, the cockpit is fully equipped to accommodate six to eight people around a table with a U-shaped sofa. The latter can become a very large sunbed, once the table is lowered of course. For snacks and meals, four poles and a shade sail can be set up. There is also a single seat, on each side, against the windows. The cockpit should be rated well above average as it is an example of convivial space. Let’s take one of the side decks leading to the foredeck, a move that should only be made when the boat is stationary since, for obvious aesthetic reasons, the GT52 does not have any pulpit nor, at least, stanchions and lifelines. And there, towards the bow, appears a sunbed for up to four sunbathing guests.

Well-designed for cruising

As mentioned above, the GT52 boasts a level of comfort that puts her in the cruising category. In addition, she comes with a fairly complete range of standard equipment. It is important to note that the famous Italian studio Nauta Design was in charge of the interiors. The open plan main deck is bathed in natural light thanks to the side windows and a sliding glass roof. This convivial spot also has plenty of seats thanks to a dining area on port side and, opposite, a bench seat concealing a large TV screen in its back. There is also a wheelhouse with a massive dashboard. On our model, the galley was located to port, on the lower deck, at the foot of the staircase. Once again, for a boat of this size, this space has been well thought out. As an option, this galley can be fitted on the main deck, behind the wheelhouse, leaving room for a lounge area or even a cabin. Let’s stay belowdecks to discover the forward master cabin and its double bed with the head against the port side. There is also a TV screen, concealed in the ceiling, that lowers on command and a bathroom in the bow. The GT52 has an ensuite twin guest. Finally, the lower deck includes a final single berth cabin, the skipper’s, accessed from the main deck common area floor.

A lively, weaworthy attitude

We tested this hull in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. She was designed by the shipyard’s architectural studio, based on particular specification, as the GT52 is fitted with two Volvo Penta IPS800 (2 x 591 hp). Don’t forget that this propulsion system uses forward-facing propellers. The first thing you notice is that this hull has a definite penchant for fast planning: 8 seconds from 0 to 20 knots. A flattering figure. Note that her recommended cruising speed is 19.3 knots, giving her a range of 296 miles. At maximum speed, we reached 31.7 knots. As we only had a slightly undulating sea on this day, we decided to test the hull in a big wake. It went well. Even in tight turns, we felt safe. The GT52 has a seaworthy behavior. She can also come with 2 x Volvo Penta IPS700 (2 x 523 hp) or 2 x Volvo Penta IPS650 (2 x 480 hp).  Given her qualities, there is no doubt that this unit is destined for a successful career. Cantiere del Pardo has ambitions and is aiming even higher by announcing the launch of the GT75.