Grand Soleil 50, JUNIPER

Broker’s Comments

Grand Soleil 50, JUNIPER, is an exceptional example of her class. One of the last Judel/Vrolijk-designed GS 50s to be built, her first owner – an experienced yachtsman – specified her carefully and had the build overseen by a surveyor. He sailed her in Northern Europe, where she was well loved until her current owners purchased her. They then upgraded her substantially for a North Atlantic circuit and tailored her to their specific requirements. They chose to update her with solar array and a hydro generator to give her endurance and capability whilst bluewater cruising. This system has worked beautifully, and the AGM batteries were replaced 2025 to deliver a fully reliable system for her new owners.

She is in excellent condition both above and below decks. Her teak decks appear in great condition for her age, gelcoat gleams and the full serviced rig and deck gear are gleaming. Below her teak interior shows little sign of wear and she is very fully equipped for comfortable liveaboard. She shows little sign of the North Atlantic circuit beneath her keel and is ready for a new owner and new cruising programme.

Owner’s Comments

Having completed a successful Atlantic circuit in 2009/10 on our third boat, we focused on racing upon our return to the UK, crewing on other people’s yachts until we were ready to set off on another adventure. Our requirement was for a yacht of approximately 50 feet, with a slab reefing mainsail and furling genoa, capable of delivering fast passage speeds with minimal crew, and manageable in close quarters by a husband-and-wife team.

Equally important was a high specification of blue water equipment on board—either existing or easily modifiable—plus an opening transom to aid reboarding and provide fun at anchor!

The GS 50 ticked all those boxes, and the new JUNIPER came well-equipped by her first owner, in fantastic condition, and was relatively easy to update and refresh.

The project was to take a year getting to know the boat and making some changes—then to cruise into the Mediterranean from the UK for a period, followed by a full Atlantic circuit, including ARC 2024 and nearly six months cruising the islands.

Throughout the adventure of 7,200 miles, JUNIPER never felt like she was approaching any of her limits. She felt fast, comfortable, and safe—exactly as we had envisaged.

A modern-day ocean crossing in today’s world should ideally have modern communications, navigation, and “comfort” devices such as fridge/freezers. This, in turn, requires careful consideration of power generation and management. To meet this need, we installed solar panels and a hydro generator, and upgraded the power management systems to keep pace with demand.

JUNIPER looks beautiful, is a joy to sail, and delivers on all of our original requirements.