Pardo GT75, the test of a top Italian yacht (23 meters)

When the headquarters of Cantiere del Pardo, on Fratelli Lumiere Street in Forlì, took the walkaround concept and turned it into an internationally successful boat, it is likely that a hull like the GT75 was not even a dream in the drawer. After all, imagining a 75-foot powerboat, despite 50 years of sailboats (Grand Soleil) and half a dozen in the motor (Pardo Yachts) is hardly trivial. Let’s take a step back. Pardo Yachts is one of the hottest brands in the segment everyone is crazy about: walkarounds.

This journey began in 2017 with the first Pardo 43, but the yard’s recipe was loved and, more importantly, was able to evolve. Having overcome the enthusiasm for the “summer” vibe of the walkaround, it soon became necessary to take a step toward a more cruiser model capable of keeping the “Pardo effect” intact.

Pardo GT75 – Test

Thus was born the GT – Gran Turismo – range, which, after the first 52-footer, now welcomes the brand’s flagship with the new GT75. The numbers are impressive: 22.85 meters long, 5.99 wide for a 48.3 t displacement. Almost a superyacht, a world from which it evidently draws, but without losing its aura as a sleek and modern boat. In this sense, we can say, simplifying, that it is a “super walkaround” for outdoor spaces with a large salon on deck protected and equipped with a cruising boat interior.

This is possible because there is no flybridge and in general the superstructure has been kept low, but added to this is a key styling choice: the inverted windshield, typical of Pardo Yachts’ Endurance and GT ranges. The signature is by Zuccheri Yacht Design for naval architecture while exteriors and interiors are by Nauta Design. In terms of space, one sails in abundance: in the bow, one can choose between a C-shaped settee with coffee table or a sundeck just ahead to stand apart from everything and everyone. The stern with several superyacht gimmicks makes an impression: fold-down bulkheads on the deck next to the giant central sundeck. The latter raises electrically and conceals a 3.7-meter tender.

The platform can be moved in the central part and allows for the hauling and launching of tenders and jet skis, but also for a sort of beach club, particularly in the version where the owner’s cabin, without the entire sundeck structure, faces directly onto the stern.

Two versions

The Pardo GT75 exists in various versions starting with the first choice: galley yes, galley no. The boat, as was already the GT52, is available as a galley up version with a well-equipped galley and an L-shaped sofa with dining table for eight people connected directly to the cockpit.

The galley down version, on the other hand, clears the upper deck entirely and turns it into a living area with sofas and seating. One of the features I appreciated on board is the double sunroof: one is forward from the helm station, and the other is right above the living area. This also allows you to avoid using air conditioning if conditions permit, and improves brightness. Creating a sort of separé between the wheelhouse and the rest of the salon is a retractable television that comes down from the canopy. We go down below deck. As expected of a nearly 23-meter yacht, volumes are plentiful and the quality of Pardo Yachts’ fittings is immediately apparent.

Here, too, we can choose from a variety of solutions: the layout can be two, three or four cabins for a maximum of 10 berths on board, including the double crew cabin in the bow of the boat. Even in the basic version we have the full-beam owner’s cabin, in a three-cabin, three-bathroom formula. The space inside is amazing, and here again the yard’s “desire” to move toward the superyacht world is evident.

How the Pardo GT75 sails

It’s time to see how she fares in sailing. The model I got on is the M/Y Manta, which has already sailed extensively with her owner this summer. There are 14 of us on board, we are fully loaded on the tanks, and there is also 30 percent black water. In short, the weight is considerable and the more powerful engines (three 1,000-horsepower Volvo Penta D13s with IPS 1350s) allow a good pace of sailing. I take the helm and look around. For being on a 75-footer with a “compact” superstructure, visibility is definitely good.

Helping me manage all the on-board functions is a spaceship-like dashboard with three Garmins(optional), 22 inches each. The yard’s focus is also on maneuverability, and the three IPSs do their part well. At 22 knots, with the engines at 1,750 rpm, we are around 285 liters per hour, which at 1,500 rpm drops to 190 liters per hour sailing at almost 17 knots. The speed I enjoyed the most is between these two, where the yacht moves smoothly, is maneuverable and has a nice transition over waves that I create for myself by going around in circles, given the flat water conditions. The top speed we touch is 34 knots, but I think this yacht performs best when cruising, although at sea a little extra power never hurts.

Data sheet

Navigation data – TEST