SANCTUARY COVE BOAT SHOW: Grand Banks 60 debut

Grand Banks Yachts will unveil its new and highly anticipated Grand Banks 60 at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show from May 25 to 28. The new genre of contemporary GB is said to boast leading-edge construction, Volvo Penta propulsion with shafts and Joystick manoeuvring, and abundant nautical style from the external line to the internal finishes.

"The GB 60 is taking Grand Banks in a whole new direction in terms of appearance, performance, and construction techniques," said Grand Banks’ CEO Mark Richards, who came to Grand Banks with the company’s acquisition of his Palm Beach Motor Yachts brand.

"We are particularly excited because this is the first collaboration effort between the design teams of both brands. The result is a better performing yacht with a fresh appearance."

LIGHT BUT STRONG
Of course, CEO Mark Richards is also the helmsman of Wild Oats XI, the famous grand prix maxi, and familiar with high-tech yacht construction for punishing offshore applications. The challenge here will be producing a light and efficient boat that remains forgiving and luxurious in the GB mould.

To make the new GB 60 efficient, the entire deck and cabin house are fully infused utilising carbon fibre. PVC foam core is sandwiched between skins of stitched multi-axial carbon fibre, bonded with vinylester and epoxy resins, and supported by infused composite panels in a robust grid system.

GB says it will all work together for long life, strength, and reliability in punishing open-water conditions. The GB 60 will weigh just 23,370kg, which is about the weight of a traditional fibreglass 48 footer.

POWER MATCH
Grand Banks selected fuel-efficient twin 900hp Volvo Penta D13 diesels on hull number one for the main propulsion and mated them to Twin Disc Quick Shift marine transmissions, with dual Twin Disc EC300 Power Commander Electronic Controls and triple Twin Disc Express Joysticks.

The Joysticks control not only the main propulsion straight-shaft drivetrains but also the Twin Disc BP300 bow and stern thrusters. GB says you’ll get fingertip control at low speeds for precise manoeuvring, as well as instant throttle response in open waters. The Express Positioning button is a virtual anchor that holds position and heading.

Predicted performance includes a top speed of 35 knots, a high-cruise speed of 27 knots, and a range of 2500 nautical miles at 10 knots with the optional Volvo IPS 1200s and pod drives.

LOW DRAFT, BIG INTERIOR
The GB 60 measures 20.4m LOA, has a beam of 5.8m, but draws only 1.1m quite unlike the heavy deep draft GBs of old. This way, the boat ahs the capability to explore waters less frequented by deeper-draft craft.

The large, comfortable yacht has been designed to be operated by a knowledgeable cruising couple, with the width and interior volume for extended stays with guests.

There is a large and well-protected flybridge, wide side decks with high bulwarks, and an extended boat deck that shelters the aft deck from the elements. A Sea Keeper stabiliser is an option.

Seating abounds on the spacious flybridge, on the aft deck, and in the spacious saloon, where large windows are said to bathe the interior in natural light and fresh air. Designer-driven fabrics and finishes enhance the atmosphere.

THREE CABINS WITH CRAFTMANSHIP
With three generous cabins and two full-sized heads, finished with yard's hallmark craftsmanship, guests will enjoy the overnight accommodations usually reserved for owners, the boat builder enthuses.

The owner’s stateroom is located in the beamy mid-section, featuring a spacious walk-in wardrobe and full-height mirrors, but it’s not full-beam like other 60 footers today. There are crew quarters aft.

Looking at the floor plans, and considering the lightweight carbon construction, the GB 60 is certainly a whole new kettle of fish for the heritage boatbuilder under new management and charging off in a fresh direction.

Definitely one of the more interesting debuts at the 2017 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show from May 25 to 28, where Grand Banks will be celebrating its 60th birthday with a new 60 footer.

More at Sanctuary Cove Boat Show.