Boating New Zealand — January 2018

22 Boating New Zealand

rand Banks has been

building boats for

more than 60 years,

introducing both the

recreational trawler and

Downeast-style cruiser

categories to the world. The company’s

solidly-built, luxurious motor yachts are

very popular in North America and Europe

and have a strong following in many other

regions, including Australia.

The company’s recent acquisition of

luxury Australian boat builder Palm Beach

Motor Yachts has resulted in an exciting

range of new designs, and a new direction

for the shipyard. Reviewed here is the Grand

Banks 60 – the first hull of a new breed

focussing on performance and efficiency,

while retaining GB quality and style.

Renowned sailor and businessman, Aussie

Mark Richards, started Palm Beach Motor

Yachts 22 years ago. He is now CEO of Grand

Banks Yachts, responsible for spearheading

and developing the company’s new range.

His good mate and long-time sailing buddy,

professional sailor Matt Mason, is bringing

Grand Banks and Palm Beach to New Zealand

soon, but Boating had to travel to Sydney to

sample one.

Historically, Grand Banks built strong,

G

WORDS BY JOHN EICHELSHEIM

PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

review

Grand Banks 60

The marriage of two high-profile boat yards – Grand Banks and Palm Beach Motor

Yachts – has delivered a new range of luxury launches soon to be headed our way.

LONG-DISTANCE

LUXURY