Boating New Zealand — January 2018

(lu) #1

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

Free download pdf