Grand Banks Yachts has finalized the interior details of Grand Banks 85. As one would expect from a yacht in this category, each GB85 will be built to suit the individual needs of her owner, based on the model’s ergonomic open-plan platform.
A beam of 22 feet allows Grand Banks to offer a range of internal configurations and amenities for guests and crew. For long-distance cruising, special attention was given to both sociability and privacy.
“First, we focused on what makes a superior long-distance cruiser while underway for long legs,” said Mark Richards, Grand Banks Yachts CEO. “This means understanding the rhythm that occurs while on passage, and creating various spaces where you can separate from others off-watch. Some people onboard are focused on running the boat, others are relaxing, and others may be sleeping. This approach ticks a lot of boxes in how the design comes together.”
The next objective is to focus on comfort when at anchor or at the dock. Grand Banks ensures one mission is not compromised for the sake of the other. Decks are arranged for outdoor dining and entertaining. And a supremely comfortable lounge seating area in the main salon optimizes space between the main deck and aft deck, by using the full beam of the vessel in a configuration that is both open and intimate. 360° sight lines are a Grand Banks hallmark, and the expansive windows combined with and an electrically opening aft window allow guests to view their surroundings from almost any position within the GB85’s main salon or dining area.
Hull No. 1 features the Skylounge version, the GB85 is also available in an Open Bridge configuration which offers a lower helm area forward.
The Skylounge version places the galley all the way forward just abaft the windshield, providing the cook with an incredible view over the horizon. The arrangement allows for a superior use of space and utilization while underway or entertaining at the dock. An internal dining area featuring customized, handcrafted furnishings is located between the galley and main saloon.
The additional skylounge salon rivals the main deck salon area of many 60-footers and essentially offers a second, separate lounging area. While the adults are enjoying a lively dinner and conversation below, kids can relax in the upper lounge, complete with additional refrigeration and pantry stowage. The elevated helm area is forward and comfortably accommodates four adults seated while underway. The starboard helm position and lowering side and aft windows offer terrific sightlines. Overhead, an expansive electric opening sunroof further transforms the space with an open feel comparable to the open flybridge configuration.
“Our approach is to build beautifully finished interiors with a timeless feel that will give generations of owners pride of ownership. To cruise at 21 knots for 900–1,000 nautical miles in supreme comfort, without needing to refuel, was the target for this design. We’re extremely proud of the team’s achievement here, and are excited to show the world what this incredible new yacht can do,” says Mark Richards.
Grand Banks Yachts' story begins seventy years ago in Hong Kong by Robert Newton, an American expatriate. By 1962, Robert had moved the flourishing enterprise to Junk Bay. Under the name ‘American Marine’, he and his sons were building heavy sailboats and big motor yachts. In 1995 the production facility moved to Malaysia. The expanded and revamped factory now employs the most sophisticated systems and technology in the boat-building industry.
Credits: Grand Banks Yachts
Royal Huisman makes waves once again with Noir, an 81-meter sailing yacht, setting a new standard in superyacht excellence. Designed by Malcolm McKeon, Noir boasts the world’s tallest sloop rig at 93 meters, embodying the epitome of luxury and performance.McKeon, the mastermind behind this groundbreaking design, envisions Noir as the ultimate vessel for the owner's pleasure and adventure with loved ones. With a contemporary profile featuring a reverse bow and a flying bridge, Noir offers ample outdoor living space and unparalleled connectivity to the sea.An experienced sailor himself, Noir's owner prioritizes speed, power, and responsive handling, ensuring an exhilarating sailing experience. The yacht is tailored for world cruising and exploration, equipped with a 14-meter tender for coastal excursions without the need for yacht repositioning.Crafted from aluminum and powered by electric drives, Noir combines cutting-edge technology with sleek design. Rondal supplies the mast, boom, and integrated sailing system, contributing to Noir's status as the world's tallest sloop.Noir's interior, designed by GCA Architects, promises to harmonize with the contemporary exterior, blending natural materials and textures for a luxurious yet relaxed atmosphere. With details kept under wraps, anticipation for the unveiling of Noir's interior design continues to grow.Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman expresses pride and gratitude for being selected to bring Noir to life, marking a significant milestone in the shipyard's 140-year history. As the fourth yacht to join the ranks of the world's Top 10 largest sailing yachts, Noir solidifies Royal Huisman's reputation as a leader in bespoke yacht craftsmanship and innovation.Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credits: Royal Huisman
April 24, 2024
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April 24, 2024
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April 24, 2024
Southern Wind has delivered the SW96 Liberty after successful sea trials. The latest addition to its fleet designed by Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design, Liberty emphasizes racing while maintaining luxury. The owner, a European yachtsman on his second Southern Wind Yacht, expressed his satisfaction after his first sailing experience in Cape Town. Built with a foam core and infused carbon skins, Liberty boasts a lightship displacement of 62 tonnes, ensuring excellent speed even in light air. Her Hall Spars high-modulus carbon mast and boom, along with EC6+ carbon rigging, enhance her performance further.Featuring full water lines and a lifting keel, Liberty is easy to control in various conditions. Her raised saloon layout and panoramic windows provide ample light, complemented by the largest hull portlights in the series. The deck showcases the latest Southern Wind “Twin Fold” transom.With three guest cabins and a spacious owner's suite, Liberty offers comfort alongside exhilarating performance.Now SW96 Liberty embarks on her 7500 mile Maiden Voyage from Cape Town to the Mediterreanean Sea.Southern Wind is a boutique bluewater sailing yacht shipyard founded in Cape Town in 1991. Since its foundation, SWS has specialized in the production of semi-custom high-performance superyachts.Credits: Southern Wind
April 23, 2024
Yonca Shipyard, a renowned builder of state-of-the-art composite vessels with a strong presence in the defense sector, has announced the launch of Mishi Yachts, a new brand targeting the sailing superyacht market.With a sprawling facility covering 44,000 square meters, half of which is under cover, Yonca Shipyard is equipped to construct vessels up to 160 ft in length and weighing over 400 tonnes. The yard's cutting-edge construction capabilities enable the production of up to 20 naval and leisure yachts annually.While excelling in various materials, Yonca's expertise lies in high-speed composite vessels, renowned for their robustness, seaworthiness, and impressive top speeds ranging from 40 to 80 knots.Şakir YılmaztürkChairman and founder, Şakir Yılmaztürk, expressed the shipyard's enthusiasm for venturing into the leisure marine sector. "Yonca Shipyard is esteemed in the defense industry and has served as the builder behind other esteemed yachting brands," said Yılmaztürk. "With 36 years of honed skills and capabilities, we are delighted to introduce Mishi Yachts, focusing on luxury sailing superyachts."Mishi Yachts' debut offerings include designs for an 88 ft and a 102 ft luxury sailing yacht, embodying the expertise and craftsmanship synonymous with Yonca Shipyard. The yard collaborates with renowned naval architects and designers to ensure superior performance and enduring quality.Yonca's proficiency in complex mold design and flawless composite work positions it as a leader in the industry. From CNC milling to vacuum infusion, the yard's meticulous approach ensures impeccable standards in fiberglass construction. Additionally, its finishing capabilities, including woodworking and stainless steel fabrication, further attest to its commitment to excellence.Mishi Yachts management board: Şakir Yılmaztürk, Erdem Yılmaztür and Didem Yılmaztürk Ulusoy"We are driven by the same passion and dedication that fueled our inception in 1986," stated Yılmaztürk. "Our reputation for composite craftsmanship and engineering excellence positions us to seize opportunities in the superyacht market. We look forward to delivering exceptional vessels that embody the essence of Mishi Yachts."Founded in 1986, Yonca Shipyard aimed to lead in fast boat design and advanced composites. Despite doubts, handcrafted boats reflected our vision. Now an industrial-scale enterprise, the shipyard produces cutting-edge pleasure, commercial, and naval craft. Yonca Shipyard delivered more than 180 ships and boats, specializing in fast interceptor craft and patrol boats for defense and law enforcement agencies.Credits: Pozitif Studio/Yonca Shipyard
April 23, 2024