GRAND BANKS: 70 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP IN LONG-RANGE CRUISERS
Grand Banks Yachts marked its 70th anniversary in March 2026, celebrating seven decades as a pioneer in the construction of long-range motor cruising yachts. From its humble beginnings in Hong Kong in 1956 to becoming a global benchmark, the brand redefined the meaning of serious cruising.
Grand Banks began as American Marine Ltd. in 1956, a boatbuilding firm committed to constructing "honest, capable boats."
The turning point came in 1964 with the Grand Banks 36, a yacht that effectively created the production trawler category and influenced generations of cruising designs. This model became the standard that others sought to emulate.
The following decades were marked by constant innovation:
- 1968 Alaskan Series with raised pilothouse
- 1970s–80s Transition from wood to fiberglass
- 1993 Eastbay line, defining the modern Down East-style cruiser
- 2017 Grand Banks 60 with V-WARP Technology®
THE TRANSFORMATION BY MARK RICHARDS AND V-WARP TECHNOLOGY®
When Mark Richards took over as CEO and Chief Designer in 2014, he brought his experience as a world-champion sailor and boatbuilder to redefine the brand. His vision: to bring long-range cruising yachts into the modern era without compromise.
The result was V-WARP Technology®, a design and construction philosophy that revolutionized efficiency:
- 65% greater fuel efficiency compared to similar yachts in its class
- Exceptional performance without sacrificing range
- Superior stability at sea
As Richards noted: "Grand Banks was never a company to stand still. From the very beginning, it was a company willing to rethink what was possible."
THE LEGACY: SIXTEEN MODELS, ONE COMMITMENT
The current Grand Banks and Eastbay portfolio spans 16 models, each reflecting the same obsessive commitment to innovation and purposeful design. Every yacht was built for serious cruising: high-speed, long-range voyages—no compromises.
LOOKING AHEAD: THE GRAND BANKS 70
The anniversary was more than just an event; it was a seven-month celebration honoring seven decades. While the milestone paid tribute to the past, Grand Banks emphasized that it was equally about the future.
In development at the time was the Grand Banks 70, designed to build upon the brand’s proven efficiency and performance while introducing refined styling, greater owner customization, and future-ready capabilities for high-speed, long-range cruising.
WHAT GRAND BANKS TRULY MEANS
After 70 years, Grand Banks is not merely a yacht builder; it is a philosophy. It is the belief that serious boats should cruise far, fast, and efficiently. It is craftsmanship that respects tradition yet embraces innovation. And it is a global community of owners who chose Grand Banks not for the sake of fashion, but because they understand that when you cruise seriously, you need a boat built seriously.
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