Fresh from its recent appearance at Boot Dusseldorf, the Grand Banks 54 maintains a commanding presence and earns industry respect with its hallmark construction and design excellence. The V-Warp hulls, featuring a refined bow entry and gracefully curved midsection, indisputably retained the industry's attention during the boat show.
In the world of luxury yachts, Grand Banks Yachts stands out for its rich heritage and innovative spirit. Representing the brand at the recent Boot Dusseldorf was the Grand Banks 54. This yacht not only honors its predecessors' legacy but also showcases cutting-edge advancements in marine engineering and design.
The Grand Banks Yachts' narrative is not one to be overlooked. Since the debut of the Grand Banks 36 in 1964, the shipyard has consistently set the bar for long-range cruising, emphasizing freedom, adventure, and luxurious comfort aboard. The GB54 continues this legacy, drawing from a lineage of pioneering spirit under the guidance of the ocean-racing sailing champion, Mark Richards.
Mark Richards' vision of a next-generation Grand Banks, initiated with the GB60 in 2017, finds its continuation in the GB54. This yacht represents the pinnacle of long-range cruising, capable of maintaining high levels of efficiency across a speed range of eight to 34 knots. Such performance is a testament to the innovative use of technology, design, and dedication to crafting vessels that are not just a means of travel, but also a way of life.
What sets the GB54 apart from other vessels in its class, is its ergonomic design, which aims to reduce the workload of owner-operators.
The exclusive V-Warp hull design delivers a blend of speed, stability, and fuel efficiency. Drawing inspiration from ocean racing yachts, its distinctive warped, semi-displacement form flares amidships to efficiently navigate through the seas.
This design maximizes buoyancy and lift, complemented by an 8-degree transom deadrise that minimizes water resistance. These features collectively propel the Grand Banks 54 to class-leading speeds, making it the epitome of efficiency in its category.
Wake:
The smooth, even wake left behind a V-Warp® hull indicates its efficiency and stability, moving through the water with minimal resistance.
Stability and lift:
With a modest 6-8 degree deadrise, the hull provides added lift, ensuring stability both at speed and when stationary.
Warped form:
The semi-displacement form gently flares amidships, reducing hull slapping and pounding during movement.
Sharp entry:
The fine bow entry improves fuel efficiency and range, smoothly transitioning from hull speed to plane speed with ease.
As we dropped into the trough, we all collectively expected a bone-jarring crash, but nothing came, nothing. No creaks, cracks shakes, or shimmers, just a very solid ride beneath our feet."
The build process employs a meticulous blend of vinylester e-glass in the hull and unidirectional as well as multi-axial carbon fiber in the deck and superstructure. This careful balance ensures a vessel that is not only robust and durable but also lightweight – a critical factor for any long-range cruiser. The V-Warp hull is seamlessly fused to the bulkheads and the carbon fiber deck and superstructure, culminating in a yacht that boasts exceptional strength, a smooth and quiet ride, and notable efficiency across its speed range.
Each Grand Banks yacht is crafted to order. Yacht buyers enjoy the flexibility of customizing their GB54 to their preferences, with options such as galley-up or down configurations and two- or three-stateroom layouts. The build process only begins once the new owner is entirely satisfied with the design, layout choices, and specifications.
From sedan to open top, color palettes, fixtures, and fittings—every Grand Banks yacht is personalized to the owner's taste. Furthermore, the choice between pod or shaft drive propulsion systems complements the owner's unique boating style.
