Grand entrance
The Grand Banks 85 was recently launched at the 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival and has now sold units in Europe, Australia and the United States.
15 September 2022
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With the launch of the Grand Banks 85 at the 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival, Grand Banks continues to stay true to its pioneering past while continuing its relentless pursuit of perfection, next-level construction and superior design.
At the heart of Grand Banks’ success is its proprietary V-Warp® Technology, which features their new V-Warp® hull platform, in concert with exotic materials and a build philosophy that guides their design and construction.
This hull shape is the manifestation of Richards’ dissatisfaction with the status quo and his constant drive to apply the same guiding principles of competitive sailboat racing designs derived from his experience with the Admiral’s Cup, America’s Cup and a record number of Sydney Hobart victories.
Three key elements to a successful high-performance sailboat design are wetted surface, reduction of energy required to move a boat through the water and running attitude.
It was Richards’ opinion that these elements were often overlooked in the 25-metre-plus market, where interior accommodations at times take precedent over performance and efficiency.
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The Grand Banks V-Warp hull is designed to stay in the water and slice through seas. The lift designed in the after section helps to maintain this flatter running attitude, which takes full advantage of GB85’s waterline, while the fine entry cuts through the water and provides a soft ride and superior efficiency.
“You hear a lot of people say that every boat is a compromise,” said Richards. “I simply don’t believe that at all. It’s our job to achieve the opposite and ensure there are no compromises throughout our range.
“Speed can go with long range. Luxury and efficiency can be achieved together. That’s what our customers expect from Grand Banks and it’s certainly evident with the new GB85.
“To deliver the most fuel-efficient, high-speed, long-range cruiser proves out this no-compromise objective, and we’re immensely proud of what our team has achieved.”
The GB85 has an efficient cruising speed of 21 knots for a range circa 1,000 nautical miles. The versatility of the V-Warp Hull allows the speed to be reduced to 10 knots for an approximate 3,000-nautical-mile range.
Because the yacht is designed to achieve the same running attitude throughout the speed curve, cruising speeds can be optimised based on cruising conditions.
Several engine options are available, including the 1,000-horsepower Volvo IPS 1350s, or a shaft package employing twin 1,300-horsepower MAN V8 diesels.
Combining the V-Warp hull design with an obsessive focus on maximising strength and minimising weight is another component that brings the GB85 to the next level.
High-tech methods are employed that focus on weight reduction while simultaneously increasing the boat’s strength.
Each hull employs vacuum infused E-Glass and then carbon fibre in structural areas, cored with Corecell® and Airex® foam and stitched multi-axial fabrics. This sandwich construction style is then infused with 100-percent vinylester, a modified epoxy and the highest grade of resin.
The entire deck and superstructure are fully infused carbon fibre, which makes for stronger, lighter structures, which are then enhanced with compound curvatures for further stiffness.
This also keeps the centre of gravity low and provides impressive form stability, a critical component of such a large cruising yacht meant for bluewater passages.
Grand Banks offer several accommodations plans, including either an open or enclosed-flybridge version. However, the builder works directly with owners to ensure that each GB85 reflects individual needs, experience and taste.
The GB85 makes the most of her main deck, thanks to a 22-foot beam which provides spacious gathering areas for family and friends. The aft deck has a wide dining table at the transom, served by an alfresco galley area along the aft bulkhead of the saloon.
In the saloon, a large conversation area is located aft with a U-shaped settee and a large sofa opposite. Throughout the GB85, customisation means the layout, finishes and fabrics are at the owners’ behest.
Forward is a formal dining table convenient to a spacious galley appointed with professional-grade appliances. Opposite the dining area, internal stairs lead to the flybridge.
The flybridge can be configured as an open deck or enclosed skylounge, with a gathering area abaft the helm and companion seats, allowing guests to enjoy time around the helm.
With the enclosed option, opening windows allow for fresh breezes on fair days, creating more usable space on the main deck as the upper deck is the primary helm station (a lower docking station to starboard can be concealed within the galley counter by the door to the side deck).
On the open flybridge a robust hardtop offers protection from the elements. The aft cockpit on the bridge features an additional L-shaped lounge settee and high-low table for dining, as well as a wet bar to port with electric cooktops, refrigeration and ice makers.
Owners can choose to configure this area as an additional spacious sunning area and either opt to stow their tender here or below on the swim platform.
The lower deck as standard, has at its heart an amidships, full-beam master stateroom. The king-size berth is flanked by a settee for the owners’ private comfort and plenty of stowage, including numerous drawers and a walk-in hanging locker.
The ensuite arrangement features double sinks and a spacious shower. Customisation is a huge feature here; one 85 had a concealed, fold-out full-size piano keyboard incorporated into the joinery.
The layout also includes a forward VIP with luxurious ensuite and loads of stowage, offering solitude for special guests. A third double guest stateroom is also served by a private head. Both are finished to welcome guests in style.
One of the essential requirements in the design of the GB85 was to lead the industry with respect to commodious crew quarters, which can also serve as additional family accommodations and is finished to the same standard as the rest of the vessel.
There are numerous layout options available for this space too, from two cabin queen-sized berths to a dedicated captain’s cabin with office space. These layouts feature a full-size galley and dining area and have separate entrances via the cockpit and transom.
Separate engine rooms and utility spaces ensure systems are not condensed within the heat of the engine room.
Grand Banks has sold GB85s around the globe, including to repeat customers in Europe, Australia and the United States.
“We are humbled by our loyal customer base who have continued appreciation for, and faith in the brand and our platform. “This is what motivates us to continue our constant quest for next-level yachting,” said Richards.
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