Yachting Art Magazine

In 2026, the yacht builder Grand Banks Yachts will celebrate a milestone anniversary: seventy years of designing and building long-range cruising yachts. The company, now based in Stuart, Florida, has announced that this international celebration will officially begin on 25 March at the Palm Beach International Boat Show. The event will mark the launch of a commemorative programme spanning several months, featuring owner gatherings, editorial content tracing the brand’s history, and various initiatives designed to highlight the builder’s evolution over the decades.

Founded in 1956 in Hong Kong as American Marine Ltd., the company was established at a time when the motor yachting industry was beginning to take shape on an international scale. In its early days, the company focused on building sturdy boats designed for both coastal and offshore sailing. A major turning point came in 1964 with the launch of the Grand Banks 36, a model that left a lasting mark on the history of boating. This cruising yacht helped popularise the category of production trawlers, motorboats designed for long-distance cruising at moderate speeds, characterised by their range, stability and cruising comfort. The success of this model had a lasting influence on the design of cruising yachts and helped establish the brand on the international market.

Over the following decades, Grand Banks developed several ranges that kept pace with changes in the boating sector. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Alaskan series, recognisable by its raised helm station, was aimed at recreational boaters wishing to sail long distances with a high level of protection and visibility. At the same time, the company played a part in the evolution of shipbuilding techniques by gradually transitioning from wood to fibreglass, a material that became dominant in the boating industry from the late 20th century onwards.

In the 1990s, Grand Banks expanded its market position with the Eastbay range, launched in 1993. Inspired by traditional boats from the US East Coast, this series helped popularise the so-called ‘Down East’ style, combining classic lines, enhanced performance and sailing comfort. This development illustrates the manufacturer’s adaptation to the expectations of a new generation of boaters seeking speed, aesthetics and versatility.

A new phase of transformation began in 2014 when Mark Richards took over as CEO. A professional sailor and shipbuilder, he initiated a strategic reorientation aimed at modernising the ranges and incorporating new design approaches. This strategy was notably realised with the launch of the Grand Banks 60 in 2017, a model that introduced the design technology known as V-WARP Technology. This approach is based on a comprehensive optimisation of the hull, structures and propulsion system to improve energy efficiency and cruising performance.

According to the company, this technology enables significant gains in fuel consumption and range compared to comparable yachts. This drive for energy efficiency comes at a time when boat builders are increasingly confronted with environmental challenges and the need to reduce the energy footprint of pleasure craft.

Today, the Grand Banks Group develops two main brands, Grand Banks and Eastbay, comprising a total of sixteen models. These yachts are designed to meet the demands of long-distance cruising, combining range, comfort and performance. The brand also benefits from an international community of owners who regularly meet at gatherings and nautical events.

The 70th anniversary celebrations will centre on several initiatives. The Palm Beach International Boat Show will serve as the official launch, ahead of a series of events for owners in the United States, Australia and Europe. The brand also plans to publish a special edition of its in-house magazine tracing the key milestones in its development, as well as releasing digital content dedicated to iconic models and the personalities who have shaped the company’s history.

Beyond the commemorative aspect, this programme is also intended to support preparations for future industrial developments. These include the Grand Banks 70 project, currently in the design phase. This future model is expected to build on technologies developed in recent years whilst incorporating new customisation options and enhancements designed for long-distance cruising at higher speeds.