About Grand Banks Yachts

Australia

Grand Banks Yachts

The Australian shipbuilder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Banks Yachts (Company)">Grand Banks</a> has unveiled its flagship Grand Banks 85 at Palm Beach International Boat Show 2022. The first hull in the series, named <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8485" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Betty25.9m (84'12&quot;)Grand Banks Yachts2021">Betty</a>, made her highly anticipated world debut in Florida, USA, where she will be delivered to her owners immediately after.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/221224/image/large-2d1305e86db866073b5367424ca6be5e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/221224"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8485" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Betty25.9m (84'12&quot;)Grand Banks Yachts2021">Betty’</a>s hull was designed by a team of leading naval architects at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Banks Yachts (Company)">Grand Banks Yachts</a>, with her underwater geometry formed by NASA and the American Navy’s databases. This continual pursuit for perfection has led to only premium materials being used in the construction of her hull, deck and superstructure. This in turn produces a low centre of gravity to deliver outstanding performance across her range. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/221252/image/large-d18c3b9eb41e9ff4748d280b285c8a15.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/221252"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/221249/image/large-645a1e2df803c7171bf1f9922d559957.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/221249">The GB85 design is an evolution of the Grand Banks 60 which was unveiled in 2017, and maintains the same elegant lines and opulent interiors that define the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Banks Yachts (Company)">Grand Banks style</a>. The GB85 takes this design in a bold new performance-driven and fuel-efficient direction. The GB85 benefits from the knowledge <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Banks Yachts (Company)">Grand Banks</a> has gained from building cruising designs for nearly seven decades and delivering more than 7,000 yachts. The GB85 is an ocean-going Bluewater cruiser that is also suited to coastal cruising, thanks to her shallow draft. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/221257/image/large-6febbdb62a8dc6b36614ef022e200fc2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/221257"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/221235/image/large-fa6062a7408bbe48c87f9aca89621ead.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/221235"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Banks Yachts (Company)">Grand Banks</a>' Eastbay and Palm Beach are the only motor yachts to be built using proprietary V-Warp technology to produce superior performance, unrivalled fuel efficiency and soft riding vessels in their class, with the benefit of minimising impact to the environment.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/221202/image/large-cd4b58e25a09288bbd071686749b218b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/221202"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8485" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Betty25.9m (84'12&quot;)Grand Banks Yachts2021"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/221212/image/large-5c2c5430b48bd6c5e90f81fe1269a3a9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/221212">Betty</a> is powered by twin 1,000 horsepower <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo (Company)">Volvo</a> engines that provide her with a cruising speed of 21 knots. A beam of 22 feet allows <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Banks Yachts (Company)">Grand Banks</a> to offer a range of internal configurations and amenities for both guests and crew. For long-distance cruising, special attention was given to both sociability and privacy. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/221240/image/large-249bc1b415d330ae2b0c378587be8103.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/221240">“First, we focused on what makes a superior long-distance cruiser while underway for long legs,” said CEO Mark Richards. “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.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/221227/image/large-a1f0103f24795619a56d12f80b9a1ad9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/221227"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8485" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Betty25.9m (84'12&quot;)Grand Banks Yachts2021">Betty</a> will be stateside for a short while before heading to Europe where she will feature at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2022.

Grand Banks 85 yacht Betty debut

Grand Banks has unveiled its flagship Grand Banks 85 at Palm Beach International Boat Show 2022. The first hull in the series is named Betty

World debut: Grand Banks unveils flagship Grand Banks 85 at Palm Beach International Boat Show 2022

Standing dockside at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kitson Yachts (Company)">Monaco Yacht Show</a> with the team of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kitson Yachts (Company)">Kitson Yachts</a>, I was immediately struck by the open-minded, honest and professional attitude of the three men standing in front of me. Founding their brokerage <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kitson Yachts (Company)">Kitson Yachts</a> in 2021, Michael Tabor, Brandon Kummer and Tony Imbesi are bringing something fresh to the brokerage market and with impressive sales already under their belts, it's clear the industry has welcomed them with open arms. I caught up with the trio to find out a bit more about how <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kitson Yachts (Company)">Kitson Yachts</a> came into being, what assets they bring to the table and why they are confident that their success will only continue. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/209768/image/large-528a90c752fb7f334ea95bb0bf3c4000.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/209768">So let's start off with the backgrounds in yachting, how you came together and what you each bring to the table...Brandon:&nbsp;I started my career in the marine industry at 18 years old building centre consoles in the facilities of Century Boats before I began working at Boat Shows, which is where I found my true passion for yacht sales. Shortly after graduating from Florida State University, I took a job at the largest publicly traded recreational boat dealer, where I quickly learned the business side of yachting. After learning the corporate structure of yachting, I transitioned into superyacht sales and became the youngest broker ever to sell a 62-metre superyacht, which then led me to be voted the top young professional under 40 by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6362" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYBA (Company)">IYBA</a>.&nbsp;Michael: I come from a third-generation shipbuilding and brokerage family. My grandfather started <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Banks Yachts (Company)">Grand Banks</a> and I grew up around the building and selling of yachts. Still, I wanted to study finance and went to Boston University, where I got a degree in insurance and financial management. After graduating, I spent 15 years working as an investment banker. Eventually, my love for yachts and the water pulled me back, and I joined one of the largest privately held brokerages companies in the U.S., which is where I met Brandon. We all came together through a really challenging deal that was in bankruptcy. I represented the buyer, Brandon represented the seller, and the yacht was in Tony’s marina.Tony: I come from a marine background via marinas. My family owns Bal Harbour Marina in South Florida, which I have been running for the last 10 years. I have built great relationships with a lot of clientele through the marina and yacht club and met Brandon, who had this challenging client, as Michael was saying, where the yacht had fallen into bankruptcy, and he had to sell it fast. Brandon reached out to Michael, who had a lot of buyers.&nbsp;Michael:&nbsp;And to add to the difficulty of the sale, it was right at the beginning of Covid, early 2020, and we managed to sell the yacht entirely through video, which was amazing to us at the time.&nbsp;Tony: So, by working together on that deal in 2020, we took stock and questioned why we were working separately rather than together, which is why we decided to launch <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kitson Yachts (Company)">Kitson Yachts</a> in early 2021. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/209770/image/large-4b321c8a54d9583f4425593c9a55aac4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/209770">Can you tell me a little bit about the approach you take?Michael:&nbsp;We take a fresh, family-office approach with our clients, in which we handle all aspects of their yachting experience. We are very analytical, we listen to our clients, and we endeavor to work in their best interests. It really is all hands-on deck.&nbsp;Tony: It is a very personal approach. The clients become our friends outside of the brokerage life and, with many of them, I have built close relationships through the marina.&nbsp;Brandon: With Covid, many clients from New York and LA also relocated to South Florida, where we are well-connected, and they call on us.&nbsp;You and Michael left the same U.S. brokerage company about the same time last year?&nbsp;Michael:&nbsp;We did, Brandon and I were both top producers at our old firm and realised that we both shared a similar passion for superyachts, which is not necessarily the focus of the company we worked for. We also wanted to deliver to our clients this kind of bespoke family office approach. We take the pain out of buying a yacht and make it easy for our clients. It is very palatable and extremely transparent.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/209769/image/large-2c6e24e4d0b1cd40160f74f076a00bf7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/209769">As a three, you are young guys, do you think this attracts clients? And are many of your clients newcomers to the industry?Michael:&nbsp;A large section of our clients are newcomers and we have been able to develop a program where we can take someone that is brand new to the industry and make them very comfortable and trust us to lead them in the right direction. We are completely committed to ensuring that, no matter the type of boat. We find the yacht that best fits the experience they are looking for. I think a lot of companies say that, but we deliver it.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53198" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="57m Feadship superyacht Halo sold (2021-06-18 16:30:00 +0200)">When you sold&nbsp;Halo&nbsp;earlier this year</a>, you told me that you’d been aware of it before she even came on the market – how did you achieve this foresight?Michael: It is funny because when we sold <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5518" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Halo57.47m (188'7&quot;)Feadship2015">Halo</a>, people were shocked that we jumped straight into superyachts, but why not? I have a financial background, Tony has a real estate development background, and Brandon is a true expert in yachting and is great with people. There is no reason to be afraid of the industry; you just have to be transparent. At the end of the day, ask your clients questions and guide them correctly, be a fiduciary. We have the courage to know we are doing the right thing and, more importantly, we don’t mind calling the legacy brokers, be it Jamie <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/124" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Edmiston (Company)">Edmiston</a> or Jonathan Beckett and ask about the market. We believe in what we are doing, which sounds like humdrum, but in reality, it is confidence. What happens is that through the confidence to move forward and uncover off-market opportunities, we deliver a great service to our clients. We are a make it happen firm. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/165646/image/large-1bb84567d6a457d15a7671f3b4f06175.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165646">And to Tony, what is your day-to-day role with&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kitson Yachts (Company)">Kitson Yachts</a>?I work on the relationship side of the business. By having the marina, I constantly meet people in the industry and their friends. Many of these individuals are involved in the industry, either as yacht owners or brokers, and I act as a connector, bringing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kitson Yachts (Company)">Kitson Yachts</a> into their circles, and then, potentially in the future, we will be able to help them find a vessel.Is it mostly American clients that you are working with at the moment?Michael: It is about 50 percent American. We also have a lot of Latin American and some European clients. We travel back and forth to Europe to find the right yachts for our clients, no matter where in the world they are.In terms of selling a yacht via video alone, how does that work?Michael: Well, it starts with trust. It is the people that make this company and our individual relationships with the clients. We are inverting the traditional process, constantly pushing back to the client to find out exactly what they want, not telling them what they should have.&nbsp;Brandon:&nbsp;We listen. We are just advisors at the end of the day, and we can't force someone to buy a yacht. They trust us because we give it to them straight and are honest. On more than one occasion, we have heard from clients and top builders alike, “you aren’t like other yacht brokers,” and we take pride in that.So that leads to my next question, new builds, is that industry in your sight?&nbsp;Michael:&nbsp;It is a major focus for us, and we have a very big project currently in build, but sadly, we can’t share that with you just yet! It is a comfortable space for us, and we are delivering. We take our clients through a less threatening process, again the family office approach, which is very appealing. We also have that financial background and transparent approach, and we make the overall experience easy and fun.&nbsp;And what is next? Are you looking at charter and what would that look like?Michael:&nbsp;Charter is absolutely important to us. We will provide a hands-on service to our clients while working with other brokers and focusing on the pedigree of the yachts we offer. We want to strip away the competing interests, which is one of the challenges of a new company, in that you're dealing with bigger firms that have competing interests.&nbsp;How has the reception been? You mentioned you are confident to call on some of the best-established brokers out there…&nbsp;Brandon:&nbsp;Positive. In fact, it has been extremely welcoming. A lot of the established brokerages like what we are doing, and we are working collaboratively with many other companies. They like us because we ask questions and don’t try to pretend we know everything.&nbsp;Michael:&nbsp;There are no egos here, which works well with shipyards too. We work as a team, are enthusiastic, and bring a collaborative and non-combative approach to what we do.&nbsp;In terms of expansion, do you see your team growing with this current market?Michael:&nbsp;We do, but carefully. We work well as a team because we have the same ethics, philosophy and moral code and implicitly trust each other. That means that as we grow as a team, we will be very selective about who we do that with, and at the end of the day, we don’t need every client, we just need great clients that we take true and excellent care of.&nbsp;Brandon:&nbsp;We make it personal. It is all about our clients. They come to us with the genuine feeling that we care about them and their interests and with the excitement to build their next yachting experience. We are confident that if we continue to look after our clients in the right way, our company will be successful.&nbsp;

SYT exclusive interview with the founders of Kitson Yachts

Francesca Webster chats to the founders of Kitson Yachts Michael Tabor, Brandon Kummer and Tony Imbesi to find out about plans for the new brokerage.

Interview exclusive: “We make it personal”, the founders of Kitson Yachts

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Banks Yachts (Company)">Grand Banks Yachts</a> have shared new details about the interior layout and design of their GB85 line of yachts. Following the successful sea trials of GB85 in March 2021, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Banks Yachts (Company)">Grand Bank Yachts</a> have announced their design ideology behind the GB85, which is set to ‘redefine long distance cruising’. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/197445/image/large-531c922fae2f618164d1a888aaf1e1e7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/197445">Every GB85 will be customised per the owner’s specifications and with a beam of 6.7-metre, GB85 will offer space for multiple configurations and amenities. She will have a central focus of both sociability and privacy, designed to give guests the perfect balance while long-distance cruising. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/197440/image/large-e27399b003906317d40d7cbf25081405.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/197440"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/197441/image/large-2bd6b1f8445ee784188d93862721f20f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/197441">GB85 will come with expansive windows all round with an electrically opening aft window for guests to enjoy their surroundings. Her interior features a main saloon with a comfortable lounge area, a galley forward with panoramic views, and a formal dining room. The skylounge configuration of GB85 includes a further lounge area with an electric sunroof.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/197434/image/large-ea12d9ace03f612120f9ce94235d0d32.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/197434"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/197439/image/large-e63ad8a0a2c58eff727e67320fedbfe5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/197439">GB85 will have two accommodation layouts. Her master suite will utilise the space, with a king-sized bed, a lounge area, an en suite bathroom and a retractable hide for a piano keyboard. Aft of midship is GB85’s crew accommodation which has been styled to provide maximum comfort for her crew members and can be configured to include berths in separate rooms, either single or double with a full-size galley, or a single queen stateroom.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/197436/image/large-d40de87d15636b10f09f8a0df8ce9400.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/197436"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Banks Yachts (Company)">Grand Banks</a> have used classic woods and soft furnishings to create a timeless, contemporary interior. CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Banks Yachts (Company)">Grand Banks</a>, Mark Richards comments, “Our approach is to build beautifully finished interiors with a timeless feel that will give generations of owners pride of ownership.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/197437/image/large-b9b1604273ea1db4d1ce001f87356424.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/197437">The first GB85 is set to be delivered later this year.

GB85 motor yacht interior design unveiled

Grand Banks Yachts have released details of the interior design of their GB85 line of yachts.

Grand Banks 85 motor yacht interior design unveiled

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Banks Yachts (Company)">Grand Banks Yachts</a> has announced that its 25.9-metre yacht Grand Banks 85 (GB85) has been launched. The first hull of the flagship model has completed a preliminary sea trial, which has proven her capability of long-distance cruising at 21 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/190676/image/large-52e90ba73cbd487dd707e55ec74eab48.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/190676">The GB85 draws inspiration from competitive sailboat design. She features a unique hull design based on key characteristics of high-performance sailboats: wetted surface and reduction of energy. The GB85’s V-warp hull reduces the amount of energy required to move the boat and improves her overall efficiency and performance, allowing her to cruise for long-distances.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/103664/image/large-a873cbd89c32d25310f00473ecff6ff5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/103664">Though the GB85 still awaits her official sea trials before being delivered to her owner, the CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Banks Yachts (Company)">Grand Banks Yachts</a>, Mark Richards, is enthusiastic about her performance: “We had one primary objective above all when we started the 85. To deliver the most fuel-efficient, high-speed, long-range cruiser of this size in the world. Period. It is incredibly exciting to tick this box right out of the gate on what is not yet even the official sea trial.”&nbsp;

26m yacht Grand Banks 85 launched

Grand Banks Yachts’ 26m flagship yacht Grand Banks 85 has been launched.

Grand Banks 85 flagship yacht launched

<a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE - 2019">METSTRADE,</a> the world's largest trade exhibition of marine equipment, materials and systems closed its doors to visitors on 21st November. Here, we look at some of the highlights of this year’s edition, which saw record numbers of both visitors and exhibitors in attendance and demonstrated a clear focus on many of the vital issues facing the marine sector, including cybersecurity, digitalisation, open workforces, international trade and sustainability.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/105202/image/large-065b940483bb2add15e6209f0f974a42.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/105202">With the 32nd edition of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/49" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE - 2019">METSTRADE</a> show taking place at the bustling RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre, there were 26,984 visits registered by 17,792 visitors, who represented an impressive 115 nationalities. On the exhibitors’ side, 1,670 exhibitors from 53 countries were represented by 7,297 stand personnel and there were 228 members of the press also in attendance. &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/105199/image/large-8852f50620fce3765201766e846ad531.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/105199"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/105200/image/large-5abe5956e46fd11acf3c5b433aace0fa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/105200">Indeed, as the years go by, the show continues to grow: as a testament to the ever-increasing recognition of the show’s importance to marine professionals, 271 new exhibitors from 36 countries participated this year. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/105192/image/large-7f42dca02f749e91cf23952f2d0608cc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/105192"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/105216/image/large-498665c57a8520a2241c89f7c66da96e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/105216">As a running theme throughout the event, sustainability was a key element to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/49" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE - 2019">METSTRADE 2019</a>, with a record number of speakers taking the opportunity to exchange expertise on how to tackle the future of the marine industry in a sustainable fashion. Highlights included the E-nnovation Stage, the Construction in Process Stage, the I-nnovation Stage and the Young Professionals Club Lounge, with panel discussions covering topics such as the disposal and recycling of boats, ocean conservation and life cycle assessment.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/105198/image/large-b7f474525073b2fd4718b3796810d367.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/105198">Always a hotly-contested event, this year's DAME Design Award was picked up by U SAFE lifebuoy, a reinvention of the traditional life-saving ring which is both auto-propelled and remote-controlled. The registration fees for the DAME were donated by the RAI to two charities, with Sailing4handicaps and The Little Optimist Trust, both receiving €8,850.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/105193/image/large-56bc5005039dd8d099f86a3f571862ae.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/105193"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/105197/image/large-b328c2a5d8e2f0c3d6ffbbb106d7d117.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/105197">The show's evenings also saw memorable events taking place, including the Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement, which welcomed some 350 guests to the amphitheatre of the National Maritime Museum. With 36 companies shortlisted, awards were taken home for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/363" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Riva S.p.A. (Company)">Riva</a>,<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5318" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galeon Yachts (Company)">&nbsp;Galeon,&nbsp;</a>Marquis Yachts/Toyota, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Banks Yachts (Company)">Grand Banks</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/458" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rondal B.V. (Company)">Rondal</a>/<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman/</a>Comm&amp;Sens/Gurit,<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">&nbsp;Benetti</a>,<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/296" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Spirit Yachts Ltd (Company)">&nbsp;Spirit Yachts</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1912" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Yachts (Company)">Princess Yachts.</a>&nbsp;In addition, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4332" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Viking Yachts (Company)">Viking Yachts</a>’ Bill and Bob Healey were given a Lifetime Achievement award while Angela Pernsteiner from<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4518" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dominator Yachts (Company)">&nbsp;Dominator Yachts&nbsp;</a>and Riviera Australia’s Kyle Davison were named as this year’s Rising Star talents.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/105215/image/large-105dbdf3037bf88b910f623cb1fb97f8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/105215">Irene Dros, maritime director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/49" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE - 2019">METSTRADE</a> commented, “There’s always room for improvement which makes the show so rewarding to organise each year. At this year’s show we delivered on our operational excellence pledge in a number of ways, including marking the fifth anniversary of the Boat Builder Awards with an awesome evening at Amsterdam’s iconic maritime museum. And throughout the week, it has been an honour to see people working with so much passion and dedication, committed to their innovative products and services.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/105219/image/large-60aac5a69ec15a8f582b1427eebf78f6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/105219">As well as attending the show as an exhibitor, members of the SuperYacht Times editorial team also took the opportunity to pay a visit to the Baltic 142<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6507" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Canova43.3m (142'1&quot;)Baltic Yachts2019">&nbsp;Canova,</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic Yachts’</a> most eco-friendly vessel yet, with Charl van Rooy capturing an <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/baltic-yacht-canova-amsterdam" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">early-morning shot</a> of the boat outside the National Maritime Museum. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/105212/image/large-25f9999eb19f142844b3e3d15f134dc6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/105212">Stay tuned for details of next year's <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/49" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE - 2019">METSTRADE</a> show!<img src="/uploads/store/photo/105218/image/large-64ce947cff9986618577dcae566c82de.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/105218">

METSTRADE 2019 in review

SYT takes a look at the best bits of METSTRADE 2019. 

In review: METSTRADE 2019 

The Australian shipbuilder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Banks Yachts (Company)">Grand Banks Yachts</a> has sold the first hull of its largest yacht to date: the 25.9-metre flagship yacht Grand Banks 85. With completion of the first unit expected to take place during the winter of 2020, construction is well underway at the shipyard’s recently upgraded facility where the Grand Banks 85’s framework has already been joined and the hull’s surface moulding is advancing.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/67553/image/large-75742d80d79a123bfd8e67fd2b83bbfb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/67553">The team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Banks Yachts (Company)">Grand Banks Yachts</a> embraces an ideology of modern and traditional shipbuilding as they implement both hand-built and robot-built methods on the GB85, which is said to have already sped up the initial development process of the yacht’s mould. Designer John McKay commented: “We are combining the benefits of traditional boat building with world-leading technology to reduce production time and improve the quality of our products.”&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/103665/image/large-108415ab8b5e8ed10b5a0172500983eb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/103665">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Banks Yachts (Company)">Grand Banks Yachts</a>’ in-house robot facility has been recently upgraded with a second eight-axis robot that provides the now twin-armed robot with better milling capabilities and more flexibility, speed and efficiency whilst staff focus on tasks that require more attention to detail. The fully operational robot demonstrated its capabilities on the GB85 during the deck plug cutting which showed improved efficiency and accuracy in the process. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/103666/image/large-6e42de2ad1650c432dadfa611fea99aa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/103666">Building on the GB60, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Banks Yachts (Company)">Grand Banks</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5309" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Banks Yachts (Company)">&nbsp;Yachts</a>’ previous model, GB85 features a 6.7-metre beam that provides the option of a flybridge or climate-controlled sky lounge and offers vast entertainment and socialising areas indoors and outdoors. Owners can opt for a full-beam master stateroom with a large ‘his and hers’ ensuite bathroom or a four cabin layout for up to nine guests. Twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo (Company)">Volvo</a> D13 with 1350hp each will power this 95GT yacht to a top speed of 30 knots and she cruises at 24 knots.&nbsp;&nbsp;

26m yacht Grand Banks 85 sold and under construction

The 26-metre flagship yacht Grand Banks 85 has been sold to her first owner as construction progresses  at the Australian yard.