Grand Banks debuts GB 60

It’s here! Grand Banks introduces the highly anticipated Grand Banks 60 at the Newport International Boat Show.

To celebrate the 60^th anniversary of Grand Banks, this anticipated yacht furthers the company’s reputation of designing, engineering and building high-tech, long-range motor yachts that have satisfied cruising owners since the 1960s. The new Grand Banks 60 incorporates the latest marine technologies, from leading-edge construction to well-proven and reliable propulsion and maneuvering systems.

Following Hull No. 1’s successful debut at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May, Hull No. 3 is displayed at the Newport International Boat Show, September 14 to 17.

“The GB60 is taking Grand Banks in a whole new direction in terms of appearance, performance, and construction techniques,” said Grand Banks’ CEO Mark Richards. “You really have to take the boat for a ride to get the full experience. There’s just nothing else like it from a performance perspective.”

To make the yacht strong, light and more efficient, the entire deck and cabin house are fully infused using the highest quality carbon fiber available —a method primarily seen on performance sailing craft. A fully-cored structure is employed using PVC foam core in areas of specific application, sandwiched between skins of stitched multi-axial carbon fiber, bonded with vinylester and epoxy resins and supported by infused composite panels in a robust grid system — all working together for long life, strength, and reliability in punishing open water conditions.

The GB 60 measures 65’4” overall, has a beam of 19’2”, and draws less than four-feet if equipped with the IPS pods. This means that Grand Banks is delivering a large, comfortable yacht that can be owned and operated by a knowledgeable cruising couple, with the interior volume that makes extended stays practical for owners and their guests, and the capability to explore waters less frequented by other 60-footers with deeper draft. And the company is delivering these themes in a design that hearkens back to the days when balance and proportion were prerequisites for a desirable yacht, one that would be visually pleasing over decades.

Grand Banks GB 60 cruises off Point Judith, Rhode Island

A quick glance at the exterior also sets this design apart as a true ocean-going yacht, with a large and well-protected flybridge, wide side decks with high bulwarks and handholds, and an extended boat deck that shelters the aft deck from the elements. All of this, coupled with the optional Sea Keeper stabilizer, positions the new GB 60 in the front of the pack in both safety and comfort.

Seating abounds on the spacious flybridge, on the aft deck, and in the generous salon. Large electric windows bathe the main cabin — salon, lower helm, and aft galley are all located on one level deck — with an abundance of natural light and ventilation, perfect for family and friends to relax while underway offshore or on the hook. With three generous staterooms and two full-size heads, finished in Grand Banks’ hallmark handcraftsmanship, guests will enjoy the overnight accommodations usually reserved for owners. The owner’s stateroom is located in the midships, featuring a spacious walk-in wardrobe and full-height mirrors.

For more information on the GB 60: www.grandbanks.com

For more, check out the GB60SL

45th Annual Newport International Boat Show

It started off as a bold idea 45 years ago—an in-the-water boat show, one of the first to be held in the Northeast. Today, the brainchild of visionary former naval officer Paul Dodson is among the most celebrated venues for boat enthusiasts in the U.S. and kicks off the east coast boat show season. Scores of vessels, sailboats and powerboats from small crafts to 100 footers along with thousands of products and accessories are due to delight visitors in the City by the Sea.

The Newport International Boat Show (NIBS) is set to take over more than 13 acres of historic Newport Harbor September 17-19. “[We’re looking forward to] delivering a great experience for exhibitors and attendees by bringing in prospective buyers and having even more brands and models of powerboats, sailboats and innovative products on display for all,” says Nancy Piffard director of the Newport Exhibition Group, which owns NIBS.

More than 600 domestic and international exhibitors will showcase and sell their products and services, while never-before-seen boats will make their debut. “All of the ‘Newport For New Product’ entries are a must-see,” says Piffard of the popular program that gives attendees a chance to vote for vessels and marine products being launched this year in the U.S. market between April 1^st and September 1^st. (International products making their first official appearance in the U.S. at NIBS can also participate.) “Last year people swarmed the docks to see the new Gunboat 55, the 34 Outboard Express from True North and B&G’s ForwardScan sonar as well as dozens of other innovative products. This year we will have even more!”

NIBS is partnering for a second year with Confident Captain/Ocean Pros for yet another exciting “At The Helm” program to provide sailors and powerboaters of all experience levels the opportunity to take to the water. New shore-based courses—iPad Navigation and Boat Systems to be held in the Confident Captain/Safe-Sea Mobile Seamanship Lab at the show site—will add to the existing six classes available for powerboat and sailing. The program includes Powerboat Docking and Maneuvering, Advanced & Twin Engine Powerboat, Become a Power Boater, Advanced Sailboat Handling and Sail Trim, Sailboat Docking and Close Quarters Maneuvering, and Sailboat Crew/First-Mate Skills. Online pre-registration is required.

The Educational Seminar Series is also back this year and set to take place at Forty 1° North Marina Resort located within walking distance of the show. “After a hiatus of offering seminars last year, we have brought back a lineup of exciting speakers and topics,” says Piffard (the seminar schedule was not available at press time). Salty Dawg Rally—a non-profit organization with an emphasis on safety, communication and camaraderie—will host its own Seminar Series on September 16^th at the Edward King House. Running from 9AM to 4PM, the seminars will cover topics such as blue water passage preparations, selection and care of emergency equipment, getting to know your steering and pump systems, and more. saltydawgrally.org

NIBS selected Clean Ocean Access as its 2015 charity partner. The organization, which conducts marine debris removal efforts, water quality monitoring and safeguards public access, focuses on the restoration and protection of natural resources. “Clean Ocean Access does such important work eliminating marine debris for the shoreline and improving overall ocean health—a task every boater should embrace,” says Piffard. “This partnership gives us the opportunity to remind the tens of thousands of people who attend our show that if all of us do seemingly small things locally, we can make a big difference globally.”

More than a boat show, NIBS is a destination event. “Newport is the quintessential New England seacoast town with great shops, award-winning restaurants, a vibrant night life, and many historic attractions,” says Piffard before adding, “[it’s] a venue that is unparalleled.” Southern Boating thinks so too—come and see us at the NYC Tent C, booth 60. newportboatshow.com

By Nathalie Gouillou, Southern Boating Magazine August 2015

48th Newport International Boat Show

Three days in Newport is never enough. Especially if the Newport International Boat Show is happening.

On September 13th, the Newport Yachting Center in downtown Newport, Rhode Island, hosts the 48th Annual Newport International Boat Show. For three days, hundreds of exhibitors from around the world present an extensive selection of marine equipment, services, and accessories. And that’s in addition to all the boats.

As one of the largest in-water boat shows in the United States and the premier show in New England, the Newport International Boat Show encompasses over 13 acres with docks accessing new powerboats and sailboats from inflatables to multihulls ranging from 15 to 90 feet.

In addition to the boats, products, and services, a wealth of events educates and entertains visitors. Nancy Piffard, Newport Exhibition Group’s show director, wants the Newport International Boat Show to be a completely immersive experience. The ever-popular Confident Captain’s “At the Helm” training courses and the United States Power Squadrons’ America’s Boating Club seminar program provides educational instruction for show attendees from the novice boater to the licensed captain. Session-goers can add to their seamanship skills in powerboat docking and maneuvering, advanced outboard handling, how to become a power boater, automatic identification systems, how to read the weather, and anchoring techniques.

For the 13th year, the highly anticipated Newport For New Products competition provides attendees an exciting opportunity to view boats and products making their first-ever debut in the U.S. Entries are judged by a panel of experts. Awards are given at a ceremony on Friday, September 14th. Categories include best new powerboat, sailboat, navigation product, and boating operation, maintenance or safety product.

In addition, attendees present on opening day will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite new boat as part of the “People’s Choice Award.” One voter will be selected randomly and receive a $250 American Express gift card. Don’t miss seeing the latest ideas and technologies used in the marine industry.

Running concurrently with the show is the 2nd Annual Newport Wooden Boat Show at Bowen’s Wharf Ferry Landing Marina and the Newport Brokerage Boat Show held at the Newport Shipyard. No additional ticket is required to attend. Also, a water taxi is available to take attendees from show to show.

One last experience not to be missed is an afternoon sailing excursion aboard the 220-foot tall ship SSV Oliver Hazard Perry. OHP will be at Fort Adams State Park. Take an afternoon sail from 1 PM to 5 PM. If you can’t make that, a deck tour is available Sunday from 10 AM to 12 PM.

Show Dates and Hours:

Thursday, September 13th-Saturday, September 15th: 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday, September 16th: 10 am to 5 pm

Admission

Thursday Sept. 13 – Preview Day:
$35 in advance & day-of

Friday, Saturday or Sunday:
$15 through Sept. 12
$22 on Sept. 14, 15 and 16

Parking: Easton’s Beach; $20 per vehicle; continuous shuttle

Ferry: Providence or Jamestown ferry to Newport

newportboatshow.com

By Steve Davis, Southern Boating August 2018

Tag: NIBS