Grand Banks is yet again putting the world on notice with the new Grand Banks 85.Â
 This extraordinary new design is an accumulation of advanced technology, superior design, and a company-wide passion for delivering the best yachts in their class. The GB85 is an ocean-cruising 85-footer with a half-load displacement of 49,000 kilos.
Hull No. 1 is powered with twin 1,000-hp Volvo IPS 1350s, and the company is evaluating additional power options. They say that performance projections, initial sea trial, and tank-test of new GB85’s V-Warp hull form at the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania reconfirm inspiring results. The entire deck and superstructure are fully infused carbon fibre, with all bulkheads and fixed furniture structurally bonded to the hull and deck for superior strength and rigidity.
“We had one primary objective above all when we started the 85,” said Grand Banks, CEO, Mark Richards.
“To deliver the most fuel-efficient, high speed, long-range cruiser of this size in the world. It is incredibly exciting to tick this box right out of the gate on what is not yet
even the official sea trial.”
A key component of Richards’s build philosophy is to incorporate high-tech methods that focus on weight reduction while simultaneously increasing the boat’s strength. Each hull employs infused E Glass and then carbon fibre in structural areas, cored with Corecell and
Airex foam, stitched multi-axial fabric, and 100% vinylester resins.Â
This all helps keep the weight low, which is a critical component of such a large cruising yacht
meant for bluewater passages.
