March 11, 2025 – What does it take to consistently design, build, and deliver luxury yachts that represent a new era of long-range cruising? It takes a range of yachts that reflect an ingrained philosophy that perfection is indeed achievable and remind us that there are no half measures. It takes a visionary, a shipwright, a relentless competitor, and passionate yachtsman. It takes patience and a laser focus on core performance principles that other builders simply can’t match. In a word, it takes the leadership and vision of Mark Richards. Richards, a world-renowned ocean racer and shipwright, has transformed Grand Banks back into a pioneering, cutting-edge builder and continues to redefine long-range cruising by leading the way with products that combine speed and range. Today, with the launch of the new Grand Banks 62 at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in Florida, March 19-23, Richards continues to solidify the company’s near 70-year history as a market leader and innovator.

“There is simply no other long-range cruising design on the water like this new Grand Banks,” says Richards. “I remember as a kid working on GB42s coming into the yard. Decades later, I take this stewardship of the company very seriously every day. The principles you’ll see in the Grand Banks 62 define the 60 series, and indeed our entire range. Less weight. More strength. Less fuel burn. More range. More speed, less resistance, and of course all this means more efficiency, resulting in lower emissions. I challenge anyone to simply compare the numbers, take our boat for a sea trial, and take a similar-size trawler-yacht or motor yacht, and you’ll realize there is no comparison. The numbers tell the entire story, and, to demonstrate these numbers, you just need to take a look at her wake at any speed. Based on initial sea trials at its launch, the Grand Banks 62 achieves a top speed of 30 knots, and a has high cruise speed of 27 knots. If owners’ adventures lead them farther over the horizon, at 20 knots the total burn rate is 38 gallons-per-hour—an unmatched performance for this class of boat. A range of 2,000 nautical miles with 10-percent reserve is achieved at 10 knots.

These speeds are achieved at a near identical running angle throughout the speed curve, providing the ability for ocean-crossing range without floundering in troughs at displacement speeds. The ability to dial in speed and trim based on the sea state results in added comfort on board, and above all safety. Twin Volvo D13s, rated at 900 horsepower each on straight shafts, with Twin Disc MGX 5096A marine transmissions, are standard. Optional engine packages include twin Volvo D13s with shaft drives rated at 1,000 horsepower each, or Volvo IPS 1200S rated at 900 horsepower each. “Our buyers appreciate our philosophy that speed, range, and efficiency are not mutually exclusive,” says Mark Richards. “My Grand Banks stewardship that began more than 11 years ago didn’t start with asking about how we can keep doing everything the same as everyone else. Instead the mission is to focus on how can we lead the way and deliver ground-breaking designs that represent an entirely new era of long-range cruising.”