spray - Grand Banks Yachts

vol.8 iss.2
spray
THE MAGAZINE FOR GRAND BANKS OWNERS & ENTHUSIASTS
The new 41EU under the lights at Sentosa Cove’s
Oneº Fifteen Resort, Singapore
On the Cover
spray
41 Heritage EU, hull #001
Singapore
volume eight, issue two
SCUTTLEBUTT
0 3
News at Grand Banks never takes a break:
check out the latest goings on in Scuttlebutt
41 HERITAGE EU L AUNCH
1 1
Photos and features of the latest Grand Banks innovation,
the much anticipated 41EU, powered by Zeus propulsion
SHAKEDOWN UNLIKE ANY OTHER
1 7
Longtime GB owners, Jeff and Susan Bland, take
new Aleutian owners, Brooke and Tracey Wade on their
shakedown cruise, accompanied by a very special guest
HOME OFFICE
2 3
This Barrington, Rhode Island couple decides to move
away from a land-locked existence - permanently. Their
52 Heritage EU serves as the perfect escape
AT THE DOCKS
3 1
New GB owners, of new and used boats
GB HEADQUARTERS
Grand Banks Yachts Pte. Ltd.
29 Loyang Crescent
Singapore 509015
Phone: +65 6545–2929
Fax: +65 6543–0029
EAST COAST SALES/SERVICE
Two Marina Plaza
Goat Island
Newport, RI 02840 USA
Phone: (401) 848–7550
Fax: (401) 848–7551
SOUTH, WEST SALES/SERVICE
3027 Marina Bay Dr. Ste. 110
League City, TX 77573 USA
Phone: (512) 288–5518
Fax: (281) 754–4125
EUROPE SALES
Port de La Napoule
06210 La Napoule, France
Phone: +33 (0) 4–93–90–36–74
Fax: +33 (0) 4–93–49–91–51
Mobile: +33 (0) 6–78–78–05–34
U.S. HEADQUARTERS
Grand Banks Yachts
2100 Westlake Ave. N. Ste. 107
Seattle, WA 98109 USA
Phone: (206) 352–0116
Fax: (206) 352–1711
SPRAY SUBMISSIONS
Grand Banks Yachts
c/o Jonathan Cooper
2100 Westlake Ave. N. Ste. 107
Seattle, WA 98109 USA
Email: jonathanc@grandbanks.com
Phone: (206) 352–0116 x114
OWNERS EVENTS
Jarrett Bay’s Ride ‘n Drive
J BYS L AU N C H E S A P R E V I E W E V E N T F O R C U S TO M E R S
T O T E S T O U T T H E L AT E S T G R A N D B A N K S P R O D U C T S
PHOTOS: Aerial view of the
120-plus GBs in attendance
at the ever-beautiful Roche
Harbor Resort on San Juan
Island, Washington; (right) All
ages represented; The lineup
from dock level
PSGBOA 08
N O R T H W E S T G B O W N E R S G AT H E R F O R T H E I R
A N N U A L F E S T I VA L O N S A N J U A N I S L A N D
The past, present and future of Grand Banks came together
during a sun-drenched weekend in the San Juans earlier this
year, as the Puget Sound Grand Band Owners’ Association
celebrated their annual rendezvous at historic Roche Harbor
resort and marina. Kicking off the event was a special presentation by Shing Kong, son of one of the first GB employees,
Joseph Kong; he shared a wealth of pictures and wonderful
stories about his father and the early days of Grand Banks
[see Spray, V.8, I1 for a full story by Shing Kong about the
company’s origins in Hong Kong].
Like always, the rendezvous was informative, eventful and full
of exuberance among the owners of nearly 120 GBs who
gathered here. A series of thoughtful seminars over the weekend focused on long-range cruising, with helpful advice on
provisioning, maintenance, on-board fitness, cooking, safety
and other related topics.
Between it all was good food, great camaraderie, incredible
weather and even a juggling act or two. You can see video
from the event at the PSGBOA web site, psgbowners.org.
3
SPRAY VOL.8, NO.2
Earlier this year, the team at Jarrett
Bay Yacht Sales hosted a premium
event for GB owners and interested
buyers. The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort, Spa & Marina on
the banks of the Choptank River in
Cambridge, MD, the “Ride ‘n Drive”
provided an awe-inspiring setting
to tour and sea trial a fleet of new
Grand Banks models throughout the
weekend.
Other highlights included a women’s
boat handling course, engine maintenance seminars, and – of course –
some great entertainment, including
an Eastern Shore Cookout with local
seafood specialties amidst magnificent views of Chesapeake Bay.
Attendees also got an early look at
details of the Zeus™-powered 41
Heritage EU, as GB yacht designer
Earl Alfaro presented a behind-thescenes look at the planning, development and production of this revolutionary new model. With Jarrett Bay
Yacht Sales in line for the very first
41EU, there were a lot of questions
from interested audience members.
Visit jarrettbayyachtsales.com for
details and upcoming events.
Join Jarrett Bay Yacht Sales at the
Annapolis Boat Show, Oct 16-19, to
climb aboard the all-new 41.
GB Italia Launches the GBCI
N E W LY F O U N D E D G B C L U B I TA L I A I S O F F T O A FA S T S TA R T
With the help of longtime GB dealer Paolo Murzi
(2007 GB Dealer of the Year, we might add), Guido
Porta has taken the first steps to establishing an official Italian GB cruising club. Officially called the
Grand Banks Club Italia, or GBCI for short, the club
is off to a fast start with a clean website (pictured
left), and even its own sporty little official electric
vehicle (right).
When not busy with his official duties as Club President, Mr. Porta enjoys time aboard his 59 Aleutian
RP (#15), and says he expects to have 70 members
signed up by the end of the year. The GBCI’s first official rendezvous will be held September 5-7 on Elba
Island (between Tuscany and Corsica on the Medeterranean). To register for the GBCI, visit: gbci.it
SCUTTLEBUTT
4
NEWS & EVENTS
NEWS & EVENTS
New GB Dealer in West Florida
G B W E L C O M E S C L A S S I C YA C H T S I N T E R N AT I O N A L
Grand Banks is pleased to announce that Classic Yachts International is our new Authorized Dealer for the west coast
of Florida.
Classic Yachts International will stock and sell Grand Banks
from two new offices along the state’s Gulf Coast. The first,
at the Cape Harbor Marina in Cape Coral, opened in August with a team that includes long-time GB salesman Brian
Duffy. The second office will open before the 2009 Miami International Boat Show, in the Bradenton-St. Petersburg area.
In addition, a new service team will be established on the
West Coast of Florida to support these customers.
Down Under Debut at
Sanctuary Cove
“We selected Classic Yachts International based on their
track record of strong sales throughout the east cost of Florida,” said Neil McCurdy, VP of Sales & Service for Grand
Banks Yachts. “Combining these two regions under the management of one highly-regarded dealership will serve Grand
Banks Yachts and its customers extremely well.”
R MARINE DEBUTS THE ALL-NEW 65 ALEUTIAN RP
The beautiful resort community of
Sanctuary Cove played host to one of
Australia’s biggest and most beautiful
boat shows, as GB dealer R Marine
welcomed visitors to a stunning lineup
of new Grand Banks on display.
Taking center stage was 65-01, the first
65 Aleutian RP built by Grand Banks
and the first GB to make her international debut in Australia. It was also
the first boat show anywhere to feature a lineup of three Aleutian models
– 59RP, 65RP and the flagship 72RP.
All these firsts contributed to what Tim
Sayer, Managing Director of R Marine, described as the event with “the
best vibes of any boat show in the
world.” The good spirits – and good
sales – were helped along by the R
Marine team as they hosted owners
and guests for nightly VIP parties after
the show. It was a great example of
Aussie hospitality and hard work by
everyone at R Marine, helped along
by four days of beautiful weather on
the gorgeous Gold Coast.
Introducing Grand Banks Croatia
A N O T H E R E U R O P E A N D E A L E R S I G N E D I N G R E AT C R U I S I N G G R O U N D S
Please join us in welcoming Jadran Nautika (aka “GB Croatia”) as the newest addition to our expanding network of Grand
Banks Authorized Dealers.
GBs In The News
Don’t miss these recent feature articles on Grand Banks:
PassageMaker (Cover)
Power & Motoryacht (Cover)
Soundings
Lakeland Boating
Southern Boating
Southern Boating
Motor Boating
Power Cruising
Yachting (Cover, Pictured)
Sea (Cover)
5
SPRAY VOL.8, NO.2
Oct 2008
Sep 2008
May 2008
Apr 2008
Apr 2008
Mar 2008
Feb 2008
Feb 2008
Jan 2008
Jan 2008
Also featured in worldwide publications:
41EU
65RP
41EU
55SX
55SX
55SX
55SX
47CL
55SX
55SX
PHOTOS: (top) A look at the new
façade of the CYI office in Cape
Coral, Florida; (left) GB banners
adorn the palm trees; (above)
Office head, Brian Duffy, takes
the lead in representing Florida’s
gulf coast
Ocean
Club Marine
Naviga (Cover)
Trade A Boat
Trade A Boat
Bateaux
Sep 2008
May 2008
May 2008
Jul 2008
Apr 2008
Mar 2008
65RP
47EU
47EU
65RP
47EU
47EU
Jadran Nautika is known for an experienced and professional sales team, comprehensive service and after-sales support,
and a strong track record of customer satisfaction among premium yacht buyers.
With a headquarters in Zagreb and additional sales offices in Split and Portoroz,
Jadran Nautika is well positioned to support the growing base of Grand Banks
customers across the region.
“We are very impressed with the team at
Jadran Nautika: their experience with topline brands, knowledge of the market, and
ability to stock new Grand Banks at their
docks,” said Neil McCurdy, VP of Sales
and Service for Grand Banks Yachts. “The
fact that they offer maintenance, repair
and a full menu of service support was
also a strong factor in their appointment
as our Authorized Dealer.”
Located on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is highly regarded among
boaters for its abundance of scenic, historic, and relatively undiscovered cruising
destinations.
SCUTTLEBUTT
6
OWNERS EVENTS
2008 GB Regatta, Down Under
The 2008 Australian Grand Banks Regatta was a huge
success this year, with pristine weather and perfect
cruising conditions. The ten day trip kicked off from the
Gold Coast, making a safe and easy first day passage
to Horseshoe Bay on Peel Island, arriving in the afternoon. At anchor the first night, the four boats rafted up
allowing everyone to congregate on their aft decks to
enjoy drinks while watching the sun set. Two Brisbane
based owners joined the group at the anchorage later
that evening to share some drinks and well wishes.
After an early morning departure, two more boats,
Beluga and Grand Lady, joined the fleet in the middle
of Moreton Bay. The convoy, which had now grown to
eight boats, headed to Mooloolaba flanked by freighters, while still enjoying perfect cruising conditions.
Arriving at Mooloolaba Marina in mid-afternoon, the
Regatta group fuelled up before meeting on the dock to
enjoy some pre-dinner drinks. Grand Banks’ Asia-Pacific Sales Manager, Hank Compton, hosted a fabulous
seafood dinner that evening pier-side at Fish on Parkyn.
Early the next morning the group set off for the 50
nautical mile journey to Double Island Point cruising
just off the beach for the duration of the trip to avoid
the winds. “The views of the Sunshine Coast beaches
were incredible,” said Bruce Neville of R Marine Motor
Yachts “just off Double Island Point the whales joined
us, they were everywhere!” That night, after the group
anchored off Rainbow Beach everyone launched their
tenders to get ashore and set up a fantastic bonfire on
the sand where they enjoyed the warmth and some
sundowners.
Another early morning departure was called for in
order to ensure a safe passage across Wide Bay Bar,
which is often described as treacherous. The group
found it to be a “piece of cake” said Bruce Neville,
“under the studied guidance of Captain Jimmy Thorn,
the entire group made it across safely.” They arrived
in the afternoon at Tin Can Bay Marina, a modern yet
quaint marina that perfectly accommodated the fleet.
7
SPRAY VOL.8, NO.2
The fifth day was spent just off Kingfisher Bay Resort
on Fraser Island, pre-dinner drinks started just after
lunchtime at this smooth and comfortable anchorage.
The evening theme was Gilligan’s Island and everyone
dressed up. R Marine Motor Yachts QLD’s dealer
principal Brett Thurley made a wonderfully precise
impersonation of Thurston Howell the Third. Dinner that
evening was held at the Kingfisher Bay Resort’s signature restaurant.
On day six the group cruised up the island to the
southern end of Platypus Bay where everyone enjoyed
a BBQ of Wagyu steaks on the pristine beach with
sundowners and a joke telling competition. Gary Topp
and Bill Grassick went head to head much to everyone’s amusement.
The next morning everyone gathered on Grandseas, a
recently delivered 59 Aleutian RP for a whale watching expedition toward Rooney Bay. The afternoon was
spent exploring the beach and everyone rejoined for
another beach BBQ.
The group headed back to Garry’s anchorage the following morning for another perfect glass calm night at
anchor.
The next day the fleet crossed the Wide Bay Bar
around lunchtime. They returned to Double Island Point
for the night then onto Mooloolaba the following day.
They joined together for a dock party at the Mooloolaba Marina where prizes were handed out to deserving owners. Everyone said their goodbyes here as the
Regatta group was splitting up, some were going into
Moreton Bay while the Gold Coast bound group ventured out into the open ocean all the way back home.
Hank Compton of Grand Banks said that he was
pleased that everyone had enjoyed themselves so
much. “This trip epitomised the Grand Banks lifestyle
and what our company is all about.” He said that
coming around Sandy Point was the best moment of the
trip for him. “The water in Australia is so pristine and
we had the best conditions for the entire trip, there was
hardly ever a cloud in the sky.”
SCUTTLEBUTT
8
PRODUCT UPDATES
GRAND BANKS PARTS
Introducing the 72 Aleutian SC
BEAUTIFUL NEW ADDITION TO THE ALEUTIAN LINEUP SEES AN
E X T E N D E D , C O V E R E D A F T D E C K A N D M U LT I P L E L AY O U T O P T I O N S
Scheduled for launch in 2009, the new 72
Aleutian SC joins the 72RP as the largest
and most luxurious yachts in the Grand
Banks fleet.
One look at the 72SC reveals a key difference between this newest Aleutian
and the original 72RP. Where the earlier
model boasts an open lower cockpit with
stairs up to the main deck level, the 72SC
instead features a main deck that extends
aft from the salon to the transom on one
level – creating a wonderfully large outdoor living area covered by the flybridge
deck above.
The 72SC will be the first Grand Banks to
offer the option of a four-stateroom layout.
Sophisticated new styling, recently introduced to the Aleutian Series with the newly-launched 65RP, features contemporary
and Asian décor and furnishing influences
while remaining grounded in traditional
nautical sensibility.
What has not changed is her top-performing
Fexas-designed hull, highly acclaimed for its
stability, safety, and comfort when cruising
in open waters.
Together with the 59RP, 65RP and 72RP
models, this new Grand Banks has contributed to making the Aleutian Series a rapidly
growing segment of production for Grand
Banks Yachts.
GB Parts: Now Just a Click Away
N E W O N L I N E PA R T S S T O R E A L L O W S G B O W N E R S A C C E S S
TO SOUGHT - AFTER ITEMS
In an effort to better serve and support GB owners, Grand
Banks recently launched a new online parts store. You’ll
find a wide variety of high-quality OEM replacement parts
and accessories, plus hardware used in the production of
today’s models.
GET MORE ONLINE
Check out deckplans, specifications
and more artist’s renderings at:
www.grandbanks.com/72sc
The store also carries a selection of replacement parts for
older models, although some parts for older GBs are unfortunately no longer available. However, you can always
email a parts inquiry to gbparts@grandbanks.com. We will
review your inquiry, and if a part is no longer available we
may be able to suggest a suitable replacement.
grandbanks.com/parts
9
SPRAY VOL.8, NO.2
SCUTTLEBUTT
10
DAWN
OF THE
WHAT STARTED AS A RUMOR IS NOW THE MOST
REVOLUTIONARY GRAND BANKS YET, READY
TO MAKE HER LONG-AWAITED DEBUT.
CLASSIC, QUIET AND EFFICIENT, SHE’S ALSO
SWIFT, STYLISH AND QUITE SOPHISTICATED.
SHE’S ALSO A VERY PERSUASIVE ARGUMENT
THAT BIG THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES.
41 HERITAGE EU
41EU INNOVATIONS
Innovation on Board
The 41EU marks the next step in the evolution of our Heritage
Series – and in many ways a revolution in the way we design,
build and equip our boats.
This includes the boat building process itself: the 41EU is the
first Grand Banks to make full use of resin infusion techniques
and technologies for the construction of the hull, deckhouse
and flybridge. While the production method itself (also known
as the Vacuum Infusion Process, or “VIP”) is not new to Grand
Banks but never before have all large structural components
like hulls and deckhouses been manufactured using VIP.
The 41EU is also the first Heritage model to feature a hull
that is cored both above and below the waterline. This helps
to reduce weight for greater fuel efficiency – as does the VIP
process, which also adds stiffness and strength to maintain a
solid ride.
Another benefit of our VIP process, which uses all vinylester
resins, is less occasion for blistering. This is complemented by
our use of clear gel coat below the waterline, which allows
for a thorough and rigorous visual inspection of the laminate
during the QC process. Our VIP process also results in a better
surface finish – as does the three layers of epoxy barrier coat
we apply to every 41EU, which also reduces the chance of
osmosis. A close look at any Grand Banks hull will reveal a
beautiful, mirror-like gel coat finish that is built to look new for
many years to come.
INTRODUCING THE MULTI-FACETED
41 HERITAGE EU
C O M F O R TA B L E G O I N G FA S T , S LOW,
AND ALL SPEEDS IN BET WEEN
At first look, the 41 Heritage EU
is everything you would expect in
a Grand Banks. Refined nautical
style, intelligent design and
meticulous attention to detail.
A master stateroom with queen
berth and a generous guest cabin
provide ample room for two
couples. Contemporary furnishings
and décor blend with GB’s classic
teak joinery, enhancing the sense
of luxury. Wide side decks, an
expansive flybridge and a host
of other features inside and out
promise to make the 41EU another
cruising classic from Grand Banks.
A closer look, though, shows you
the 41EU is unlike any Grand Banks
we’ve ever built. Powered by the
Zeus propulsion system, the 41EU
delivers unparalleled control, speed
and efficiency. Dock with pinpoint
accuracy; hold a rock-steady
position in wind and current; travel
faster and farther while using less
fuel. Today’s most advanced marine
propulsion system, joined with a
new modified deep-V hull design
and resin-infusion production
techniques, combine together to
deliver a revolutionary new level of
performance at both planing and
semi-displacement speeds.
Tradition above, revolution below –
and Grand Banks throughout.
13
SPRAY VOL.8, NO.2
One of the most significant advancements on board is the
use of the Zeus propulsion system from Cummins MerCruiser
Diesel. At the heart of the system are the Zeus pods – a pair of
independently-steerable pods mounted to the hull in specially
designed tunnels, each with counter-rotating propellers – that
completely replace the traditional shaft drive and rudder
system.
For decades pod drives have been used in commercial boats
to increase efficiency and maneuverability. We recognized the
advantages and designed the 41EU to fully encompass those
benefits for our owners.
Connected to joystick controls at both the lower and flybridge
helm stations, Zeus gives you pinpoint control of the boat in
all directions – and makes docking even in tight fairways and
close slips a simple, worry-free experience.
With its pods mounted near the stern of the boat, the Zeus
system also greatly reduces the space required for engines
and related equipment. A gas-assist cockpit hatch opens easily
to steps that lead down to a remarkable engine room. The
area is at once compact and easy to move around in, with full
access to service points and outboard equipment stations.
Powerful & Efficient
With engine options up to twin 425HP, the 41EU can move
you swiftly at top speeds of 24 knots and beyond. At the same
time, the 41EU also cruises with remarkable fuel economy at
slower speeds: you can cruise at 9 knots or less and sip fuel at
the rate of a single-engine, full displacement trawler of equal
size. This incredible range of performance is the result of many
factors, from the tank-tested hull design to the weight-saving
production methods – to the highly efficient characteristics of
the Zeus system itself.
Because the Zeus pods are mounted parallel to the waterline,
the full power of the engines is used to drive the boat forward.
Automated trim tabs deploy precisely as needed, reducing
drag. Counter-rotating propellers eliminate power lost to rotational and side forces, and minimize cavitation. Even the shape
of the pod itself is more efficient than a shaft, strut and rudder.
The result is that less power, and less fuel, is required to move
the 41EU compared to a shaft-drive boat at the same speed –
up to 25% less in preliminary tests.
Other Zeus Features
A QUANTUM™ LEAP
Performance is enhanced by the Quantum Series engine,
tuned for Zeus. Common rail fuel injection also delivers more
power and efficiency at all speeds.
SKYHOOK™ STATION-KEEPING
With this optional feature, you can step away from the helm
to set lines and fenders, while the GPS-based system directs
each pod drive automatically to swivel and thrust as needed
to hold your position.
SMARTCRAFT™ SYSTEM
Cummins technology constantly monitors the condition and
performance of the engines, delivering information instantly
to the helm through a bright, full-color display.
GB WORLD
14
Pacific NW Bareboat or Skippered Charters and Guided Flotillas
41EU FEATURES
Inside Passage
SPACIOUS FLYBRIDGE
A large L-settee surrounds the custom teak table, with a second settee
to port. Centerline helm has space
for optional helm seats on either
side. Abundant storage is available
beneath the settee.
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SALON OPTIONS
GOURMET GALLEY
MORE ROOM TO STORE
ROOMY HEAD & SHOWER
At the owner’s option, the salon’s
starboard-side settee (as shown in this
brochure) can be replaced by two
barrel chairs. Or, a pull-out berth can
be installed as part of the settee.
The galley is large for a boat of this
size, with an under-counter microwave
leaving the counters open for plenty
of work space. Smartly designed
storage will hold an amazing amount
of food and cookware.
A gracious stairway opens in the
salon sole to create a wide-open area
for added storage, tool room, fishing
gear, pantry, laundry or any other
purpose that suits your cruising needs.
Generous head offers en-suite access
from the master plus a separate door
for guest access. A fully enclosed
glass-walled shower gives at-home
comfort.
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There is an adventure waiting for
you in the lush green wilderness,
snowcapped mountains, remote
anchorages and bustling marinas of
the Pacific Northwest. NW Explorations
can launch you on the charter trip
of a lifetime on one of our select
Grand Banks trawlers in the world's
most amazing cruising arenas.
P
NEW Guided Flotillas for 2008:
~ Broughton Archipelago
~ One-way Desolation Sound
including Princess Louisa
Favorite anchorage
San Juan
&
LAYOUT OPTIONS
Layout options include the choice
of a straight settee in the salon or
barrel chairs to starboard. On the
lower level, the layout of the storage area can also be configured
to meet your cruising needs.
Tucked in for the night
Orca!
Gulf Islands
Broughton
Archipelago
15
SPRAY VOL.8, NO.2
x
ideau
n Pr
eace i
Got
2623 S Harbor Loop I Bellingham, WA 98225
360-676-1248 or 800-826-1430 www.nwexplorations.com
?
crab
a
shakedown
unlike
anyother
IT’S NOT EVERY DAY THAT YOU GET TO
TAKE GB’S CHIEF ENGINEER [NOTORIOUS
GENIUS AND NICE GUY] YUNG PINE WONG
ON YOUR 72 ALEUTIAN SHAKEDOWN.
WE GOT TO SHOW NEW OWNERS, BROOKE
AND TRACEY WADE, THE ROPES OF GB’S
FINEST, ACCOMPANIED, BY, WELL, GB’S FINEST.
S t or y [ J ef f B l a n d ] P h o t os [ S u sa n B l a n d ]
ALEUTIAN SHAKEDOWN
O
n an early June day we waited at
Fisherman’s Marina in Pender
Harbor, British Columbia for
the arrival of Brooke Wade in
his 72 Aleutian, hull number 12. Brooke was en
route on Atlantis which had just finished her commissioning at Seaview East shipyard. Our plan
was to meet at Pender Harbor on the sunshine
coast of British Columbia some 60 miles north
of Seattle, and then transit together to what many
consider one of the most majestic cruising destinations in the world: Princess Louisa Inlet,
which lies some 50 miles from Pender Harbor
and is accessible only by boat or sea plane.
The opportunity to cruise together with Atlantis
would have been special enough, but what made
this trip even more extraordinary was the opportunity that Brooke and his wife Tracey had made
possible by hosting Grand Banks’ Chief Engineer
from Singapore, Y.P. Wong, for the week. Y.P. has
overseen the boat building process for Grand Banks
for 25 years. Most people within the boat building
industry consider him to be a genius and an icon.
On day one of our cruise, we learned that in all the
years of managing the development and construction of thousands of Grand Banks, Y.P. never had
the opportunity to enjoy an extended cruise in
the Pacific Northwest on one of his own yachts.
It was with this added anticipation that we
looked forward not only to the connection with
Atlantis, but also the week that we would be spent
together showing Y.P. some of the places that
we consider special in the Pacific Northwest.
Over the past three years Susan and I have had the
opportunity to cruise more than 13,000 nautical
miles on our 72 Aleutian, Sanctuary. Susan was the
lead organizer for Grand Banks’ 50th Anniversary
19 SPRAY VOL.8, NO.2
Grand Tour to Alaska cruise during the summer of
2006. We returned to Alaska the following year
on Sanctuary, and it was then that we realized that
we could spend a lifetime of summers there and
still never see everything. During these adventures we saw more than a hundred grizzly and
black bears, countless humpback and orca whales,
and thousands of bald eagles to name just a few
of the wildlife features on our journeys. We also
got up close and personal with many glaciers and
caught and ate our fill of tasty Alaskan seafood.
We met Brooke and Tracey Wade right after they had
made the decision to purchase their own 72. Tracey
and Susan discussed how they might like their boat
Atlantis to be outfitted, while Brooke and I talked
about the mechanical components and configuration of the boat’s systems. It was great fun for us
to work with the Wades as they made the decisions
about the specifics for their own dream boat. Over
the past two years our families have become good
friends through the common interest we have in
Grand Banks and boating in the Northwest. This is
one of the advantages of owning a Grand Banks and
belonging to a vast community of people who love
cruising and discovering new places on their boats.
A little after noon we saw the stunning flag blue
hull of Atlantis turn into Pender Harbor. On Atlantis
was not only Brooke and Y.P., but also Arnie
Palmer from Seaview and Larry Schildwachter
from Emerald Harbor Marine, the two lead commissioning partners for his boat. Wanting to get
a good grasp of the boat’s systems, Brooke had
made the wise decision to invite all their expertise onboard Atlantis for her maiden voyage.
“Once we connected, we left Pender Harbor as soon as possible to hit the slack tide at
Malibu Rapids, the entrance to Princess Louisa Inlet. This is a notorious entrance where
currents can run at more than 14 knots with whirlpools, cataracts and overfalls.“
PHOTOS (Top Row): Bald Eagle landing; the Bland’s dashing Golden
Retriever, Cinnamon; Y.P. Wong stops for a water break during a hike;
Spectacular sights while hiking the northwest’s evergreen forests; Dinner
onboard Sanctuary
Once we connected, we left Pender Harbor as soon
as possible to hit the slack tide at Malibu Rapids,
the entrance to Princess Louisa Inlet. This is a
GB WORLD
20
ALEUTIAN SHAKEDOWN
notorious entrance where currents can run at more
than 14 knots with whirlpools, cataracts and overfalls.
Several years ago a megayacht tried to negotiate the
rapids at the wrong time and ended up high and dry
on the rocks. We hit the entrance at slack and easily
motored through at six knots while being watched by
a group of teenagers sunning themselves on the rocks
by the swimming pool of the famous Malibu Camp.
Once both Sanctuary and Atlantis were through the rapids we were greeted with the overwhelming grandeur
of Princess Louisa. We counted more than 40 waterfalls coming from the cliffs above. Some people call
this “Yosemite Valley with water” and you can see why
once you start traveling down the five mile length of
the inlet to its head at the famous Chatterbox Falls
where the two boats finally anchored. From our spot
we could see the glacier and snowfields thousands of
vertical feet above the inlet with cascading rivers of
water coming down over the granite cliffs to meet at
the falls. The current produced by the falls kept our
two boats facing the same direction looking up to the
mountains above, while views from the stern yielded a
herd of little harbor seals looking curiously at the passengers (and one canine) on our boats. A trip ashore
allowed us to review some of the entries previous
boaters had made in the visitors log with such exclamations as “if I previously never thought there was a
god, after visiting this place I know there is one.”
While Susan prepared a marvelous Thai prawn dinner on Sanctuary, we planned a trip up to the Trapper’s
Cabin the following day. This is quite a hike up a trail
that gains nearly 1,500 of elevation over about two
miles. The trail is steep, slippery and filled with tree
roots. Authorities recommend to plan on four hours
for a round trip to the cabin which sits at the edge
of a high waterfall that overlooks the inlet below.
21 SPRAY VOL.8, NO.2
We left Susan and the dog on the boat and the rest
of us set out for our adventure. It was a magnificent
trip up and back with the vegetation newly green
and a sunny sky above. Upon our return about four
hours had elapsed including the time we spent at
the top of the trail enjoying the view and speculating on what it must have been like for the original
trappers to walk this trail to the cabin on a regular
basis. We know that they must have been in good
physical condition after doing this trip a few times.
The next day the two boats transited to the metropolis of Vancouver, British Columbia where we moored
at the world-class Coal Harbor Marina, home of GB dealer, Grand Yachts Inc. We met with Brooke’s wife
Tracey who had a surprise for us: tickets for a Cirque Du Soleil performance that evening. We all enjoyed
a magnificent sushi dinner at the famous Tijo’s restaurant in Vancouver and then the fantastic show.
We all agreed at the end of these action-packed few days that the safety and comfort of the Grand Banks
boats along with the wonderful community of Grand Banks owners adds a form of magic to the hobby of
boating that is hard to describe. As we said our goodbyes to Y.P. as he headed back to Singapore, both
the crews of Sanctuary and Atlantis felt that they had participated in a unique and special event. We found
that sharing the beauty of Northwest boating with a guest like Y.P. — a man who had built so many pleasure boats for so many people around the globe — was a treat that would stay with us forever.
As we returned to the dock from our hike we
happened upon an old 32-foot woodie Grand
Banks. We invited her owner out to our boats
“Some people call this ‘Yosemite Valley with
water’ and you can see why once you start
traveling down the five mile length of the inlet
to its head at the famous Chatterbox Falls
where the two boats finally anchored.”
PHOTOS (Top to Bottom): Twin Aleutians at Chatterbox Falls, Princess Louisa Inlet;
beautiful Blue Heron; the group treat themselves to some entertainment provided
by Cirque du Soleil in Vancouver.
for a tour and to talk about connecting within
the local Grand Banks community. It was great
fun to have owners of old and new, each with the
same degree of pride and joy in their boats.
After a rest and a meal we hit the slack tide out
of Malibu Rapids and headed back to Pender
Harbor arriving late, just as the sky became dark.
The cruising days in the Pacific Northwest
are very long in the summer with sunrise around 0500 and dark at 2230.
GB WORLD
22
ONE BARRINGTON, RHODE ISLAND
COUPLE TRADES SEASIDE LIVING FOR
LIVING ON THE SEA.
Story by Rick Massie
Reprinted with permission from East Bay Magazine/East Bay Newspapers
S
ome folks watch the ships bearing
their dreams sail out of sight. Others, like Bruce and Anne Morris,
hop aboard and take the helm. Pulling
up their roots in terra firma for a life on
the rolling seas, this couple exchanged
their waterfront house in Barrington
for a custom built, 52-foot Grand Banks
Europa they now call home. Purchased
in Florida, the boat was brought back
to the Northeast coast by Bruce and his
able crew of four, including the Morris’s
youngest son Jared, 2, and seasoned local
salts, Steve Sammis and Paul Odegard.
The voyage provided a taste of adventures
to come, including an escort by a pod of
gamboling dolphins in the Southern Atlantic; passing through a lull in a full-scale artillery
and airplane military exercise on the Intracoastal
Waterway; ghosting through New York harbor in
a dense, gray fog that magically parted to reveal
the Statue of Liberty; and ending with the Morris’s dreamboat snugly berthed at Cove Haven
Marina in Bullock’s Cove.
Of course, there were those who expressed shock
and dismay at such a radical life move, including Bruce’s Mom, who when she first heard
their plans, offered her opinion that he and his
wife were “nuts.” And, picturing
the smaller boats Bruce and Anne
had previously owned, predicted
that she would “never come and
visit them.” On the other hand,
given the Morris’s good life on
land, some of their fellow townsfolk wondered if financial problems
or marital discord had prompted them to
sell their house. Fortunately for all concerned, Mom’s fears and neighborhood
speculations proved unfounded, and the
Moriss’s new floating home has proven to
be a great decision.
from beds to berths
So how do two people come to make such a leap
of faith? Certainly, years of messing about in
boats helps set the stage. And, a relationship
clearly based on mutual love and respect serves
to keep the adventure on an even keel. Beyond
this, one needs a bit of saltwater in one’s veins
and a view of life as a series of unfolding possibilities. But, before we get piped aboard for an
above-and below-decks tour, let’s clap a glass on
the Morris’s background to better understand
their choice and their connection.
GB WORLD
24
LIVING ABOARD
Bruce and Anne met more than three decades ago
in Sturbridge, Massachussetts, where Anne’s first
husband, Richard, was a police officer. At the
time, Bruce, an architect, commuting to offices in
Barrington, was also a member of the Sturbridge
police reserve. Unfortunately, Richard died in a
tragic, service-related accident. Over time, Bruce
and Anne began dating. Finding happiness in each
other, they wed and their affection for each other,
like their family, has grown with the years. In fact,
it was Anne who, despite the fact that she suffers
from bouts of seasickness, served as the motivating force in the Morris’s move from floors to decks
and from bathrooms to heads. Now that’s love!
After having wistfully dock-shopped trawler-style
boats for years during the Barrington Yacht Club’s
cruises to Newport in May, Bruce and Anne had
begun to focus on something in the 40-foot range.
However, after casting a weather eye on the custom-built 52-footer, they stopped dragging their
anchor and threw their sea bags on deck.
the previous owner with a wide range of forwardthinking electronics, navigation and communications instruments, a sound system, wireless
computer connections, satellite television and
telephone, power supplies and a dizzying array
of other necessities and conveniences. Since the
original owner regularly steamed from Texas to the
Bahamas and from Florida to the British Virgin Islands, he stocked multitude of extra parts, fasteners
and all the necessary tools for making repairs on
the high seas, even including a compact desalinization plant onboard to provide fresh water - up to
300 gallons a day - when cruising in the dry areas
of the southern Hemisphere, or anywhere else, for
that matter.
“Many people can’t seem to believe that we can be
comfortable living on a boat, Anne says. “And, during the past winter’s storms, many of our friends
called to offer the shelter of their homes until the
weather let up.”
“Yet the truth is,” adds Bruce, “we are better preOriginally built in 1998, their craft was most com- pared for most emergencies than the folks on
fortably appointed and marvelously equipped by land. We have one 20,000 watt generator and one
PHOTOS: (above) Custom
“Aiwaly” embroidery; (right)
Aiwaly’s galley & salon
25 SPRAY VOL.8, NO.2
5,000-watt back-up generator, twin 660-horsepower Caterpillar engines with superchargers and
1,200 gallons of diesel fuel. And, even if both generators went down, an inverter allows us to draw on
the stored electricity from two huge batteries for
up to 24 hours.”
tub, a rarity aboard most pleasure craft. And the
top deck, in addition to serving as Bruce’s favorite
place for steering the boat, has plenty of room for
al-fresco gatherings of family and friends.
Beyond this, however, is the view. Three-hundred
and sixty degrees of 365 days and nights of jawAside from the impressive power plant, the yacht’s dropping, eye-popping, mesmerizing marine encabin on the main deck is as cozy and snug as any vironment stretching out toward the horizon and
cottage. Thickly cushioned built-in leather couch- offering an ever-changing backdrop of unearthly
es create a comfy central area that includes a high- delights: glorious sunrises and sunsets; seasonal
definition, flat-screen television with surround flocks of ducking, diving, bobbing and flying wasound (the boat’s acoustic system allows volume terfowl; dead calms with the water mirroring the
adjustment for all speakers), two laptop computer surrounding cove; fogs coming in on little cat feet;
stations and a classic, seagoing folding table that and howling winds circulating the boat and churncan be configured for cocktails or dinner.
ing up the surface, but never disturbing their inner peace.
Additionally, 7’4” headroom removes the usual
boaters’ stoop when navigating from bow to stern freedom
and vice versa.
So, still wondering why the Morris’s upped anchor and cast off from shore? How about the fiSpeaking of space, three decks provide ample seanancial freedom from soaring property taxes that
legroom for moving about and also getting a bit of
show no sign of ever going the other way, rising
privacy whenever necessary. A large master stateutility prices that also seem destined for continual
room in the bow features a walk-around queengrowth, and the never-ending demands of house
sized bed and separate his-and-hers heads. Anne’s
maintenance? On the other hand, what’s not to
water closet even features a step-down-and-into
PHOTOS: (right) A look at
the home/office set up in
the large aft cabin; (far
right) Aiwaly in its regular
berth; (below) Keeping a
homey feel on the aft deck.
GB WORLD
26
LIVING ABOARD
like about a beautifully crafted boat that allows you
to cruise in comfort along an ever-changing coast?
Or a means by which you can head down for some
of that sunny southern weather when those winter
Nor’easters start kicking in? Or a place where the
gentle, almost imperceptible, movement of the water sends you into the deepest sleep of your life?
How about that?
Additionally, both Bruce and Anne say that the folks
at Cove Haven Marina have helped make their transition smooth and comfortable. “They have done
everything possible for us to feel right at home.”
The boatyard has even arranged to haul the Morris’s
boat out and paint the bottom during the week they
are visiting one of their sons in California.
Bruce is more than ready for the challenges of boat
upkeep.
putting the relationship to the test
One of the most important elements in the success of this endeavor is how well the participants get
along, and, to all appearances, Bruce and Anne are
a very contented couple who are looking forward to
an as yet uncharted, but certainly adventurous, future. And, for those who believe in these things, the
name of their boat promises an auspicious launch
to their aquatic life. Aiwaly is an anagram Bruce invented for a heartfelt sentiment: “Anne, I will always love you.”
Interestingly, not long ago, Bruce, who sings in the
As to handling routine maintenance and repair St. Luke’s church choir, ran across a hymn that is
of the boat, Bruce has an excellent background variously spelled, Odwally or (you guessed it) Aithrough his remodeling business, Morris Sunspace waly, and based on Celtic lore about “a boat built
and Spa Center, Inc. in Seekonk, and through the for two which will carry my love and I away to our
more than eight years he’s spent hosting how-to island paradise.” You can’t argue with that.
home shows on NBC. Given is handy background,
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5985_KEY_Yacht Print FINAL.indd 1
3/25/08 4:38:20 PM
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AT THE DOCKS
STEVE & HAL A BROWN 59 ALEUTIAN RP BIRMINGHAM, AL
Steve and Hala Brown purchased their brand new 2008 59
Aleutian RP and took delivery in February. The couple live full time
in Birmingham, Alabama, but boat regularly in Florida and the
Bahamas. Steve and Hala have owned a number of boats together
before settling on the raised pilothouse Aleutian.
PETER & PIP MARNHAM 59 ALEUTIAN RP, ENGL AND
Peter and Pip Marnham waited one year for their new Grand
Banks 59 Aleutian RP. Christened as Penolva upon arrival, the
couple is excited to cruise immediately. Shown in the photo is
Boat Showrooms Customer Service Manager, Allan Johns.
JULEE JACKSON CL ASSIC YACHTS INTERNATIONAL (FORT PIERCE, FL)
COLIN WATTS BOAT SHOWROOMS (LONDON , ENGL AND)
JEFF RENCKEN 36 HERITAGE CL, HULL #125, PASCO, BC
BENGT & MONICA WINCRANTZ 36 HERITAGE CL, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Jeff purchased his 1969 Grand Banks woodie from Passagemaker
Yacht Sales of Seattle, Washington. The boat is powered by twin
120 horsepower Ford Lehman diesels. Jeff has been boating most
of his life and recently decided to move from the express cruiser
category and into the trawler way of life. Jeff likes to cruise the
Columbia and Snake river systems of Eastern Washington.
Bengt and Monica Wincrantz at Stockholm, Sweden recEIved
their GB 36 Classic in May 1973 and named her Embla. Since the
arrival of Embla, Bengt, Monica and their five daughters (and nowdays 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren) have enjoyed
cruises of the lovely Swedish and Finnish archipelagos. Over the
years Embla has also participated in a number of sailing regattas as a starting wessel. She has twin Ford Lehman diesel engines
and over her 34 years the only extensive repair has been a new
exhaust system.
DENISE BROOKS PASSAGE MAKER YACHTS (SEATTLE, WA)
GAIL & DAVID BERNSTEIN 45 EASTBAY SX #05, FT. MYERS, FL
Gail and David Bernstein purchased a 2008 Grand Banks 45
Eastbay SX. They intend to cruise in Florida and are quite active
in Olympic sailing trails. This new 45 already has quite a claim to
fame: it was used as the committee boat during Sail Week in Key
West this past January. Gail and David named the boat Tonto’s
Reward.
JULEE JACKSON CL ASSIC YACHTS INTERNATIONAL (FORT PIERCE, FL)
29 SPRAY VOL.8, NO.2
ERIK & KATHIE OLSTEIN 47 HERITAGE EU #31, WILTON , CT
Erik and Kathie Olstein of Wilton, Connecticut took delivery of their
Grand Banks 47 Heritage EU in October 2007. They are looking
forward to an early spring launch and then cruising southern New
England waters with their three sons, Ryan (14), Kevon (11), and
Hunter (8). Christened Red Rhino, this is the couple’s first GB.
JOE NADEAU BOAT WORKS YACHT SALES (NEWPORT, RI)
GB WORLD
30
> In June, Grand Banks was pleased to announce a new team effort with CMD designed to enhance owner value and make our boats even
easier to operate. As a result, all Grand Banks models with power requirements less than or equal to 715 hp will now include CMD engines as
standard equipment – along with new electronic throttle controls, digital engine readout displays and full “plug and play” wiring harnesses
and integrated systems. In most parts of the world, upon delivery, customers will also receive a Captain’s Briefing from a CMD representative
to review and familiarize new owners with CMD engine operations and controls (Captain’s Briefing is not available in all regions).
The New
Standard for
Diesel Propulsion
Today’s recreational boaters demand a higher level of
performance from their vessels. Advances in boat building
materials and techniques; improvements in vessel design,
comfort and safety; and significant innovations in marine
electronics have raised expectations across the board.
Cummins MerCruiser Diesel, a joint venture of Cummins
Inc. and Mercury Marine, is leading the way to meet this
challenge by delivering levels of performance and reliability
that set new global standards for marine diesel propulsion.
With a range of 115 to 715 hp,
Quantum engines are the most
powerful compact diesels ever.