Spray - Grand Banks Yachts

Transcription

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V10I1
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THE ONLINE MAGAZINE FOR
GB OWNERS & ENTHUSIASTS
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Commercial traffic and foot commuters along the Golden Horn,
an inlet off the Bosphorus. Istanbul, Turkey
GB HEADQUARTERS
Grand Banks Yachts Pte. Ltd.
541 Orchard Road #18-01
Liat Towers
Singapore 238881
Phone: +65 6545-2929
NORTH AMERICA SALES & SERVICE
Tucker West/Fran Morey
99 Poppasquash Road
Bristol, RI 02809 USA
Phone: (401) 396–5252
Sales: [email protected]
Service: [email protected]
ASIA PACIFIC SALES
Hank Compton
Queensland, Australia
Phone: +61 (0) 755 774 847
[email protected]
0 4
News at Grand Banks never takes a break:
check out the latest goings on in Scuttlebutt
1 4
IN HIS OWN WORDS
New GB CEO, Rob Livingston sits down to give us some
well-considered answers to a few burning questions
EUROPE SALES
Luc Colpin
Port de La Napoule
06210 La Napoule, France
Phone: +33 (0) 4–93–90–36–74
Mobile: +33 (0) 6–78–78–05–34
[email protected]
U.S. HEADQUARTERS
Grand Banks Yachts
2288 West Commodore Way
Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98199 USA
Phone: (206) 352–0116
Fax: (206) 352–1711
SCUT TLEBUT T
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1 8
FIVE DAYS IN ISTANBUL
The Zeus-propelled 46 Eastbay SX takes a turn (or two)
through the famed Bosphorus and Princes Islands
2 8
TRIP BLOGGING: 46EU
Alan and Margaret Hill set off on a long trip and blog about
their daily findings. Here is a short story and excerpt from
their blog
4 0
ON THE ROAD TO REVIVAL
David Towle and Bettie Massie have begun an undertaking
to restore arguably the most famous boat in GB’s long
wooden boat history
ON THE COVER
46 Eastbay SX #30
on the Bosphorus
Istanbul, Turkey
Letter from the Editor
Dear GB Owners,
One of the treats of this job — and
there are many — is that first time I step
aboard a brand new model. Not just
a new Grand Banks, but a true hull
number one. My first time was with Rob
Livingston as we headed east to attend
the Chesapeake Bay rendezvous in St.
Michael’s, Maryland. It was my first
new GB, my first new Eastbay — the
elegant 54SX. As we turned the corner
on the docks, Rob saw it on the end tie
and exclaimed, “now there is one big
Eastbay.” I was speechless. Since then,
that experience has repeated itself with
such notable additions to the fleet as
the 59 Aleutian RP and the 41 Heritage
EU, two of my favorites. And it never
gets old.
The greatest thrill is to be fortunate
enough to travel and photograph these
boats in exotic locations throughout
the world: to sleep on them and make
sandwiches in the galley, to open and
close the doors and drawers, to ride
through all manners of seas.
Last month I visited Istanbul with David
Hensel, GB Director of Brand and
Marketing, to introduce the new 46
Eastbay SX to the European press and
photograph the boat in and around the
legendary Bosphorus.
My helicopter flight to the Princes Islands
for the aerial shoot, fending off eager
vendors in the famous Grand Bazaar,
and eating fabulous mediterranean
food were all highlights of the trip. No,
the weather didn’t always cooperate,
but the experience was unforgettable
(you can read David’s full recap and
interesting tidbits starting on page 18).
There is plenty more in this issue,
including another owner’s blog featuring
new GB-ers, Alan and Margaret Hill.
We have a Q&A from CEO Rob
Livingston (the aforementioned), and an
introduction to David Towle, the proud
new owner of the original Grand Banks
prototype trawler, and the beginnings
of his plans for restoration.
Grand Banks also welcomes new
dealers to the GB-owner paradise that
is the state of Florida. With the valuable
additions of HMY Yacht Sales on the
east coast and Galati Yacht Sales on
the west, Grand Banks owners are wellrepresented throughout the state.
And, as always, don’t be shy about
sending us your stories for future issues.
We love to hear about where you’re
going and what you’re doing, whether
it’s cruising, performing your own
maintenance or anything in between.
Happy Cruising,
Jonathan Cooper
Grand Banks Yachts launches 2010 with new retail partners in Florida
Sought-after dealers Galati Yacht Sales and HMY Yacht Sales get started selling Grand Banks
A month after announcing its
partnership with Walstrom Marine,
the Grand Banks worldwide
network of Authorized Dealers
expanded once again, with two
new dealers representing the
Southeast United States. Galati
Yacht Sales will manage GB
sales along the Gulf region from
Alabama down through the west
coast of Florida, while HMY Yacht
Sales will represent Grand Banks
on Florida’s east coast.
“We are extremely pleased to
be working with two of the top
sales groups in this industry,” said
Grand Banks President and CEO
Rob Livingston. “Both Galati and
HMY bring tremendous expertise,
integrityandcustomercommitment
to their work. GB owners and
buyers can expect nothing but the
best from these organizations.”
Galati Yacht Sales has been
named the Number One dealer in
the country two years in a row by
Boating Industry, and is the largest
“Five Star Re-Certified” dealer in
the marine industry today. The
dealership maintains a team of over
175 members to provide sales and
supportforcustomersthroughoutthe
region, and has been repeatedly
recognized within the industry for
its commitment to excellence.
Since 1979, HMY has represented
the finest yacht manufacturers in
the world. HMY provides their
customers with a dedicated and
spray volume 10 issue 1
knowledgeable staff of sales and
service professionals. HMY also
offers all the resources necessary
to make the purchase or sale of
their clients’ new and used yachts
a positive experience.
Galati Yacht Sales will manage
sales of Grand Banks Yachts
through its Florida offices in Naples,
Cape Harbour, Anna Maria
Island, Tampa Bay, and Destin
plus Orange Beach, Alabama. On
the east coast for Florida, HMY
will represent Grand Banks at its
locations in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale,
North Palm Beach, Palm Beach
Gardens, Stuart and Jacksonville.
5
GB SCUTTLEBUTT
News and notes from Grand Banks Yachts
Walstrom Marine Signed
In January, Grand Banks announced the appointment of a new dealer to represent the
Great Lakes. Walstrom Marine is the new Authorized Dealer for this region, and will
manage sales through its offices in Northern Michigan, in Cheboygan, Harbor Springs
and Bay Harbor.
“Walstrom Marine brings an outstanding combination of experience, knowledge, passion and professionalism to their operation,” said Neil McCurdy, Vice President of Sales
and Service for Grand Banks Yachts. “Grand Banks customers will be well served by
their sales and service teams. We’re very proud to have Walstrom join our growing
worldwide network of Authorized Dealers.”
Established in 1946, Walstrom Marine boasts a premier full service marina located in a
beautiful cruising area popular with many Grand Banks owners. In addition to a knowledgeable sales staff they maintain an outstanding reputation for service, supported by
extensive parts, equipment and facilities they use for repair, refitting, and maintenance of
yachts. Walstrom Marine was one of the first two marinas in the state to be designated
a “Michigan Clean Marina,” with an ongoing program to address all areas of clean
boating and best management practices. www.walstrom.com
Facebook Update
Grand Banks is thrilled to have over 450
fans since launching our Facebook page last
February! In the past year, Grand Banks owners
and enthusiasts have shared photos, tips and
excitement over everything Grand Banks.
Recent highlights include Shing Kong’s
extraordinary Facebook album of photos from
the original GB factory in Hong Kong – where
his father Joe was among the first employees.
His photos illustrate how the factory operated
and built wooden boats before switching to
fiberglass in the late 1960s. And thanks to Lynne
Thompson we also discovered another Grand
Banks page on Facebook – the “Grand Banks
Owners” group. There are enough great GB
cruising photos on there to keep us all dreaming
about the next trip out on a Grand Banks!
As always, we love to hear from owners and
enthusiasts of Grand Banks. If you have a
story you think would be great as a feature in
Spray, or would like to give (or get) opinions on
anything GB, feel free to share your thoughts on
our Facebook page. If you are not a Facebook
member, it’s free and easy to join!
FROM OUR FANS!
• A recommendation for the Navionics
Marine app for iPhone.
• Photos posted of the Grand Banks
Rendezvous at Hawkesbury River, Australia.
• A wonderful video capturing life on board
a 46CL during a trip to Ibiza, Spain.
• Lots of fan other photos and comments on
goings on in the GB community.
New photos, video and information from
GB and our fans are added all the time –
become a fan today!
7
2010 Rendezvous Preview
A preview and calendar of upcoming Grand Banks Rendezvous
Grand
Banks
Owner’s
Associations
have
sprouted up around the globe, from the eastern
shore of Australia to the ever-so-popular West
Europe Amicale in Holland. With many active
associations in North America as well, GB
owners have the opportunity to cruise and meetup with fellow owners able to discuss their boats,
local fishing hotspots (or hideaways), or even
attend engine and maintenance seminars. Find
out more by clicking here.
Stan Miller Yachts
Catalina Island, California
2010 Rendezvous Calendar
MAY
Puget Sound
5/13-16 Roche Harbor, San Juan Island
Amicale West Europe
5/21-24 Hohe Düne, Warnemünde
6/15-20 Calvi
Northern California
7/3-10 Summer Delta Cruise
Great Lakes
7/29-31 Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Northern California
9/17-19 Benicia
British Columbia
9/24-26 Telegraph Harbour, Vancouver Island
Southern California
9/24-26 Catalina Island
Chesapeake Bay
9/30-10/2 Cambridge/Oxford, MD
JUNE
Amicale Méditerrannée
w/ Club Italia
JULY
SEPTEMBER
>
>
Mediterranean Sea
Gulf of Naples
Amicale Méditéranée teams up with GB Club Italia
on a joint cruise to Calvi:
La première partie du Rallye Méditerranée 2010 suivra un trajet équivalent en milles à celui de 2007 vers
Barcelone, soit environ 300 milles depuis Porquerolles. Après la traversée vers la Corse depuis Porquerolles et une
longue pause à Calvi pour le Rendez-vous de l’Amicale, le Rallye reprendra sa route vers Rome en passant par
les Iles Toscanes.
N.B. ceux qui le souhaitent pourront rallier directement Calvi sans participer au prologue au départ de Porquerolles.
Les participants désirant quitter la manifestation à Rome, pourront rentrer tranquillement en navigation côtière, en
passant par Elbe et le Golfe de Gênes. La seconde partie permettra de rallier Naples en passant par les Iles
Pontines, et la troisième les Iles Eoliennes et la Sicile.
9
GRAND BANKS GOES HOME
WRITTE N BY BA RT KI M M AN
Grand Banks boats are back on the
water in Hong Kong, where it all began.
The home of the Grand Banks boatyard
from 1956 until it shifted production to
Singapore in 1973, it’s been more than
25 years since the last sale of a GB
yacht in the city. But soon after winning
the distributorship for Hong Kong and the
Pearl River Delta region, my company,
Asia Yacht Services, sold a GB 41EU to a
local client. The boat arrived in December,
a wonderful Christmas present for the
whole family.
They launched her at one of the best times
of the year for cruising in Hong Kong’s
beautiful waters: jade seas, golden
beaches and 236 islands to explore.
December is usually dry, calm, sunny,
and the water is still warm enough for
swimming. Afterwards, the family can
pull into one of the many island fishing
villages for a slap-up seafood lunch. It’s
hard to beat the food at these waterfront
Chinese restaurants: pick a fish from the
tank and it arrives at your table minutes
later, still steaming and laden with ginger
and spring onions.
The new material, styling and quality
quickly generated loyal clients, including
Prince Bernard. He owned three Grand
Banks yachts (a Laguna, a GB 47 and
a GB 52), and often took the Dutch
royal family cruising during their summer
holidays.
I have plenty of fond memories of family
cruises on a GB boat. After all, I met
my wife on one. My father became the
Grand Banks dealer for the Netherlands
back in the early 1970s, and owned a
GB 48 – one of the last wooden hulls built
in Hong Kong and somewhat customized.
We drew admirers everywhere we went.
But the northern European climate is not
kind to wooden hulls, so it was the switch
to GRP fiberglass production that powered
sales in Holland.
My first contact with Grand Banks
Yachts stretches back even further than
that – to the 1960s, when I attended
the Solent School of Yachting. Sailing off
the coast of southern England, Grand
Banks motor yachts stood out from the
fleet. Their flybridges were a novelty on
displacement yachts in northern Europe
at the time, and I liked the placement of
the saloons on the main deck, allowing
owners to enjoy the view from inside.
Simply put, they turned heads.
So I jumped at the chance to visit the
Singapore yard in 1978, when the
Dutch Boat Federation asked me to
report on the developing yacht-building
industry in Asia as part of my economics
studies. It was an impressive operation
by any standards, with the popular 32,
36 and 42 already building the Grand
Banks legend. On that trip, I also visited
yards in Taiwan and Hong Kong, and
it was immediately clear that none of
them came close to the state-of-the-art
production facility at Grand Banks.
Asia made a lasting impression on me.
So when I was offered a chance to work
in Hong Kong in 1985, I didn’t hesitate.
I never left.
Gold Coast Yacht and Country Club in
Castle Peak Bay, close to fine cruising
grounds. AYS is a one-stop shop for yachting
needs, incorporating a brokerage, service
and maintenance facilities, and full yacht
management services. I was delighted to
add the Grand Banks dealership to our
portfolio, and invite GB owners to drop
by whenever you are in Hong Kong.
Asia Yacht Services
Gold Coast Yacht and Country Club
1 Castle Peak Road
Castle Peak Bay
Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2815 0404,
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.asiayachtservices.com.
I take pride in returning Grand Banks
boats to what were once their home
waters. Hong Kong’s first 41 EU is already
doing what GB yachts do so well: turning
heads.
Hong Kong remains a land of opportunity.
Today, I run Asia Yacht Services in the
11
A
year ago Rob Livingston assumed
With some very big shoes to fill, Rob
hurdles – perhaps its most difficult
lack of good experience and great ideas, R
Congratulations on last year’s posting to
can you share from your first year leading
We all know it has been a tough year in the ec
Banks. However, we used this downturn to tak
could do to improve. Unlike many others in the
position of having zero debt with a healthy cas
our efforts determining what we wanted the co
downturn, instead of just focusing on getting thr
is so much good going on in a company, but w
mountains. The best part about this downturn
lied together to make difficult decisions. There
rior motives that often accompany major chan
ahead and that we needed to respond quickly
and attitude that I would like to keep fostering
changes at every level in the company and I’m
today. I intend to keep us all working well toget
we come to them as well as address the moleh
What are some of your goals for Grand Ba
New product is the lifeblood of this company
ing some exciting and innovative new produc
change as we are launching a new model in o
and have already begun work on our next mod
our series line and invigorate them equally, wh
evolving an existing model.
As for long-range goals it’s exciting to think ab
We have received a lot of requests from owner
support. Certainly I want to get the 39–72 rang
making the move to get bigger, but this is a p
our brand can support it and this is of paramou
owns that is more valuable than our brand and
IN HIS OW N WO R D S
ROBERT LIVINGSTON
produce is consistent with the world-class stat
Name three famous people, living or dead
When flying with my family from Tokyo to Seat
to sit directly in front of the Dalai Lama (read t
I don’t think there are many people with a more
love to share a meal with him. Two others wou
the role of CEO at Grand Banks when his father, Bob Livingston, retired after more than 35 years.
b had the “pleasure” of taking on this responsibility just as the boating industry was facing enormous
t period since … well, since his father was named CEO during the oil crisis of the 1970s. But with no
Rob is up for the challenge – as he talks about here, among a variety of other things:
Chief Executive Officer. What take-aways
Grand Banks Yachts?
If you could take two weeks off and go cruising on a Grand Banks, which model (retired
or current) would you take and where would you go (anywhere in the world)?
conomy and it has been no different for Grand
My answer would somewhat depend on who else was on the boat, but if we’re talking two
ke a good look in the mirror and ask what we
weeks, it would be with my wife and three young children. Given our space needs, I would
e boat industry, Grand Banks is in the favorable
like to take a 47 Eastbay FB through the Norwegian Fjords. I’ve never cruised in Norway and I
sh balance. That enabled us to spend much of
believe it would be a highlight of my cruising life.
ompany to look like when we emerged from the
rough it. It’s easy to ignore problems when there
when trouble strikes, molehills quickly become
was how our executive management team ralwas very little of the political posturing or ulte-
nge. Rather, we all knew we faced tough times
and decisively. It is that well-performing team
g, even in the good times. We have made some
m very excited about the team we have in place
ther so we can both conquer the mountains as
hills before they turn into mountains.
anks?
y and we have done an excellent job of bringts to market over the last decade. This will not
our Aleutian Series this summer – the 53RP –
del. It’s imperative that we focus on all three of
hether launching a new addition to a series or
Favorite film, favorite book, favorite food?
When it comes to entertainment, my favorite genre is suspense and it’s tough to beat Alfred
Hitchcock. My favorite movie is “To Catch a Thief.” The combination of Cary Grant, Grace Kelly,
Alfred Hitchcock and Monaco is pretty special. Throw in the fact that Princess Grace and Prince
Rainier came to Singapore to sea trial a GB, which surely helps put the movie over the top!
With all the long-haul flights I’ve done in my day, I have read more than my share of the suspense/thriller type authors out there and have recently been reading Vince Flynn. But my favorite
book these days is “Go Back to Bed!” by Virginia Foglesong Guy. I’ve got three kids under six
and it’s one we’ve read so much together that they can often finish my sentences. Gathering
together to read books with them just before lights out is certainly one of the highlights of my day
and that book is so much fun to read.
I moved to Singapore with my wife and kids almost two years ago. We have experienced so
much wonderful food here and in the surrounding region that it’s impossible to have a favorite.
But I can tell you that when we talk about our summers in Seattle (from where we moved and still
own a house), our plans always include pizza at Tutta Bella and burgers at Red Mill! Not the
most sophisticated fare, but some of our all-time favorites nonetheless!
bout getting larger than our current 72RP/SC.
What are the most significant differences (or even stark similarities) between Singapore
in the days of your childhood versus now?
rs about getting bigger and this is something I
I actually did live here for 14 months in 93–94 working on the production floor of Grand Banks.
ge dialed in very well in all three series before
But to answer your question, the differences between the Singapore of the 70’s and 80’s and
project that is definitely in our future. I believe
the Singapore today are very significant. Much of the history and culture of Singapore has been
unt importance. There is nothing Grand Banks
paved over as the country has become one of the world’s great cities. The population in 1974
d we need to make sure that every product we
when we first moved here was about 1.5 million and today it is over 5 million, so that kind of
ture of our brand.
growth does not come without sacrifice. However, the city is still one of the cleanest in the world
d with whom you would like to dine?
and it’s tough to find a better place to raise a family. I’m sure there is not a cleaner or safer city
of Singapore’s size in the world … not even close. Singapore today is much more modern and
ttle a couple years ago, I had the good fortune
cosmopolitan than the Singapore I grew up in and there is very little you can’t find here that you
the article in Seattle Times, here).
can find in other major cities of the world. Now, if they would just open a Tutta Bella and Red
interesting life than the Dalai Lama and I would
Mill, I’d be set.
uld be: Bill Gates and Leonardo da Vinci.
13
GBs IN THE NEWS
Since the last edition of Spray, below are some of the media highlights that feature detailed articles
about Grand Banks. This includes a great mix of 41EU, 53RP and the new 46 Eastbay SX:
BEST
Motor Boating’s
February issue featured
the article, “Best of
the Year,” where the
publication chose the
41EU as a standout new
model
of the
YEAR
E
ach February we pick our Best of theYear winners, trying to identify the game-changing
boats, electronics, engines and gear that will
make our lives on the water better, safer, cleaner or
simply more fun. Sometimes our choices are on the
cutting edge of new technology, sometimes they
represent a new take on an old favorite, occasionally
they recognize the spirit of individual courage and
adventure. In any event, the choices are all ours, and
they’re all made in the spirit of celebrating the best
of what’s out there. — By The Editors
For several decades, the Grand Banks 42 was an iconic
boat; it almost defined the genre of a high-quality, saltylooking, seaworthy trawler. It was more than a boat; it
was built and revered as a little ship. So when Grand Banks
stopped making the 42, it not only had a hole in its lineup,
it also had a very large reputation to protect. Enter
67
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the new Grand Banks Heritage 41EU, a 42 on steroids.
With the 41’s Zeus drives, joystick docking and a
slippery hull, Grand Banks managed to reinvent a cruising classic. On the 41, you can still cruise at a leisurely
and fuel-saving 8 knots if you want, but you can also
wind up the twin 425 hp Cummins diesels to a top
speed of 23 knots. The new 41 still has the elegant looks
GARY JOHN NORMAN
REDEFINED TRADITION
GRAND BANKS 41
and fit and finish that are Grand Banks trademarks, but
it also has Zeus maneuverability for turning at speed
and docking easily. Indeed, driving the boat at 18 or
20 knots or so is much like driving a sports car, something that could never have been said about the old 42.
This is the first resin-infused, fully cored Grand Banks,
making the boat lighter but without surrendering any
of the brand’s legendary strength and integrity. The
boat also has a finer entry than the 42, with a modified
deep-V hull but with a three-quarter keel to protect the
running gear. It has the Skyhook system for positionkeeping, whether you’re waiting for a bridge to open
or for the fuel dock to clear out. The new 41 has indeed
redefined the Grand Banks tradition.
Nor’westing’s March
- April issue featured
the article, “Grand
Banks 41 Heritage EU,”
described the design
of the 41EU, and how
Zeus drives work
Gfcsvbsz!3121!npupscpbujoh/dpn
68
• Italy’s Yacht Italia Magazine’s January February issue featured the article, “Sport &
Classic,” highlighting the 41EU.
• Italy's DDN Yacht Magazine's November
2009 issue featured the article, "Grand Banks
41 Heritage EU Zeus Pod Cummins," where
the new 41EU was looked at in great detail.
Motor Boating’s May
issue has a feature on
the 46SX debut in
Istanbul (also featured
here, on page 18),
written by esteemed
Peter A. Janssen
• Sea Magazine's January issue featured the
article, "Launchings: 53 Aleutian RP."
• France's Neptune Yachting Moteur March
issue featured a handful of articles focusing
on Grand Banks, most notably, "Baroud
d'honneur," which focused on the sea trial of
the 52 Heritage EU and "Teste en bassin de
carene," a short article previewing the 53RP.
• France’s Bateaux March issue featured the
article, “Grand Banks 41 Heritage EU.”
STRAIGHT FROM THE FACTORY
The latest news from Grand Banks Malaysia
For decades, new owners have visited the Grand
Banks factory to see their yachts in production, learn
how their vessels are built, and meet the people
who build them. Dozens have made the trip more
than once, coming back for each new GB they
purchase. For many, these factory trips leave indelible
memories and make for an auspicious beginning to
their lifelong love affair with Grand Banks.
We’ll be the first to admit, however, that we haven’t
exactly bent over backwards in past years to bring
the deluxe-red-carpet treatment to our factory tours.
Let’s face it: we’re passionate about the nitty-gritty
details of building the world’s best production
motoryachts – and we’re eager to share that
passion. Along the way we may have overlooked
the benefits that a comfy set of lounge chairs or a
well-stocked refrigerator can offer to visitors at our
yard. (It’s all about the boats, right?)
We’re proud to announce some changes at the
factory designed to improve those circumstances.
The new “Hospitality Lounge” opened recently at
GBM, bringing more amenities and the promise of
a cool respite during a busy day of touring. The
lounge features a full kitchen, entertainment center,
computer workstations and wi-fi (for those who need
to stay connected), and even a private sleeping
chamber, plus other creature comforts. Fittingly,
its design and décor echoes the interior of Grand
Banks.
If you’ve been to GBM before, you’ll notice other
improvements throughout the factory, inside and out.
They are the result of an ongoing factory-upgrade
initiative by GB Vice President of Manufacturing, Bill
Finney.
Talk to your Authorized Dealer about the opportunity
for a factory visit if you are considering or making
the purchase of a new Grand Banks. We are
happy to welcome you at the factory, and can make
numerous arrangements to help you enjoy your stay
in the Singapore–Malaysia region.
15
COMING ATTRACTION: 53 ALEUTIAN R
A
s Grand Banks undertakes the final, pre-launch preparations
for 53RP hull #001, we also take this opportunity to remember the extraordinary time and effort paid to the design and
build of this new model. From the early planning stages of development, to the first day of hull lamination and the more recent sea trials,
the 53RP has already experienced quite a journey.
world, along with that of prospective owners, and b
small design changes to better the boat – even once
was underway.
The overall concept and design behind the 53RP was driven by the
same key principles that have guided every Aleutian model before
her: Timeless nautical spirit and time-tested cruising capability paired
with strong, seaworthy performance against the elements, handcrafted luxury, breathtaking visibility, and exhilarating power. We
combined all of these elements into the 53RP to provide an on-board
experience that will be both peaceful and profound.
One of the major design features of the 53RP was th
engine room further aft, clearing a sizable amount o
on the lower deck which allowed the 53RP to offer a fu
workroom amidships, just aft of the master cabin. Th
also be outfitted as crew’s quarters complete with he
space, laundry room, and/or extra closet space. Th
living and storage area gained on the lower deck by
engine room is significant for a boat of this size, and h
a three-cabin layout that’s at once smart, roomy and use
and owners alike.
After drawing and re-drawing deckplans to optimize the use of space
aboard the boat, full-size walk-through mockups of the vessel were
constructed to test the layout and usability of the vessel in a realworld setting. From there construction began, but the due diligence
and research weren’t over yet. Grand Banks continued gathering the
feedback of our trusted Grand Banks Authorized Dealers around the
As the build process progressed and Grand Banks contin
ing market research, we found that with such ample sp
down below, customers preferred to have fore-aft acc
tween the master and VIP cabins. As such, the original
layout has since been swapped out for a single stairca
one common companionway on the lower deck, as
RP
began making
e construction
he shift of the
of extra space
ully functional
his space can
ead; or pantry
he amount of
y moving the
has resulted in
eful for guests
nued performpace available
cessibility bedual staircase
ase, providing
well as more
AFTER SUCCESSFUL SEA TRIAL S, THE ALL -NEW 53RP IS MAKIN G WAVES
usable space in the salon. Similarly, the internal staircase leading
from the pilothouse to the flybridge has also undergone changes in
recent months. While the stairway had provided a safe and dry route
to the upper helm should conditions turn south, we’ve now enclosed
the upper portion of this staircase from the salon side, increasing the
safety of this area should water intrude into the vessel while the hatch
is open.
Add these design improvements to the quality materials and equipment we’ve used on board, along with the exceptional build process
Grand Banks has perfected over the last 50 years, and you have the
53RP – a yacht designed and constructed with the kind of attention
to detail, quality and reliability you have come to expect from Grand
Banks. So, next month as 53RP001 gets prepped, wrapped and set
for shipment, we remember the journey she’s already taken to get to
this point, and can only imagine the adventures this ‘baby’ Aleutian
will see as she goes out into the world
17
The 46SX with the Bosphorus suspension bridge in the background.
•
•
ISTA
FI
IVEDAYS
ANBUL
A FIRST-TIMER’S TRIP
TO ISTANBUL TO SHOOT
THE DEBUT OF THE 46SX
TEXT \ DAVID HENSEL
PHOTOGRAPHY \ JONATHAN COOPER
I
stretched my arm from under the awning and
caught a few slushy flakes on my hand. “Snow,”
I noted, pointlessly stating the obvious to others
as we exited the marina restaurant and observed the
gathering storm.
In truth, I added a few sharp curses to my observation.
You see, we were two days away from leaving Istanbul
and had yet to snap a single photo. That objective had
been thwarted by dark, stormy weather on our original
shoot day earlier that week. Today was devoted to
sea trials for visiting journalists; tomorrow was our last
chance – the weather had to clear. It just had to.
Bad weather was one of several curveballs thrown our
way during this trip, in which Jonathan Cooper and I
traveled to Istanbul to photograph and publicize the
first 46 Eastbay SX. Fortunately, we did have ONE sure
thing going our way: this beautiful new boat.
The 46SX had been a stellar performer in every way
during our trip, expertly and effortlessly carrying on the
proud traditions of the Eastbay Series. This assessment
was supported by the positive reactions – the smiling
nods, knowing murmurs, and wide-eyed wonderment
– of the seven journalists who came from around the
world to rigorously test and scrutinize the latest model
from Grand Banks.
In the end, the 46SX easily impressed even the most
veteran, been-there-driven-that authorities of the
powerboat press.
At least we had that going for us. The interiors were
immaculate. The ride was rock solid. The design was
smart, stylish, sophisticated. And the Zeus pod-drive
propulsion system exceeded all expectations.
Yes – in case you didn’t already know, the 46SX is the
first Eastbay model to feature the revolutionary Zeus
drives from Cummins MerCruiser Diesel. I won’t go into
PHOTOS: (Opposite left) Beautiful
ceiling of the famed Blue Mosque.
(Top) Aerial panorama of Istanbul:
Blue Mosque & Hagia Sofia in the
foreground. (Above left) Colorful
tapestries of the Grand Bazaar.
(Above) The 46SX leaves at daybreak for her shoot around the
Princes Islands.
detail here about the propulsion system features and
benefits (see grandbanks.com for more details). But I
will confess my own amazement at taking the 46SX at
full throttle up to 33 knots and turning the wheel hard
over, watching her carve a smooth circle within two boat
lengths, with little lean or bow spray (despite 15-knot
winds and 2-foot chop). And I still love the peace of
mind the Zeus joystick brings, especially when docking
a brand new boat in an unfamiliar marina.
So despite the weather, some things were definitely
going our way. That helped to make up for other
challenges – such as our near-comical search for the
heliport (despite having the address of our destination
in hand, our taxi driver eventually enlisted the help of a
dozen or so clueless passersby along our route, took us
to numerous wrong locations, and finally abandoned us
for another driver to deal with). And when our original
plan for a photo chase boat fell through, I had a crash
course in bartering and negotiation, Turkish-style (lesson
one: bring lots and lots of cash).
Don’t get me wrong, though: there were plenty of
good times along the way, and I quickly fell in love
with Istanbul – at least, with what little I saw (the city
is enormous, home to nearly 13 million people.) We
made lemonade from lemons when our first shoot day
was rained out, taking a brief impromptu walking tour
of the waterfront along the Golden Horn and into
surrounding neighborhoods. Highlights included stops
at the ancient Roman cisterns, the famed Blue Mosque,
and the Grand Bazaar.
We also loved the compelling blend of European
culture and Eastern exoticism – exotic to us, at least.
Competing calls to prayer wove a lovely sonic tapestry
each day near our hotel, which was just up the street
from both the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in the
Sultanahmet neighborhood. (I’d be remiss if I didn’t
give a shout out to the wonderful Faros Hotel Istanbul;
their warm hospitality and eager assistance was greatly
appreciated – as was their snug little bar at the end of
each hectic day.)
PHOTOS: (Far left to
right) The Blue Mosque
at night; Chicken gyros
aplenty; Tile detail;
Lanterns at the Grand
Bazaar. (Below left to
right) A view out of the
Faros Hotel lobby; the
courtyard of the Blue
Mosque after prayer.
People (save for the occasional taxi driver) were
unfailingly polite and welcoming to us, even when
the language barrier became an issue. And the local
foods we tried were all first-rate – including a wonderful
dinner hosted by CMD where, it turned out, Turkish
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was also present
in one of the restaurant’s private dining rooms.
But perhaps nothing was more remarkable than the
chance to cruise our 46SX up the Bosphorus while
location scouting during our first full day in Istanbul. This
30-kilometer strait famously separates Europe and Asia
and serves to connect the Black Sea with the Marmara
Sea and beyond.
The shoreline is dotted by all manner of mosques,
ringed with cafes and restaurants, and home to an
endless variety of mansions and lavish estates. Our trip
provided an astounding perspective to take in the size
and scope of this city, which seemed to stretch forever
all directions, back through hills and valleys.
The surface current can be pretty strong along the
Bosphorus, as the Black Sea is around 40 centimeters
higher than the Maramara. That water movement
is nothing, however, compared to the crashing and
colliding wakes from all manner of vessels that travel
this waterway: huge tankers and compact freighters;
steamship ferries and high-speed shuttles and small
commuter craft; tour boats, pleasure boats and
commercial boats.
And amazingly, bobbing violently atop all this chop, sit
scores of tiny fishing boats, each manned by just one or
two people working to pull in a modest catch for their
family or the local market.
(continued on page 26)
23
PRINCES
ISLANDS
O N L O C AT I O N
N
ine islands make up this popular day-trip destination in the Sea
of Marmara. Also known as the Red Islands, their peaceful
rhythms make a stark contrast to the crowds and cacophony of
nearby Istanbul, just 15 miles and a short ferry ride away.
Theislandsarenoteworthyfortheirhorse-and-carriagetransportation,
as motor vehicles are banned from the islands. Visitors may also
explore the islands on foot or bicycle, with the larger islands offering
a respite at cafes and small hotels.
Many of our photos were taken around the island of Heybeliada,
second largest of the islands. In addition to its scenic shoreline,
the island is home to Kamariotissa, the only remaining Byzantine
church on the island and the last church to have been in the area
before the conquest of Constantinople.
According to Wikitravel, “Princes’ Islands take their name from the
fact that during Byzantine and early Ottoman period, members of
dynasties who fell out of favor were sent to exile there. Until late
19th century, when regular steamer transportation showed up in
the seas around Istanbul, these islands were considered remote
and far-away places. Apart from the exiled princes, only a handful
of monks found these islands inhabitable then, a fact which gives
the islands their former name in Turkish: Kesis Adaları (“Islands of
the Monks”).”
25
The 46SX cutting a tight Zeus-enabled turn.
(continued from page 23) All in all it was a whirlwind trip to Istanbul,
The 46 Eastbay SX pictured here is
available for sales from GB Türkiye:
Gulbag CAD. No: 66
Kabatas Apt. Duk 11-12 Mecidyekoy
34394 Sisli, Istanbul, Türkiye
Phone: +90 212 211 07 67
Fax: +90 212 211 08 58
Mobile: +90 533 246 36 53
www.gbturkiye.com
Special thanks to dealer principal
Stephan Delannoit and his team for
all the support and assistance they
provided in making our work there
a success.
with lots to do and very little time to stop and catch our breath along the
way. That’s typical of most GB photo shoots: as intriguing or exciting
as they may sound, they’re the most stressful and intense projects we
work on during the year. We rely heavily on great photography for
our web sites, ads, brochures, this magazine and more – and getting
great photography depends, unfortunately, on the perfect alignment
of many factors outside of our control: great weather, good light,
skilled pilots, government permits, local support crews, atmospheric
conditions, clear waterways, and the benevolence of those fickle
Gods of Digital Camera Equipment.
But: sometimes they DO align. On our last day in Istanbul, our last
possible chance to get the job done, we woke before dawn to a
star-filled sky. Down at the marina, the sun crested the horizon and
showed clear blue skies as far as we could see. We scraped ice
and snow off the 46SX and watched her gleaming deckhouse shine.
The water was calm, the light bouncing off the Marmara Sea was
a beautiful color, and our shoot location – the Princes’ Islands –
beckoned in the distance.
Click. ••
THE CITY IN BRIEF
• The city, originally named Byzantium,
was first settled as a colony in 667 B.C.
After emperor Constantine the Great
captured the city and made it the eastern
capital of his Roman Empire in 330, it
became known as Constantinople (Constantinopolis in the Latin of the day).
• The city has also served as the capital
of the Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman Empires. When the Republic or Turkey was
founded in 1923, the capital moved to
Ankara. In 1930 the Turkish government
requested foreigners to adopt Istanbul as
the official name of the city.
Ancient Roman cisterns in Sultahnamet.
ISTANBUL
• Istanbul has also been nicknamed
“The City on Seven Hills” because like
Rome, its historic center was built on
seven hills. Atop each hill sits an historic
mosque (including the well-known Blue
Mosque and Hagia Sophia). This area
of the city sits on a peninsula formed by
two equally historic bodies of water, the
Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
• To complete the peninsula, the Golden
Horn is an estuary that joins the Bosphorus just at the point where that strait enters the Sea of Marmara (which in turn
joins the Agean Sea to the west). Amazingly, large chains were pulled across
the opening of the Golden Horn at times
during the Middle Ages to protect Constantinople and its naval fleet.
• The Bosphorus forms part of the boundary between Europe and Asia, which
means that Istanbul is a city that spans
two continents—the western portion of
Istanbul is in Europe, while the eastern
portion is in Asia. Two huge suspension
bridges span the strait to connect both
the city and the continents.
• Today Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and the fifth largest city in the world,
with a population of 12.8 million. Its
boundaries cover a surface area of over
700 miles2 (or 1,800 kilometers2).
• Surprisingly, there are only two fullydeveloped marinas in Istanbul.
TURKEY
A QUICK CRUISING GUIDE TO
TURKEY’S BEAUTIFUL SW COAST
A
lthough Istanbul has a long and storied maritime tradition, the city
itself has only two fully developed marinas. Most pleasure boating
in Turkey is centered instead around the country’s scenic and
unspoiled south coast.
Also known as the Lycean coast, the region between Bodrum and Antalya
is the most popular cruising area in Turkey, and many charter fleets operate
there for both sail and powerboat excursions. With mountainous shorelines
plunging down to the sea, coastal forests of pine and olive, farm-filled
valleys, beautiful bays and inlets, and innumerable archaeological ruins
and historic sites, this area offers some of the best cruising grounds in the
world. Friendly people, good fresh foods and delicious local wines don’t
hurt, either.
The summer is long, and good weather is virtually guaranteed from May to
as late as the end of October
Many who cruise the area make base their voyage from Marmaris, a
bustling town with a modern marina, numerous shops, plus many restaurants
and bars. There are also several ancient ruins in the area, and just to
east lies the famous Iztuzu beach, last nesting ground of the endangered
Mediterranean Loggerhead Turtles. Other stops in a cruising itinerary of the
region might include:
FETHIYE BA
Features the b
the famous la
of Oludeniz.
a 10 minute
is great for
Behind the to
amphitheatre
Saklikent Can
village of Kara
EKINCIK BA
Surrounded b
is one of mos
From here you
Dalyan river th
the ancient sit
Lycian Tombs
GOKOVA B
Spectacular in
ANTALYA
HISARONU BAY
AY
bustling port of Fethiye and
agoon and white sand beach
The lively town of Fethiye,
walk from the new marina,
shopping and sightseeing.
own are the Lycian Tombs and
e. Inland is the breathtaking
nyon and the deserted Greek
a Koyu
AY
by forests and high hills, Ekincik
st beautiful bays in the area.
u can take a boat tour up the
hrough the reed beds, visiting
te of Caunos and viewing the
set high on the hillside.
BAY
nlets, small coves.
TURKEY
GOKOVA BAY
BODRUM
ASI KOYU
EKINCIK BAY
SARSAL A
¨
GOCEK
BAY
FETHIYE BAY
TERSANE ISL AND
KALKAN
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
¨
GOCEK BAY
Göcek is a small village that has recently
developed into a yachting base with two
marinas and many yachting facilities. The
area is surrounded by many small coves
and islands.
KALKAN
A charming small town with old Greek
houses and narrow streets.
ASI KOYU
Unmarked on many charts, this small bay
offers a great lunchtime stop en route
from to Marmaris. The bay is fantastic for
swimming with its turquoise waters. Also
an ideal overnight anchorage if you wish
to dine onboard.
BODRUM
One of the most popular holiday resorts
in Turkey, well known for its nightlife,
underwater archaeology museum, and
mausoleum of Halicarnassos.
TERSANE ISLAND
Centuries ago the people of this region
built their wooden ships here, and one can
still see ruins of the ancient shipyard.
HISARONU BAY
Many inlets and islands to explore.
SARSALA
Peaceful and tranquil, Sarsala features
crystal clear waters for swimming and
hammocks for relaxing. Once again you
can enjoy the hospitality of this family run
restaurant and taste the house specialty,
Turkish pide.
29
46 PHOTO GALLERY
The new 46 Eastbay SX brings all the acclaimed
performance, style and reliability of her predecessors
– and then goes one great leap further, adding the
revolutionary Zeus propulsion system from CMD.
With joystick docking, pod-drive power and a range
of intelligent innovations, this newest Eastbay is the
definition of grace under power.
The 46SX also offers a number of layout options,
including both up- and down-galley configurations.
A three-stateroom design is available, and owner
have the option to add an additional crew cabin,
too (adjacent photo). Overall, the 46SX offers an
unrivaled combination for the uncompromising buyer.
View more photos online at: GRANDBANKS.COM/46SX
Zeus joystick augments
traditional throttles
WATCH VIDEO OF THE 46SX
Twin st
locker
OPTIONAL LAYOUT WITH GALLEY UP
tateroom with hanging
and individual lighting
OPTIONAL LOWER 3-STATEROOM LAYOUT
RIVER DUNES
River Dunes, in Oriental, North Carolina,
offers a beautiful haven for GB owners cruising
the Intracoastal Waterway — including a
specially-named “Grand Banks” cottage that
offers the same luxurious amenities of its
namesake ... and then some.
Find out more today to take advantage
of special offers to GB owners.
Grand Banks Yachts has partnered with River Dunes
in Oriental, North Carolina, to offer Grand Banks
owners a unique stopover on the Intracoastal.
The specially named “Grand Banks Cottage” provides exceptional onshore accommodation on the
ICW between Belhaven and Beaufort, North Carolina. GB owners can stay either onboard or ashore at
the member rate. For the Fall of 2010, Grand Banks
owners can receive this invitation offer: stay one night
and the second night is complimentary.
“Grand Banks owners are among the most discerning and demanding boaters anywhere -- the quality of our yachts is a direct
reflection of their passion for an exceptional yacht, and for an
exceptional cruising experience.”
• Robert W. Livingston II, Grand Banks CEO
River Dunes as an award-winning boating community
on the big waters of the Pamlico Sound, Neuse River
and the ICW. Available amenities include a protected 400-slip inland harbor, restaurant, pool, guest
boater facilities with steam showers, laundry, highspeed fuel, pump-out, bikes, kayaks, and canoes.
Rivers Dunes is also the home of the 10th Anniversary
Coast Living Idea House.
Visit River Dunes’ website: www.riverdunes.com
33
MURIEL JUNE EMBARKS
ON EXTENDED JOURNEY
BY MARGARET & AL AN HILL
W
e bought our Grand Banks 46
Galveston to begin the journey. However, as
Heritage Europa in 2004 after
we headed across Louisiana, hurricane Ida
much research. That year we
bore down upon the Gulf Coast. We tied
leased a GB Europa 42 in Florida and took
off at the Houma City marina and waited for
a course, along with a wonderful week of
the storm to pass. Fortunately for us we were
cruising near Ft. Meyers, FL. Our own boat
on the dry side of the hurricane. We waited
was delivered new the end of 2004 and
for the skies to clear and then headed east.
christened Muriel June in 2005 after our
The ICW was still fairly clear of tugs that had
mothers who both loved cruising. That, we
been secured during the storm, so it was a
thought was the beginning of our journey.
pretty clear shot to New Orleans.
We went on several extended trips along
the Texas coast to Corpus Christi and back
getting ready for our extended journey
and testing all systems. However, we had
challenges to overcome as well.
Getting through the locks in New Orleans
(Harvey Lock and Industrial Lock) was
a challenge mainly because boats and
barges trying to get through the locks after
the hurricane had backed up and there was
In 2008 hurricane Ike struck our coastline.
construction on the Industrial Lock. Fortunate
A huge amount of damage occurred at the
for us, both lock masters were very helpful,
yacht club as the storm surge of over 13
even with the four hour wait at the Industrial
feet ploughed first to the west and then to
lock.
the east. Mega yachts ended up on the
road and the Muriel June was damaged
by a boat that came loose near her. It took
15 months to get all the necessary repairs
completed. By November of 2009, repairs
were complete, we were both retired, our
house was leased, and the time was ripe
to leave. Beautiful fall weather signaled to
us that it was a perfect time to head out of
The trip through Mississippi Sound, across
Mobile Bay and southern Alabama to
Pensacola was simply beautiful with dry,
cool weather that followed the hurricane
and brilliant crimson fall foliage. The upper
panhandle Florida coast has beautiful white
sandy beaches, dolphins rode with us every
day and the weather in late November was
35
superb. Our next challenge was to cross
in more protected waters before we
in beautiful condition and owned by
the Gulf of Mexico from Carabelle to
turned south. We had about 5 hours
people who travel the east coast from
St. Petersburg, Fl.
of battering, but then things settled
North to South every year. They loved
down. The crossing for us into the St.
their boats!
We hurried to Carabelle because of an
approaching cold front, then another,
and then a third. We, along with 5
other trawlers waited a week for a semi
clear day. Bud the dock master who
had lots of experience helping people
with “the crossing” was wonderful.
He briefed us, showed us numerous
Petersburg Harbor (Harborage) was 30
hours. We left at 7 a.m. one morning
and arrived at 11 a.m. into our slip in
St. Petersburg the next morning. Now
the journey would change to beautiful
blue water, miles of ICW to navigate
and wonderful people.
weather models and the day he thought
Our Grand Banks has been superb.
might be right he called us all together
We have traveled 2,048 statute miles
and told us exactly how to cross. I well
thus far. She has done beautifully in
remember his words. “Trawlers are not
open water of the Atlantic and Gulf of
like speed boats or fishing boats. They
Mexico as well as along the calmer,
are your homes and you don’t want to
shallow Intercoastal Waterway. She
get banged to death. So this is how
is our home for the next two years as
you will do best on this crossing at this
we make this journey. We love the
time of the year.”
welcoming we receive wherever we
He was right. We headed through
the channel to Alligator Point and then
kept going east so that we would be
meet other GB owners. In Vero Beach,
Florida, there were 5 GB’s next to us.
These were boats from the 1980’s kept
The next leg of our trip will be the
Chesapeake this summer. We will
winter in the Atlantic yacht basin outside
of Norfolk, VA. Next year we will travel
into New York, up the Hudson and into
the Great Lakes. This is our journey thus
far.
Alan and I both retired in 2006: he
from a corporate environment, I from
a university position. We have always
had boats, first sailboats, kayaks, and
river rafts. Our Grand Banks is the first
big boat we have owned and we love
her. The Europa is perfect because it is
open, relatively easy for the two of us to
handle, sturdy and reliable. Everywhere
we travel people stop to talk and ask
how we like our boat and marvel at the
“newness” of her look. ••
PHOTOS: (Opposite Left) Damaged boats from
Hurricane Katrina seen while crossing to New
Orleans. (Top row) Alan and Margaret on the
stern of Muriel June in Pensacola; The small haul
from a fishing tournament in St. Augustine; Muriel
June crossing to Sandestin. (Second row) Hiding
out from Hurricane IDA in Houma, LA; Margaret
and Alan at the christening of Muriel June in 2005;
Margaret playing with the dolphins at the Dolphin
Research Center, Hawk’s Key. (Third row) Tied up
outside the big Industrial Lock (while under
construction) in New Orleans, LA, waiting for
“red flag” vessels (vessels with hazardous cargo)
to clear the lock. (Bottom row) The Muriel June
hoists the AGLCA Burgee (America’s Great Loop
Cruisers’ Association); Swing bridges are the
most intimidating.
37
Following are a few selected posts from
Margaret and Alan Hill’s cruising blog
aboard the Muriel June, their 2004
46 Heritage EU.
Lift off of Discovery STS 131- Vero Beach
Blog About It!
Blogging is a fun way to share your love of all things
Grand Banks – including the places you go and the
things you do on board. Cruising is just one subject
for a GB blog; you might also want to start one to
share your progress at restoring an older Grand Banks,
upgrading your current boat, or about the places and
experiences you enjoy on your Grand Banks. There
are an endless number of topics that make for good
reading among the GB community.
If you’re about to start a long cruise, check out one
of the popular blog sites (above) and contact us to let
us know that you’re starting your cruising blog. We’ll
follow along and be sure to talk about it in an upcoming
issue of Spray or on grandbanks.com.
Log Date \ April 5, 2010: Easter Sunday we had a
wonderful day attending St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
in Stuart and then a great brunch at the Harborage
Yacht Club. Again there were very nice people on
the docks who had lots of helpful local knowledge for
us–mainly cruising into Georgia which is winding and
shallow in most places. They all tell us to go through on
high tide. However, with 12 hours to run through the
state, high tides don’t last that long. So, we are looking
at running partly off shore and partly in the ICW.
This morning we arose at 5:30 to get the boat ready
for cruising to Vero Beach. At 6:02 the International
Space Station flew over us at about 80 degrees to the
horizon for about 4 minutes west to east. I watched
through binoculars and could see the rays projecting
from the space station. Then we positioned ourselves
on the end of the dock to watch the launch. At 6:21
a.m. we had lift off. There was a cloud bank over the
launch site and the brilliant orange of the shuttle ignited
the clouds. Then the shuttle appeared above the clouds
brilliant in the morning sun. We saw the fuel tanks deployed with parachutes and then watched the shuttle
until it disappeared into the eastern horizon. This was
about 45 minutes before sunrise, so we could easily
see its brilliance. Quite a sight!
Cocoa Beach, Dolphins, and Russians
Fishing Tournament at St. Augustine
Log Date \ April 6, 2010: You know that you are next
to NASA when there are more Russian speaking people
on the streets than English speaking. The little village of
Cocoa Beach is the closest we’ll be to the Cape. Here as
in our Nassau Bay area, the economy will be tremendously
impacted with the closing of the manned space program.
The marinas are full, however. It is the height of the tourist
season for Florida. Most northern boats won’t head back
north until May. Insurance dictates that many boat owners
Log Date \ April 9, 2010: The pictures today reflect the
Muriel June among a bevy of BIG Fishing boats who are
hell bent for catching the biggest and the most tomorrow.
This is the home of the Marlin center, but more than marlin,
they will be trying to hook all kinds of bill fish and other
game fish as well. Tonight is the barbecue and tomorrow
will be the winner of the fishing tournament.
must be out of Florida by the first of June.
Dolphins are again plentiful. While traveling off shore, we
didn’t see dolphins, but in the ICW there are many and
today they were quite frisky jumping and riding our boat
wake. Lots of moms and babies rode our wake, jumped
and splashed. Alan went down to the back of the boat at
one point and asked why there was so much water on the
aft deck. Dolphins jumping and splashing I assured him.
Crab traps are also numerous and we saw several oyster
boats gathering oysters for sale .
One of the good things about our run today was no bridge
openings required. Muriel June needs 24 feet clearance
above the water level. Today’s bridges were all over 65
feet. Our run today took just under 6 hours. We head to
Daytona Beach tomorrow. Another long day.
While they fish, we will be tourists in St. Augustine. History
here is rich. The Spanish Explorer Pedro Menendez de
Aviles settled St. Augustine in 1565. Over the next 200
years Florida was part of Spain. But in 1783 Spain lost
Florida to England in a land exchange. For 20 years she
was under British rule. In 1821 Florida became a territory
of the United States and gained statehood in 1845. St.
Augustine’s “golden age” began in the 1880’s when Henry
Flagler attempted to turn the quaint town into a vacation
spot for tourists. Flagler and friends built elegant hotels and
churches. For my literary friends, the town cemetery is the
burial spot of Randolph Caldecott. The children’s illustration
award is named after him. He was British but was told that
he should move to Florida for his health.
39
GBSHIPSTORE.COM
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Medical Kit
The Deluxe Family Kit is for those who demand the utmost in safety when it comes to
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Game Set
Any occasion is livened up with our new sixin-one game set. It comes with a case doubling as a game board, along with pieces
for checkers, chess, dominoes, backgammon
and cribbage, plus four dice and two decks
of playing cards.
Keychain
Silvertone keyring with leatherette strap.
41
Grand Banks
QUALITY
W R I T T E N BY M A R K B U N Z E L L
W
hy does a Grand Banks
Explorations
volume
that are available for participants. This
stand out at any dock?
brokerage for used Grand Banks yachts
year the Mother Goose fleet achieved a
Is it its well-drawn lines,
in the world. They are also well known
milestone passing the 25,000 mile mark
trimmed with warm teak, and a gel coat
for their Mother Goose cruises with flotilla
for trouble free non-stop cruising.
that shines in the sun or a soft rain? The
charters up to and throughout Southeast
beauty is more than skin deep, as any
Alaska, Desolation Sound, and coming up
owner knows. The systems are designed
in 2011, the rugged and beautiful Queen
for serious cruising. Properly cared for, they
Charlotte Islands of British Columbia. “We
will last a very long time and reward their
have a unique and discriminating clientele
owner with years of dutiful use, exploring
who are willing to pay a premium to charter
some of the most beautiful cruising areas
from our exclusive fleet of Grand Banks
in the world. “I am continually amazed
yachts,” said Brian Pemberton, the owner
that people walk up to me on the dock
of Northwest Explorations and a long time
and ask if my 1983 42’ Europa GB is a
Grand Banks owner. “Our customers go
newer boat” said nautical writer and GB
to some of the most beautiful and remote
owner Bob Lane. “In my job I test a lot of
places in British Columbia and Southeast
cruising boats and I am hard pressed to
Alaska. Repair services may be days
find a boat that fits my needs better than
away and we need the fleet to perform
my Grand Banks”, he added.
for our customers” added Brian.
Grand Banks yachts are a special breed.
Each year Northwest Explorations takes
is investigated as it typically indicates
They look great and stay in good shape
five of their charter fleet up to Southeast
an existing or upcoming problem. “We
due to a combination of quality materials
Alaska for a total of about 12 weeks
think the key is testing under full power
and construction, and the care their
where charter customers can select from
rather than testing the boat while sitting
owners give their boats. A GB is like a
individual 2-3 week legs on the trip or
at the dock” said Pemberton. “It is worth
new or old Porsche. It just wouldn’t be
can charter for the entire trip including
the extra effort since our boats may be
right if the owner did not take good care
the legs up and back. The trips are well
running up to 500 hours in one season
of a Grand Banks.
planned with stops at all of the best must-
and our customers expect a trouble free
see destination in Southeast Alaska and
experience from our fleet of GBs. We
the Inside Passage. Participants can travel
started this first with our boats going
with the group or travel on their own for a
to Alaska and now have adopted this
day or two. The program includes a mother
practice to our entire charter fleet as part
ship for the staff which includes a flotilla
of the annual maintenance cycle.”
The experts on Grand Banks maintenance
is Northwest Explorations in Bellingham,
Washington. They manage a charter fleet
of 17 Grand Banks yachts of various sizes
and vintages. The yachts are privately
owned and Northwest Explorations books
charters, provides training and manages
the boats for their owners. Northwest
is
the
largest
leader, a naturalist and mate. The mother
ship GB is also equipped with sat phone,
a large watermaker and laundry facilities
“We have developed a maintenance
program that has proven to work for our
Grand Banks fleet” said Brian Pemberton.
“We found that the key is a schedule of
maintenance that includes the testing of
our boats under sustained full power on
the water.” Early in the spring each boat
is taken out for several hours and test
under full power with a mechanic in the
engine room examining the engine. Small
leaks indicate the need for adjustment or
replacement of a needed component. A
laser temperature gun is used to check
exhaust manifold to look for indicators of
internalcorrosion.Anyover-tempcondition
The maintenance program goes beyond
just
the
annual
check.
Northwest
Explorations puts each of the boats it
43
manages through an extensive checklist of all systems. Items like impellers are replaced
annually in all engines and gensets. Fuel filters are changed every 200 hours. The oil
and oil filters are also changed every 200 hours, even when up in Alaska.
The quality of a Grand Banks is also in the construction and selection of components
designed into the boats. Diesel engines have evolved from the Lehmans in early GBs,
through Cummins, Caterpillars and now John Deere, all quality engine suppliers. Properly
maintained, the engines just keep going – just like their counterparts in the trucking
industry. This is especially appreciated on critical open water crossings GB owners take
either offshore in the Atlantic to the Bahamas or up the Inside Passage to Alaska. Head
systems, water pumps, refrigeration, electrical systems, anchor systems – all quality
components that should be checked annually. Northwest Explorations, for example, has
the furnace or hydronic system removed and inspected as part of its spring maintenance
cycle. It adds to the owner’s annual cost but is critical for cruising the Pacific Northwest
and Alaska. Some look at this level of maintenance as conservative and some think it
is just a good practice.
For the exterior maintenance, teak rails are lightly sanded and two coats of Cetol
are applied annually at Northwest Explorations. Any nicks or dents in the teak are
filled and recoated with Cetol while underway. Water is the enemy to wood. Both
Pemberton and Bob Lane agree that teak properly maintained each year can last five
years or more before a more extensive complete refinish down to the wood is required.
The fiberglass hull and topsides luster is maintained with an annual wax and polish job
to protect the gel coat.
The result of all of this lavish care and maintenance is a yacht that looks great, runs
without problems, maintains its value and often-even increases in value. Well-maintained
brokerage Grand Banks yachts always carry a premium price over comparable boats
in size and equipment. “My 1983 GB “Quadra” has increased in value by over 30%
in the time I have owned it. Yes, I have invested in its maintenance but “Quadra” has
taken me to incredible places along the Inside Passage that I could never have seen any
other way. Owning and cruising my Grand Banks has been one of the most rewarding
things I have ever done” said Bob Lane.
The next time you walk down the dock and see a beautiful Grand Banks, tell the owner
what you think. It is a lot of work and dedication and your comments will make it all
worthwhile. ••
Bob Lane’s 1983 42EU, Quad
dra, on the 2006 Grand Tour to Alaska
45
Spray
[ THE BOAT ]
ON
THE
ROAD
TO
REVIVAL
The one that started a legend
gets a second lease on life by
admiring new owners
David Towle and Bettie Massie
of Bar Harbor, Maine
Text\ David Towle
Photos\ David Towle + Various
47
[In what we hope to turn into a multi-part series, here is the first installment provided by the new owners of Spray--the
prototype 36-foot GB trawler-. Retired academic and ingenue boat-builder David Towle provides us with a little history
and a plan for what’s next. Special thanks to David, his wife, Bettie Massie, and to Lincoln North (publisher of the fantastic Great Lakes newsletter) for turning us on to the story.]
S
pray was built in 1962 at the Wharton Shipyard
survey. Despite substantial degradation in the stern of the
in Jamestown, Rhode Island, which is now the
vessel, my wife and I were convinced that she was worth
Jamestown Boatyard. Communication with the
saving.
current owner of the boatyard produced no recorded
history of Spray’s construction details, unfortunately. Her
original construction was Philippine mahogany planks over
oak frames, assembled with silicon bronze fasteners.
In 1970, Robert Adams sold Spray to Philip and Marcella
Faustman of Kalamazoo, Michigan. In July of that same
year the Faustmans sailed her from Connecticut up the
Hudson and Mohawk Rivers into Lake Ontario. Both were
in academia and spent many summers cruising the Great
Lakes. In 1997, the boat sold again, this time to Donald
and Wendy Moeller of DesPlaines, Illinois. The Moellers
recognized the Spray’s historic background and received
a designation from Grand Banks Yachts as hull number
GB36–00. After over a decade of ownership, they put
the boat up for sale in 2008.
After looking at several Grand Banks woodies, I discovered
the listing for Spray on WoodenBoat’s website in early
2009. In May 2009, as Spray was on the hard at a
marina in Kenosha, Wisconsin, I arranged for a complete
The boat arrived in Bar Harbor, Maine, by truck on July 13,
2009. She was transported without incident by Murphy
Yacht Transport of Trenton, Maine. As I had just retired
from a career in college teaching and research, Spray’s
rejuvenation became a major retirement project for me.
Wanting to do most of the required work myself, I enrolled
in two courses at WoodenBoat School in Brooklin, Maine,
both taught by traditional boat builder Greg Rossel. During
the fall of 2009, I constructed a 20’ x 42’ barn over
and around Spray and finally began work on the boat
in January.
Attacking the stern area first, the entire transom, iron
fuel tanks, rotten frames and floor timbers have been
removed, leaving just a shell of deck and planking which
are supported by external braces and the aft bulkhead
that separates the lazarette from the aft salon. New crosslinked polyethylene fuel tanks will be installed; new white
oak frames are currently being fabricated, including the 4
PHOTOS: (Opposite left) Spray’s
mode of transportation from Kenowsha,
WI, to Maine. (Opposite right) Bettie
and David stand in front of Spray outside
David’s nearly finished barn. (This page)
An early listing of Spray in Yachting
magazine, circa 1963.
-1/2-inch-thick horn timber which will be cut from a 6-inch-thick
L-shaped piece of white oak obtained from New England Naval
Timbers in Cornwall, Connecticut. It is somehow satisfying to
believe that at least some of the white oak to be installed likely
comes from the same area as the original timbers. We located
a supply of Honduran mahogany, purchased decades ago by
a furniture maker, that will be used to replace the small number
of rotten planks.
My wife says that the repair and restoration of Spray will take
at least three years. Perhaps she’s right., but I am hoping to get
Spray back into the water within the coming year, knowing
that the date for finishing the complete project is somewhat
nebulous. Someone said that a boat is “finished” when the new
owner comes and takes it away. In any case, we don’t intend
to sell Spray right away since we are planning on taking her
on the Great Circle once my wife retires in a few years. ••
PHOTOS: (Top left) 2006 photo of Spray on the Great
Lakes by Donald Moeller. (Top to bottom) Upper transom
and aft bulwark after removal of top rub rail; Removal of
aft bulwark and partial removal of transom planks; New
white oak for horn timber and bollards, Duke Besozzi,
New England Naval Timbers in Cornwall, CT. (left) The
venerable old horn timber.
Pacific NW Bareboat or Skippered Charters and Guided Flotillas
Inside Passage
to Alaska
Sea
Fall
on
cati
i
mun
lion
com
Wran
ife
l
ild
W
ily
da
lec
sing
!
Desolation
gel N
es
tur
crui
arrow
s
Sound
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.
NEW Guided Flotillas for 2008:
~ Broughton Archipelago
~ One-way Desolation Sound
including Princess Louisa
Favorite anchorage
San Juan
&
Tucked in for the night
x
rideau
in P
Peace
Orca!
Gulf Islands
Broughton
Archipelago
Got
2623 S Harbor Loop I Bellingham, WA 98225
360-676-1248 or 800-826-1430 www.nwexplorations.com
?
crab
MIKE’S CORNER \ DISTRESS CALLS
Mike Negley is a GB Owner Extraordinaire, a man who truly loves his boat
– and loves working on his boat, too.
Fortunately for us, he also likes writing
about working on his boat, and he’s
darn good at it (both the working AND
the writing).
He shares his well-written tips, tricks,
ideas and instructions regularly at GBbeacon, our web site for GB owners and
enthusiasts. Simply click here to see the
full library of great posts by Mike, or
look for “Mike’s Corner” in the Discussion Forum index at GBbeacon.com.
Mike’s posts often include photos, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions, as
well as background information and
money-saving tips for do-it-yourself-ers.
His posts cover everything from propane safety to fuel polishing to brass
restoration and beyond – well beyond!
One of the most important electronic safety devices available to recreational
boat owners is a “Digital Selective Calling” (DSC)- equipped VHF radio.
While an EPIRB is also very important, in many situations DSC is even more
valuable IF it is properly set up and everyone on board knows how to use it.
All marine VHF fixed mount radios sold after 1999 must be DSC equipped.
In an emergency a DSC-equipped vessel can send an automated, unattended, continuous, digital MAYDAY message that includes current vessel
position, time/day and assigned vessel identification information. A DSC
“MAYDAY” is received instantly, whereas satellite based EPRIB distress signals can be delayed several hours.
To make a DSC radio functional you must do several things. First - connect the
output from your GPS to the VHF input terminal. Second - apply for a MMSI
9-digit number from either the FCC, Boat US, SeaTow or the US Power
Squadron. Getting one from the FCC is a little more complex, but if you travel
outside of US waters, only the FCC number will work in the international
database. The MMSI application will ask for several forms of emergency
contact and vessel information, including state or federal registration.
The next step is to program the MMSI
number into your VHF which is often more
complicated than it ought to be since most
VHF’s do not have a key pad. Each manufacturer has a different way of programming the MMSI numbers into the radio
and there is usually a limit as to how many
times you can do so if you mess it up. You
may have to send the radio back to the
manufacturer to have it reset!
Now you’re ready to send a distress call
from your VHF on Channel 70A just by
lifting the red cap and pressing the call
button for several seconds. This will immediately alert the nearest US Coast Guard
station with all the information listed on
your MMSI application form and will give
the location of your boat at the time of the
call. However, and this is the neat part, it
will also contact all DSC-equipped boats
in the vicinity, some of which may be closer than the Coast Guard. Some integrated
chart systems will even show your position
on their chart.
DSC has several other useful features, one
of which is the ability to program a specific DSC-equipped boat’s MMSI number
in to the radio’s call list. I strongly recommend you do this with at least one boat
owner so you can test your VHF’s DSC
calling and make sure it works and sends
your GPS position.
Another feature is the ability to send ALL
SHIPS CALL which is used as a general
warning to all ships within range of your
VHF. This does not require their MMSI number, but they must have DSC capability.
This is often used by larger vessels to notify
their position (leaving a dock, entering a
channel) or an obstruction in the channel,
or perhaps someone is in the water.
One more function is the ability to send
DIstress Call which includes the nature
of the distress (Fire, flooding, collision,
grounding). This capability will require additional button pushing/turning, but may
not be practical in a distress situation.
What happens when you send a distress
call? It goes out on a VHF Channel 70A
and is automatically received by the US
Coast Guard and other DSC-equipped
radios. Their equipment will identify it as
a Distress call, show your MMSi identifier and position in latitude/longitude.
And when the call is acknowledged from
another radio, your VHF will sound an
alarm and then maintain a dual watch on
both Channel 16 and 70A. The Coast
Guard or another boat will contact you
on Channel 16 to determine the nature
of the emergency and prepare to provide
assistance.
If you are the vessel receiving the distress
call, you’ll be given the location of the ves-
sel in distress, but you have to determine it
relative to your position. Sad to say, there
are a whole bunch of folks who won’t
have a clue how to do this. The quickest
and easiest way is by using the FROM-TO
function on your GPS which will provide
the distance and direction to the vessel in
distress, If your chart plotter or E-nav system can accept NMEA DSC data from
the VHF, it will appear on your chart.
The reason crew members should know
how to send a DSC distress call - it may
be a boat owner is incapacitated.
The DSC radio has the capability of individually contacting another DSC-equipped
vessel (provided you have their MMSI
number in your directory) and “poll” the
radio on that boat for its current position a great way to find out where your buddy
is catching all of those fish he talks about.
Some electronic charts can show this position if integrated with the VHF radio.
Obviously other DSC-equipped boats can
make the same request of your position.
If someone else sends an ALL SHIPS CALL,
it will sound an alarm on your VHF and
show vessel’s MMSI identifier and date
and time, but not its position. Your VHF
will switch to Channel 16 automatically.
You need to know what key to press to turn
off the alarm. Often any key will work.
53
Beachcombing for
In every issue of Spray we like to profi
Grand Banks family. Here are a few o
issue, stretching from Vancouver
BOB & SHIRLEY CUNNINGHAM
DAN HENDERSON
KEN BOLTON & NANCY NIXON
42 Heritage CL, Hull #1475
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Synergism II
46 Heritage CL, Hull #189
Seattle, Washington
Synergism II
42 Heritage EU, Hull #1542
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Young Lady
After owning a sailboat for several
years, Bob and Shirley took ownership
of their GB in June 2009 and “it only
took about 4 seconds to know” that they
would love the trawler life. Their first
cruise took place last winter, when they
ventured from Virginia Beach down to
the Bahamas and then back again via
the ICW and ocean. This year, the Cunninghams look forward to exploring new
waters and lands.
Dan purchased his 1997 46 Heritage
CL this March, and looks forward
to cruising this summer in Desolation
Sound, British Columbia. Although he
spends much of his time in Montana,
his future plans include cruising throughout the year and exploring the waters
of the Pacific Northwest before setting
his sights on Mexico. This is Dan’s first
Grand Banks – welcome to the GB
family!
Ken Bolton and his wife Nancy Nixon
took possession of their second GB in
July 2009. After spending their first
summer cruising the Gulf Islands and
further north to the beautiful waters of
Desolation Sound, they look forward to
exploring additional Pacific Coast
waters and adventuring north to the
Broughton Islands and Northern
Vancouver Island in 2010.
Salesperson:
Mark Connors
Jarrett Bay Yacht Sales
Salesperson:
Jerry Todd
Grand Banks Northwest
Brian Kell
Grand Yachts Inc.
Salesperson:
r New Grand Banks
file some of the new members of the
of the ones we have selected for this
r, Canada to Ratingen, Germany:
BRIGITTE & KLAUS MEYER
JOE & ABBY AVERETT
ALAN & MARGARET HILL
59 Aleutian RP, Hull #29
Ratingen, Germany
Indian Summer
Seabrook, Texas
Kingfisher
Seabrook, Texas
Muriel June
Brigitte and Klaus previously owned a
46EU before they bought their new 59
Aleutian RP. While their 46 was moored
in Zeeland, southwest Netherlands, their
59 is moored with Kremer’s dealership
in Heeg. This location is a little easier to
access the islands in Scandinavia and
Germany.
From the day they took delivery
of their 46EU in 2003, Joe and
Abby Averett have been planning
their “Journey”. They left Seabrook,
Texas in early 2007 and have since
covered about 5,500 miles - with
many more adventures to be had in
the future. They’ll hit the water again
come May to cruise the ‘Mini Loop’
or ‘Triangle Loop’.
Alan and Margaret Hill took delivery
of their 46EU in 2004 and haven’t
looked back. They say the Europa
has been a perfect fit for them with its
open layout, easy handling, durability
and reliability. Living aboard for the
next two years, they look forward to
seeing incredible sights and meeting
other GB owners along the way.
(Read their blog excerpts, page 39)
Salesperson:
Salesperson:
Rex Bettis
Jay Bettis & Co. Yacht Sales
Rex Bettis
Jay Bettis & Co. Yacht Sales
Salesperson:
Kremer Nautic
55
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN
We hope you have enjoyed this online edition of Spray. The features and enhancements in this issue are really just the beginning of what we hope to do with the new capabilities it offers. But it all starts with a good
story – told in words or photos (and now in video, too), and for that we need your help and support. Here’s
what you can do:
• Email your cruising stories, log entries, boating tips, suggestions, and PHOTOS OR VIDEOS to
[email protected]. If you prefer, mail them to the address on the contents page of this issue.
• Join Facebook and become a “fan” at the Grand Banks page, then post your photos
and thoughts there; we’ll choose some to include in each new issue.
• You can even call (206) 352–0116, ext. 114, to alert us to story opportunities, upcoming events or
christenings, or to share your ideas for a great column in an upcoming issue.
Thank you for reading – and for your enthusiastic support!

Spray - Grand Banks Yachts

Transcription

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