GB54, the latest addition to the Grand Bank’s range, will make its German debut at Boot Dusseldorf 2022. The show will take place from January 22 till January 30. With a semi-displacement hull that owes its inspiration to ocean racing yachts, the GB54 offers a great combination of speed, comfort and efficiency.
The new Grand Banks hull form provides a stable platform that is both safe and comfortable in all sea states, while still offering exceptional performance numbers at any speed. Starting with the low-end of 10 knots running on a pair of 725-horsepower Volvo Penta D11s, expect a modest fuel burn of 7 gallons per hour and a range exceeding 1200 nautical miles. At the upper end, but well shy of wide-open throttle, the yacht burns just 57 gallons (216 litres) per hour cruising at 25 knots.
“The new Grand Banks 54 is an incredibly versatile platform, with quality and performance second to none. It encapsulates our commitment to building the ultimate yachts on the water today, and with our focus on fuel-efficiency and sustainability, I think it will come to define what is expected of yachting in the years to come,” says Mark Richards, CEO of Grand Banks “Driven in large part from my experience and involvement in high-end sail racing – from the America’s Cup to the Sydney To Hobart – and the tacit knowledge and passion of our team at the factory yards, we’ve worked really hard to ensure our build techniques, designs and material selection are cutting-edge.”
Like her big sister, the GB54 also features advanced composite construction techniques, including a fully infused fiberglass hull and infused carbon fiber decks and superstructure.
The first hull of the GB54 features a two-stateroom, galley-down layout in its standard configuration. Owners will have the option to bring the galley up to the salon which would add a third stateroom on the accommodations level. As with all newer Grand Banks, interior design is contemporary without trending modern, blending a warm color palette and fabrics that complement the company’s signature teak joinery.
The two-stateroom layout has a galley down and features a starboard master stateroom amidships. The galley is just a few steps down the companionway from the main deck. Located to port, the galley has an atrium-like feel beneath the raked windshield, creating an airy space with natural light for the chef. The master has a private head with a walk-in shower and a dressing area with a hanging locker and enough stowage for extended cruising. A forward guest stateroom has use of a Jack-and-Jill head, located to port, which also serves as the boat’s day head.
The three-stateroom layout places the galley on the main deck on the port side, opposite the helm. The master is located in the bow, with a private head to port. A pair of double guest staterooms are amidships in a side-by-side configuration, separated by the centerline passageway. The starboard guest stateroom has private access to the second head, which is shared through passageway access with the second guest stateroom to port. This second head also serves as a day head in the three-stateroom configuration.
“A yacht that can cruise efficiently for a thousand nautical miles should have an interior suited to the task as well,” says Mark Richards, CEO of Grand Banks. “Just as the hull is built both for long passages and shorter jaunts, so the interior can welcome family and friends aboard in comfort, for the day, the weekend, or the month. There’s plenty of storage, and we’ve designed the layouts to be easy to get around – The cockpit and salon are a single step apart, and the accommodation level is just 3 steps down from the salon. Easy, comfortable, and enjoyable; that’s the name of the game.”
Grand Banks Yachts' story begins seventy years ago in Hong Kong by Robert Newton, an American expatriate. By 1962, Robert had moved the flourishing enterprise to Junk Bay. Under the name ‘American Marine’, he and his sons were building heavy sailboats and big motor yachts. In 1995 the production facility moved to Malaysia. The expanded and revamped factory now employs the most sophisticated systems and technology in the boat-building industry.
Credits: Grand Banks Yachts
Eastwind Yachts has been appointed as the central sales agent for the 114.2-meter expedition yacht Luna, currently available for €270 million. Built by Lloyd Werft in 2010 and refitted in 2015/16, the vessel is undergoing additional refit work before delivery to a new owner.The Newcruise-designed exterior and Donald Starkey interior accommodate 18 guests in 9 suites with a crew of 51. Luna's steel hull and aluminum superstructure provide a 9,500-nautical-mile range at 16.8 knots cruising speed, with a top speed of 22 knots. The diesel-electric propulsion system and ice-class hull enable global exploration in various conditions.Key features include twin helipads, a swimming pool, beach club, full spa with steam room and sauna, cinema, and two tender garages adjacent to a gym. The yacht's stabilization system ensures comfort at sea."Luna represents the pinnacle of expedition yachting with proven global capability," said an Eastwind Yachts representative. The vessel is currently the world's second-largest expedition yacht.Interested parties can contact Eastwind Yachts for viewings and additional specifications.Credits: Eastwind Yachts; Yacht Harbour archive
June 5, 2025
Viken Group, a global marine design firm specializing in cruise ships and superyachts, has appointed Anna Silvesjö as Chief Executive Officer. Silvesjö previously served as Partner and Group Chief Financial Officer of the company, which owns design studios TDoS (Tillberg Design of Sweden), Hot Lab, and Thalia Marine.Silvesjö outlined her strategic priorities for the group: "Viken Group will continue to expand into new market segments while deepening partnerships with clients through our on-brand design philosophy. Our design solutions align with each client's brand identity, culture, and target audience." She emphasized design excellence, commercial performance, and talent retention as key focus areas.Anna SilvesjöA central initiative under Silvesjö's leadership will be the development of Navigator, the group's integrated service platform for maritime projects. "Rooted in decades of experience across cruise ships, expedition yachts, and private yachts, Navigator simplifies the complexity of shipbuilding while ensuring rigorous cost control throughout development and construction," said Fredrik Johansson, Viken Group Co-Founder.The leadership transition occurs as the marine design industry continues to evolve, with Silvesjö representing one of few female executives in the sector. Her appointment reflects the group's emphasis on financial and operational management combined with design expertise.Viken Group's three subsidiaries maintain distinct specializations: TDoS in cruise ship design, Hot Lab in superyacht concepts, and Thalia Marine in naval architecture and engineering. The group currently operates across multiple international markets, serving both new construction and refit projects.No additional executive changes were announced alongside Silvesjö's promotion. The transition takes immediate effect, with Silvesjö assuming full operational responsibility for the group's global activities.Credits: Viken Group
June 5, 2025
Baglietto has launched the 40.9-meter superyacht Andala, marking the eighth vessel in its DOM 133 series. The ceremony took place at the company's La Spezia facility with the owner and select guests in attendance.Designed by Stefano Vafiadis with interior styling by Giorgio M. Cassetta, Andala features the series' characteristic angular profile while incorporating owner-requested modifications. The yacht includes two swimming pools, full-height windows, and side balconies among its customized elements.IBI Yachts represented the buyer throughout the construction process, with Floating Life's Andrea Pezzini overseeing technical aspects as owner's representative."Our brand's having a truly amazing spring," said Baglietto Chief Commercial Officer Fabio Ermetto. "We've launched four yachts so far, and three more – two DOM133 and a T52 – are going to hit the water by mid-June. Such outstanding results testify to our company's soundness and organisational maturity."The launch represents Baglietto's fourth yacht delivery this year, following the DOM 133 models L'Instant and Astera. Two additional hulls in the series remain under construction at the La Spezia facility, with completions expected in the third quarter of 2024.Andala will now begin sea trials before final delivery to its owner. The DOM 133 series continues to demonstrate strong market demand, with Baglietto maintaining its position in the competitive 40-meter semi-custom superyacht segment. The shipyard's current production pipeline includes three additional vessels scheduled for launch within the next two months.Baglietto Spa is an Italian boat builder based in La Spezia specializing in new aluminum light alloy yachts ranging between 35m and 50m in length and steel and light aluminum alloy displacement megayachts starting at 40m.Credits: Baglietto
June 5, 2025
In-Mind Design has revealed its latest superyacht concept, the Interstellar, showcasing innovative design solutions aimed at enhancing guest experience and sustainability. The 100-meter concept yacht features a unique layout and advanced technological solutions.The vessel’s design prioritizes guest interaction and social spaces, with a particular focus on the upper deck. The main deck features a large open space that can be converted into various configurations, including a cinema, dance floor, or dining area, thanks to modular furniture and retractable screens.The yacht’s exterior design includes a distinctive stepped profile, creating multiple outdoor living areas at different levels. The upper deck boasts a large open space with a retractable roof, providing both indoor and outdoor entertainment options. The concept also features a beach club with direct access to water toys and a swimming pool on the upper deck.“The Interstellar concept is designed to offer maximum flexibility and adaptability to the owner’s needs,” said Francesco Guida, Founder of In-Mind Design. “The modular design allows for various configurations, ensuring the yacht remains relevant and enjoyable over time.”The concept incorporates several sustainability features, including hybrid propulsion systems and energy-efficient materials. The yacht is designed to accommodate up to 24 guests across 12 staterooms, with additional space for a crew of 30.The interior design focuses on creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The main saloon features large windows and sliding doors that open onto the deck, while the owner’s suite includes a private terrace with panoramic views.The yacht’s technical specifications include a beam of 18 meters and a draft of 4.5 meters. The hybrid propulsion system allows for a top speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots, with an estimated range of 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.“We aimed to create a yacht that not only meets the current demands of luxury travel but also anticipates future trends in design and technology,” added Guida. “The Interstellar concept demonstrates our commitment to innovation and sustainability in yacht design.”The Interstellar concept is currently available for potential clients interested in commissioning a custom build based on the design.Credits: In-Mind Design
June 4, 2025
Sanlorenzo has unveiled Casa Sanlorenzo, a new 1,000 square meter arts venue housed within a restored 1940s palazzo overlooking Venice's Santa Maria della Salute basilica. The project includes 700 square meters of exhibition space and a 600 square meter garden, featuring the company's contemporary art collection dating from 1965 to present.Architect Piero Lissoni led the restoration, preserving original brick facades and flooring while introducing contemporary elements. Notable features include a glass-and-steel staircase and an adaptive lighting system designed to accommodate changing exhibitions. The space connects to surrounding areas via a new bridge constructed from prefabricated metal with Istrian stone treads and oar-inspired handrails."I believe the opportunity to build a bridge in Venice for Sanlorenzo Arts is more unique than rare," stated Piero Lissoni. "This bridge is not simply a vehicle to transport people, but a cultural bridge."The venue will serve as an official location for Venice Climate Week from June 4-6, hosting the "Sanlorenzo Talks" series on ecological transition and sustainable innovation. The palazzo's restoration maintained all original load-bearing structures while updating mechanical systems and creating flexible gallery spaces.Casa Sanlorenzo's art collection reflects postwar artistic movements, with works displayed against white walls and alternating concrete and Palladian stone floors. The property combines exhibition areas with a private residential apartment, representing Sanlorenzo's integration of marine craftsmanship, design and contemporary art patronage.The bridge's design incorporates traditional Venetian elements including a humpback shape reminiscent of medieval structures and specialized anti-slip stone treatment. Its metal components feature weather-resistant finishes suitable for the lagoon environment. The project required 18 months of restoration work before opening to the public.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Sanlorenzo
June 4, 2025