59 Grand Banks RP

Source: Yachtonline.it

Tradition with a twist

Penned by Sparkman & Stephens and the Grand Banks yard, the new GB 59 Aleutian RP is the latest addition to the innovative Aleutian series launched in 2001 with the 64 RP. The yard was founded 50 years ago in Hong Kong, and its innovations attracted many new fans because despite new layouts and improved performance its boats retained their slightly retro styling and timeless fascination. All this combined with Grand Banks’ signature robustness, solidity and seaworthiness. It says a lot the fact that the Aleutian series in general and the Grand Banks 59 Aleutian RP in particular are proving exceptionally successful ­ four of the new 19-metres have sold in the space of a few months here in Italy alone. “We broadened its scope,” says Paolo Murzi of Passepartout by Gia.Ro.Li. which imports Grand Banks’ boats into Italy. “The fact that it can plane at 25-26 knots with the more powerful 1,000 hp engines is attracting a lot of owners.” Built from hand-laminated fibreglass with three coats of epoxy paint on top of the gel coat on the quickworks and a sandwich deck, the Grand Banks 59 RP has a deep-V bottom with shrouded screws for a shallow draught and optimal performance. In fact, two sturdy 850 hp Cats yield a cruising speed of 19 knots (displacement) and a top planing speed of 26 knots. Needless to say, comfort is always a priority and assured by Naiad stabilisers. The 59 RP’s other big plus is its spaciousness. The main deck is designed to allow passengers to move about freely with wide safe walkways and a large lounge-style cockpit linked by a couple of steps to the swim platform. Up on the fly is the bridge with its bimini top and then two side benches served by two occasional tables. The aft area is home to the tender. As per company tradition, the interiors of the GB 59 Aleutian RP are finished in Burmese teak, one of the yard’s signature flourishes. In the standard version the saloon offers an L-shaped sofa to port and armchairs to starboard. Moving forward, three steps higher than the living area is the Raised Pilothouse that gives the model its name. The galley is to port and includes work surfaces, a stove top and sink. To starboard there’s a six-seater dinette. The internal bridge is central and to starboard of it is a stairs leading to the sleeping quarters below. This consists of a double cabin forward, a twin and an owner’s stateroom with a double berth amidships. All of the aforementioned are en suite. The version featured here contains the yard’s suggestions only: owners can personalise the furnishings and the interiors are available in a choice of wengé or limed oak. The forward cabin can be given V berths or the twin can be converted to an office whilst still retaining the two berths. A word of warning from Paolo Murzi, however: “The owner’s stateroom turned out so beautifully that we won’t touch it.” It’s difficult to argue with that given that the Grand Banks 59 Aleutian RP does bear the stamp of Sparkman & Stephens amongst others.