Business Grand Banks Celebrates 70 Years Grand Banks Yachts is marking its 70th anniversary in 2026, celebrating seven decades of innovation that helped define modern long-range cruising. Founded in 1956 as American Marine in Hong Kong, the builder rose to prominence with the launch of the Grand Banks 36 in 1964, widely credited with establishing the production trawler category.
Over the years, Grand Banks has introduced landmark designs and construction advances, from early fiberglass adoption to the Downeast–inspired Eastbay series. More recently, under CEO and chief designer Mark Richards, the company has pushed performance boundaries with its V-Warp hull technology, delivering significant gains in speed and fuel efficiency.
“People who know me well know I’m not someone who spends much time looking in the rearview mirror,” says Richards. “But when you reach a milestone like this, it’s worth pausing to recognize the pioneers, craftsmen, designers and owners who built something truly special. Grand Banks didn’t just build boats — it helped define what long-range cruising could be. The responsibility we carry today is to honor that spirit of innovation while continuing to push forward.”
The anniversary will be commemorated with a seven-month global celebration featuring owner events and historical retrospectives.
Learn more at grandbanks.com.
Grand Banks photose except bottom right photo by onne van der wal
