The Grand Banks Eastbay 60 is much more than it appears. Being the flagship vessel of the GB Maritime Group’s Eastbay line, it presents a serious and classic profile that fits perfectly in a sailing scenario from Newport to Kennebunkport.
When the Eastbay line was launched in 1993, it was designed to compete with established brands in the Downeast category like Sabre and Hinckley. Thirty years later, it continues to compete, but now with a new flagship vessel.
Beyond its classic lines, the Eastbay 60 shows off its sporty profile at its peak thanks to the upgrades of the twin Volvo Penta IPS1200 engines of 900 horsepower, reaching a respectable top speed of 30 knots. But it also sails efficiently at 21 knots (with a range of 894 nautical miles) and enters a hyper-efficient mode at a cruising speed of 10 knots.
The V-Warp hull is designed to stay supported on the water, maximizing the length of the waterline and cutting through the waves. It contrasts with a typical deep V hull, which requires a lot of energy to lift a boat out of the water and make it plane. The shipyard’s construction philosophy focuses on maximizing strength and minimizing weight during construction to further improve performance. Carbon fiber is extensively used in the 60, including the carbon fiber deck and upper cabin, to ensure that the center of gravity is positioned as low as possible in the boat, where it should be.
The Eastbay 60 offers a smoother and more efficient ride than a traditional planning hull. The lower weight of the carbon fiber provides a significant advantage over a typical fiberglass arrangement. It automatically boosts performance (and fuel efficiency) while creating a more rigid sailing surface. The design team also moved the center of gravity downward to help keep the vessel stable in adverse weather conditions.
But the ride and performance are only part of the story of the new Eastbay 60. The interior, luxurious and handcrafted, is voluminous and is a fundamental element that makes this the most impressive Eastbay to date.
The upper kitchen layout is designed to merge the immense cockpit with the luxuriously decorated living room. The kitchen is placed behind the plush “L”-shaped sofa on the port side, which surrounds a handmade table. The electric window in the rear wall connects the kitchen hallway with the cockpit and increases the flow of fresh air in the living room.
Special attention to comfort is also evident in the lower deck, which features three cabins and two bathrooms. On the port side, the master cabin is a reminder that this is indeed the largest Eastbay built. The king bed, around which one can walk comfortably and fluidly, is flanked by an en-suite bathroom and a large dressing room with excellent storage capacity thanks to the presence of numerous drawers. Beyond the owner’s suite, guests can also enjoy a sumptuous VIP cabin in the bow. The space is bathed in natural light and fresh breezes. The starboard guest cabin has two single beds, each in a distinct area, to offer additional privacy in this space. The standard washer and dryer unit is hidden within this cabin.
The lower kitchen layout creates additional space to offer a living room with distinct areas for dining and lounging. The “L”-shaped sofa on the port side is the perfect place to have breakfast with the family while planning the day’s adventures. There are two sofas and a beautifully executed coffee table on the starboard side. Adjacent electric windows lower to allow fresh sea breeze currents to circulate throughout the living room.
Lots of teak and white upholstery in the lounge create a clean and timeless look, with multiple areas for socializing. The large sunroof in the first 60 launched also adds another way to illuminate and refresh this main gathering point.
The two-person helm station has intentional retro details, such as “aesthetically analog” gauges (although they are electronically driven) and a large-diameter teak steering wheel. The classic nautical look will make sailors who become owners of an Eastbay 60 feel at home. They will also appreciate features like joystick control and a starboard door that allows better visibility and lets the skipper step onto the side deck for docking maneuvers.
One of the most impressive areas is the most hidden. Thanks to the generous beam of 19 feet of the boat, the engine room has a generous design with excellent workspace. Regarding the motorization offer, besides the twin Volvo Penta IPS1200, owners can also opt for the less powerful IPS950, or if the owner does not wish for pod units, a conventional shaft arrangement can also be chosen.
Beyond the engines, the layout of the Eastbay 60 is also customizable. There are options for three or four cabins, and, depending on the choice, the kitchen can be located at the back of the main salon or on the lower deck with the accommodation. Whichever configuration is chosen, it includes a full-beam master suite and a double VIP cabin (although the suite changes sides of the boat, depending on the kitchen choice). The Eastbay’s customization ability is one of its greatest strengths in the highly competitive Downeast segment.
