Mark Richards began building sailing yachts in the beautiful coastal resort of Palm Beach, New South Wales back in 1995, and in 1999 decided to try his hand at the construction of motor yachts. Since then, Palm Beach Motor Yachts have became one of Australia’s premier yacht brands, and have delivered vessels from 42 to 70 feet in length to discerning clients all around the world.
Mark Richards had built up years of experience as a professional and competitive sailor when, in 1995, he decided to try his hand at building his own gold-standard sailing yachts. He started his business in the stunning Australian seaside town of Palm Beach, New South Wales, and was soon building for customers across the continent. Four years later, in 1999, Richards turned his attention to the motor yacht market and began to craft some of the most stylish and attractive boats ever put to water. This shift also brought a move to the nearby town of Berkeley Vale, where Palm Beach Motor Yachts opened a new 50,000 square foot facility outfitted with the latest cutting-edge equipment. While Richards never aspired to be the biggest yacht builder around, he always aimed to build impeccable yachts as close to perfection as humanly possible. He appears to have achieved this ambition: while Palm Beach utilizes all the latest technology in their designs, Richards has never strayed from his intuitive understanding of what works and what doesn’t when out at sea, creating hardy yet elegant vessels that customers can’t get enough of. Today Palm Beach Motor Yachts offers 9 different models to customers all over the world, from quick and agile power yachts to sleek and elegant cruisers.
Of course, Mark Richards may be better known to some as a champion sailing captain, having won the Sydney to Hobart yachting race an incredible seven times aboard the Wild Oats XI, rocketing him to international fame. A number of attempts at the America’s Cup have broadened Richards’s seafaring experience, and he brings the same level of determination, focus and skill to the manufacture of his motor yachts as he does to his racing. The result is a range of yachts fit for a champion.
The first motor yacht launched by Palm Beach was the PB38, which was custom-built using foam strips, though the firm then switched to plug molds for subsequent models. Three years later in 2002 the firm had launched the PB50, a larger yacht with a warped mono-hull for decreased drag and greater dynamism as it moves through the water. This yacht won wide acclaim for its sleek lines, classical styling and peerless handling, and was awarded the title for “Best New Powerboat” at the Newport International Boat Show when it made its North American debut in 2010. Current models are known for their excellent speed, agility and strength, with vinylester-reinforced hulls manufactured with Corecell foam core, and an aerodynamic sensibility that is the product of years of sailing experience. These days, Palm Beach Motor Yachts produces a range of models up to 70 feet in length, and have sold more than 150 of their yachts, launching as many as 20 vessels a year and sending them as far afield as the East Coast of the United States.
In 2014, with almost two successful decades under their belt and more than 80 members of staff working hard on their projects, Palm Beach Motor Yachts was acquired by Singaporean firm Grand Banks Yachts. Yet the Grand Banks team were so impressed by Richards that they made him CEO of the new merged company, ensuring that there will no compromise on quality when it comes to the manufacture and design of Palm Beach vessels.
PALM BEACH YACHT MODELS
PB55
A 62-foot Downeast-style cruiser, the PB55 was met with instant acclaim upon being launched in the United States in 2011. It won that year’s award for “Best New Motorboat Over 30 Feet” at the Newport International Boat Show, and it is easy to see why this yacht wows the crowds. A sleek, classic design is finished with only the finest materials and best attention to detail. The yacht’s beautiful exterior boasts lacquered Burmese teak panelling, brushed stainless steel fixtures and a hull finished in high-end vinylester resin then coated with waterproof paint, while a roomy interior features ultra-leather sofas and hand-stitched carpet. Performance is just as impressive, with the warped hull and ultra-fine bow that is common to all Palm Beach models delivering a super smooth ride. Twin Volvo Penta engines can roar this yacht to top speeds of 34 knots, while the cruising range maxes out at 550 miles.
PB70
The largest yacht to emerge from the Palm Beach factory and the firm’s flagship vessel, this yacht offers more space than previous iterations and an expanded oceanic range of around 800 miles, making it the ideal vessel for longer trips. Nor is speed sacrificed. Twin Volvo IPS engines deliver a top speed of 38 knots, and comfortable cruising of 24 knots. A strakeless hull with superfine entry ensures that this boat cuts through the waves generating almost no wake for a smooth and stable ride. Next-generation soundproofing keeps this vessel quiet as it travels, and four guest cabins including a master en-suite provide plenty of space to rest. Interior walls are finished with golden teak, while the main salon has space for two fitted sofas and room for dining. The yacht is topped with an open flybridge for outdoor piloting, the perfect option on those days when you wish to feel the rush of the elements and be at one with the waves.
GT50
With a top speed of 40 knots it can be difficult for lesser mortals to keep up with this turbo-charged motor yacht. A vinylester, cored E-glass warped hull is joined to a carbon-fibre superstructure for peerless aerodynamics, while a semi-monocoque shell provides excellent durability and strength. Designed in a contemporary style with a semi-open pilothouse, salon and aft-deck, the GT50 is evidence enough that Palm Beach Motor Yachts can keep apace with the latest innovations and trends in the yachting world.
PB42
Offering the same classic style and luxury finish as Palm Beach’s larger yachts but in a more compact arrangement, the PB42 is an excellent option for the more focused cruiser. A semi-displacement hull with a low centre of gravity offers excellent stability at sea, while twin Volvo IPS engines deliver cruising speeds of 26 knots. This walk-around yacht still has plenty of space, including a master V-Berth and crew quarters, and a generous aft-deck and swimming platform that are great for entertaining.
How to Buy a Palm Beach Yacht
If you’re interested in purchasing a Palm Beach yacht, a Staten Island Yacht Sales professional can assist you in your buying needs. All employees are trained to identify as many ways as possible to improve your experience when purchasing a Palm Beach yacht. As a 100-percent customer-driven business, SI Yachts delivers every time.
How to Sell Your Palm Beach Yacht
Staten Island Yacht Sales has the experience and the product knowledge to sell your Palm Beach yacht. Selecting the right full-service brokerage firm when selling your yacht improves the likelihood of a seamless and timely transaction. Listing your Palm Beach with SI Yachts, you can be certain it is in the hands of dedicated professionals. Over 50 years in business, our devoted Sales Professionals work attentively to provide you with first class representation.
