For those who don’t know, NW Explorations created a niche for itself a long time ago with its “Mother Goose Cruises” that gave would-be adventurers the chance to cruise to Alaska under the wing of the meticulous Brian Pemberton’s watchful eye as he led annual flotillas. This, combined with charter and brokerage operations, makes the Bellingham company a worldwide hub of Grand Banks activity. When Grand Banks Yachts LTD announced a special program with NW Explorations, we just had to find out more. This innovative program may get even more goslings headed north. Here, then, are the details from NW Explorations.–KH
NW Explorations (NWE), a Bellingham, Washington‐based yacht brokerage, charter and service company has recently been honored with two exciting appointments by Grand Banks Yachts Limited LTD (GB). NWE has been named as an authorized dealer for their Grand Banks unique Purchase‐for‐Charter program. This new appointment allows NWE to work directly with the public to purchase and build a new Grand Banks yacht to be placed into the company’s Grand Banks charter program.
NW Explorations has offered quality yacht brokerage and charter services for nearly three decades. The company’s level of first‐class customer service and support has been recognized by Grand Banks in NWE’s designation as the only authorized Grand Banks charter operator in the world.
Tucker West, head of North America Sales for Grand Banks, adds, “The newly created Purchase-for‐ Charter program allows those looking to purchase a brand new Grand Banks to do so while taking advantage of NWE’s charter operations, which are backed by the expertise gained from decades of success. We are thrilled to enter into this partnership.”
Brian Pemberton, owner of NW Explorations says, “We are thrilled to expand our long‐term relationship with Grand Banks Yachts as we have maintained a substantial GB charter fleet for over three decades. We know these boats intimately and this summer we will be taking a flotilla of GBs across the Gulf of Alaska and into Prince William Sound, cruising for nearly 5,000 miles. The comfort and reliability of Grand Banks for these extended cruises are legendary. We are very excited to be able to sell and commission new GBs into our fleet.”
Grand Banks Limited Yachts has also recently appointed NWE as a Grand Banks Authorized Service Center. Through decades of charter yacht management, NW Explorations has been responsible for maintaining one of the largest fleets of Grand Banks globally. Over the years, NWE has assembled a full marine service department with ABYC‐certified technicians providing services from minor repair to scheduled maintenance programs to full commissioning and refit. Their cumulative knowledge and history with the GB line has positioned them to be a top choice service provider to Grand Banks as well as other quality yachts.
Not only will the new partnership between NW Explorations of Bellingham/Seattle and Grand Banks Yachts, LTD of Seattle/Singapore create a synergistic relationship between the two companies but the combination will mean much for Salish Sea cruisers. Current Grand Banks owners will be able to take advantage of NWE’s extensive knowledge in these yachts and Grand Banks Yacht’s trust in the quality of the company’s expertise when requiring service work. Being at the gateway to the San Juan Islands, customers can pick up their boat and be in the islands in an hour while enjoying the company‐wide professionalism and customer service born of the long‐standing charter services.
Existing owners ready to move on to their next GB or those interested in joining the GB family for the first time will be able to take advantage of our respected brokerage services whose crew members, combined, have owned 13 Grand Banks over the years, again demonstrating a love for and dedication to these fine yachts. And, significantly, those who have desired to have a new Grand Banks in the charter fleet will finally be able to commission one direct from the factory for that purpose. This creates a landmark opportunity for those considering anything from the lovely 43EU to the exciting 55 East Bay to a stately 72 Aleutian to take full advantage of the benefits of charter ownership while owning one of the finest yachts available today.
NW Explorations is a privately‐held corporation based in Bellingham, Washington within easy access to the San Juan and Canadian Gulf Islands as well as the Sunshine Coast and Inside Passage of British Columbia and SE Alaska. Grand Banks Yachts, LTD, began operations in 1956 as American Marine in Hong Kong. It is currently a publicly‐traded company on the Singapore Exchange with corporate headquarters in Singapore and production facilities in Malaysia. The U.S. corporate sales office is in Seattle, WA.
