Dutch “Downeast” Style
The Downeast style of boat is a very distinctive class in the United States, originating from the lobster boats that needed space on deck for handling pots as well as a fair turn of speed to get the catch back to market in good time. The style has transformed into a wide range of leisure craft that match workboat heritage with stylish lines and luxury interiors. Typified by the beautiful styling from a number of renowned builders, such as Hinckley and Sabre/Back Cove, the Downeast-style lobster boat is steadily finding its way into yacht markets beyond North America.
Based in Turkey, Vicem Yachts is one of the best-known builders outside the United States making this style of boat. Vicem has adapted the Downeast style to include sizes up to 80 feet, and their boats find a ready market in the U.S. among owners who appreciate the seaworthy design of classic style paired with Vicem’s attempt to maximize the internal volume in the interest of luxury accommodations. In Australia, Palm Beach Motor Yachts—now merged with Grand Banks Yachts’ headquarters in Malaysia—also builds a stylish cruiser along with Grand Banks’ venerable Eastbay Series, one of the originators in the style that first launched in
