The Grand Banks 42 Europa “LOTUS” is a classic and timeless Grand Banks, and still one of the most sought-after models. LOTUS is one of the youngest examples of the original 42 Europa design, built before American Marine switched to a new mould and a revised layout of, among other things, the aft deck and the forward cabin.
In recent years, LOTUS has been cruising in the Mediterranean and has made voyages to Mallorca, Gibraltar, Morocco, Libya, and Tunisia. She has proven herself to be a true bluewater yacht; the approximately 3,000 engine hours were accumulated mostly during these longer passages.
Her equipment is tailored for serious offshore cruising, including:
- Back-up electrical system
- Engine room fire extinguishing installation
- Electric toilets
- Night lighting in the saloon
- EPIRB and Glendinning™ engine synchronisation
- Sea anchor, tow line, and extensive emergency signalling equipment (rockets, flares)
- Stock of spare parts (filters, gaskets, V-belts)
Since 2020, the yacht has been in the hands of a Dutch owner (a former captain on sea), who has carefully modernised her. The navigation electronics have been renewed and the interior has been reupholstered. Technically, the Ford Sabre engines have also seen significant updates, including:
- Engine mounts, oil coolers, and high-pressure lines
- Propeller shaft seals
- Overhauled heat exchangers
- Overhauled generator (approx. 400 hours)
Her seakeeping abilities are excellent, with a cruising speed of 9 knots at 1,950 rpm and a top speed of around 10.5 knots. Fuel consumption ranges between 9 and 18 litres per hour, providing a theoretical range of about 1,500 nautical miles.
Most recently, both water tanks have been replaced with 750-litre polyester tanks, the decks recaulked, antifouling and anodes renewed, and the yacht has been stored ashore and under cover during the past winters.
