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Behind the Build: Princess Yachts

• By Patrick Sciacca
• Updated: December 25, 2017

Producing more than 17,000 vessels over 50-plus years is no easy task, but Princess Yachts has turned the science of boatbuilding into an artfully choreographed dance. Whether it’s the company’s craftspeople looming 1,780 miles of wire (about the distance from Miami to Maine) per year or the lamination team infusing the builder’s 131-foot 40M hull (a seven-hour process), this yard makes efficiency and stringent attention to detail part of the construction plan.

The result is a fleet of yachts that consumers can count on to be predictable, something the Princess 68 illustrated for me during a late-afternoon sojourn on England’s Plymouth Sound. The hum of her 1,200 hp MAN diesels was barely noticeable in the salon as our captain pushed the throttles to the pins, taking her up to 32 knots. She turned as if on rails, and there was nary a creek or groan while the yacht carved S-turns like a slalom skier

As I looked around the 68’s aft-galley setup with pass-through and the U-shaped settee for six to eight guests to port, I found it hard to see even an inch of space that was wasted. The 68’s volume is optimized in part by the full-size mock-ups the builder creates for every new model, so the Princess team can see how CAD concepts work in the real world. During my time at the yard, I also got to see one of the builder’s future models in mock-up. While I can’t share exactly what I saw yet, the benefits of making the full-scale version allow the Princess team to create an aft-deck layout I’ve never seen. (Sorry about the tease, but stay tuned.)

I found it hard to see even an inch of space that was wasted. The 68’s volume is optimized in part by the full-size mock-ups the builder creates for every new model.

About 80 percent of each Princess Yachts vessel is built in-house, excluding such items as engines, air conditioning and the like, giving the builder a high level of quality control. It’s noticeable in such details as the Princess logo etched into cleats and those aforementioned seamless looms labeled for easy identification.

The precision is partially thanks to the company’s apprenticeship program, in which employees get trained on-site, both in a workshop environment and on the production floor. That investment leads to a well-trained workforce (about 2,500 employees producing almost 250-plus yachts from 39 feet to 131 feet per year), and the builder gives those employees materials, technology and testing ability in order to ensure the final products are the best they can be. To that end, Princess creates resin-infused hulls and other large parts (some smaller parts are still hand-laid), and uses carbon fiber in areas where strength with less weight is needed to optimize performance. A CNC router creates plugs to make molds that become new Princess models.

All of the builder’s yachts are also built to a precise schedule. Princess can tell an owner exactly what should (and is) happening on a particular day in the build cycle. Every yacht’s job book lists the number of days into the build, the approximate hours required for the build, and any job delays, keeping everyone accountable for quality and efficiency without sacrificing one for the other.

It didn’t look like there were many delays in any of the production lines I visited. They were buzzing like beehives. I’ve been visiting yacht builders for 18 years, and Princess had some of the most active yards I’ve seen, whether it was the company’s small-yacht yard (for hulls 39 to 48 feet) or the M-Class facility, where it builds the 30M, 35M and 40M mega-yachts.

The day I left the M-Class facility, Princess was giving its new 98-foot 30M her first dip in the salt before she would head to the Cannes Yachting Festival. The builder’s crew was smiling with accomplishment, and the sun, which had been hiding earlier that morning, came out to greet the yacht as the Travelift lowered her into the drink.

I looked over and noticed a covered slipway dated 1703. It’s still used. In fact, there was a boat in it. To my left was a rich history of British boatbuilding, and 200 yards to my right was the 30M showing off the country’s boatbuilding present.

If Princess Yachts keeps to the path I saw during my visit, the future there should be bright.

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Princess Yachts' 55-year rise to become UK's biggest yacht maker

The luxury yacht-building company began its journey in Stonehouse, right here in the heart of the city

• 15:00, 6 FEB 2021

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Princess Yachts is today recognised as one of the world leaders in the boat building industry - but the company comes from humble beginnings, starting off right here in Plymouth in 1965.

Today Princess Yachts shipyards cover an area of over 1.1 million square feet, in an area rich in British maritime heritage.

The luxury boat building firm was initially founded as Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd, to fit out and charter ‘Project 31’. But this boat was sold - and the potential of sales was realised.

Then, between 1966 and 1969 more than 150 boats were produced and sold by the company.

Last year, Princess Yachts launched its flagship yacht, the eye-catching Princess X95.

The boat is described by the company as “boldly re-writing the rules of yacht design” and is expected to set a new benchmark for superyacht quality and design.

Princess Yachts said the boat is the product of an “aggressive investment strategy”, and was made possible because of the company’s record financial position and full order book.

The X95 is borne from fresh investment into the latest technology, innovation, quality and design excellence, the company said, and is “another bold new design from a company moving forward at pace, breaking down boundaries and shattering expectations”.

Princess X95 - her incredible specifications

The vessel features large, adaptable spaces that can be used and formatted in numerous ways, and X95’s interior design allows the owner to define each journey around guests’ preferences such as comfortable and relaxing, high levels of privacy, or entertaining and hosting.

Antony Sheriff, executive chairman at Princess Yachts, said: “X95 is another bold new concept for Princess Yachts. Borne from our aggressive investment strategy into new technology and world-class design, the X Class creates an entirely new segment, representing another significant step in our new product programme.

"We continue to push the boundaries of yacht design and build a brand leadership position in the luxury yacht market.”

Princess Yachts' X95 - the vital statistics

PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS

Length overall (incl. pulpit) 95’ 28.96m

Length overall (excl. pulpit) 95’ 28.96m

Moulded LOA 78’7” 23.95m

Beam 22‘2“ 6.71m

Draft approx (at full load) 6’8’’ 2.03m

Displacement approx (lightship) 94 tonnes

Displacement approx (half load) 104 tonnes

Fuel capacity 13400 litres / 2948 gal / 3540 USG

Water capacity (incl. calorifier) 1800 litres / 396 gal / 475 USG

Hot Water calorifiers 205 litres/ 45 gallon / 54 USG

Black water tank 720 litres / 158 gal / 190 USG

Grey water tank 1000 litres / 220 gal / 264 USG

MAN V12 (2 x 1900mhp) Maximum speed range – 24 - 26 knots

Looking back at Princess Yachts history - a timeline

From 1970, following the success of Project 31 - the company's first ever boat - Princess Yachts ventured into Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP) moulding and produced the first Princess 32 - which debuted at London Boat Show.

This model continued for 10 years with more than 1,200 being sold - making it one of the most successful models in the company’s history.

In 1980, Princess 30DS was the first in a new generation of designs by Bernard Olesinski - with over 500 sold between 1981 and 1989.

This was the beginning of a design relationship that continues to the present day, Princess Yachts said.

And just one year later in 1981, Princess 45 was introduced, a landmark design and at the time the largest production motor yacht in the UK.

Over 400 were sold in nine years until it was eventually replaced by the Princess 455.

In 1988, Princess Yachts was awarded the Queen’s Export award, and the following year in 1989, a new manufacturing facility, Langage 1, was built in the Plymouth area.

In 1997, new purpose-built headquarters were opened at Newport Street in Stonehouse. As well as this, Princess Yachts' Coypool site was acquired, and an extension was built at their Langage location to create Langage 2 for the production of the V Class range.

It's worth noting that throughout this entire time, the company was still called Marine Projects, and it wasn't until 2001 that it became Princess Yachts International PLC.

Four years later in 2005, Princess Yachts celebrated 40 years at the forefront of boat building, and looking at the company's history this seems like around the time a lot started happening for the company on an international scale.

Between 2005 and 2010 the company launched many new boats, and in 2009 even acquired on a long-term lease from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) a new site - South Yard, which is located in Plymouth 's historic Devonport Royal Dockyard.

In 2011, the company acquired the freehold from the MOD for South Yard and won financial backing from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF) for a major investment in the site.

2012 was a landmark year for the Plymouth-headquartered firm, which saw the launches of the smallest craft produced by the company in over a decade, the second generation Princess V39, and the largest vessel the company has ever built, the Princess 40M.

The 40M, a 132-foot superyacht, also made history as the biggest composite motor yacht ever to be built in Britain.

The company said: "The 40M offers six-star accommodation for up to 12 guests, with well-appointed cabins for up to seven crew and the largest internal volume in her class.

"Everything about this stunning yacht is measured in superlatives, from its massive 230kg anchors at the bow to the voluminous garage in the stern, which has space not just for a 6.2-metre tender, but for two personal watercraft as well."

In 2015, Princess Yachts celebrated 50 years in the business of motor yacht manufacture, and to mark the occasion the company restored the original Princess yacht, Project 31.

This boat then made her debut appearance at the Cannes Yachting festival alongside the global launch of the new Princess 35M celebrating the company's journey through half a century.

In 2016, the company embarked on a new partnership with the Marine Conservation Society in a commitment to preserve the world’s oceans, Princess Yachts said.

The company continued creating and launching new models from 2016 onward, and continues to do so today - with a brand new model, the all-new Princess X80 - launching this year.

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The X80 - launching this year

Princess Yachts is so delighted with the new vessel it is saying that no sooner had it “re-written the rules” on yacht design with the X95, than it has done it again.

Antony Sheriff, executive chairman at Princess Yachts, said: “The X Class’s ground-breaking architecture creates an entirely new product segment as Princess continues to push the boundaries of yacht design.

“The first X95 has just completed sea trials and her revolutionary design has caused a stir. Initial feedback makes it clear that we have a great success on our hands.

“We have worked over the past two years to envelop all of the X95’s unique qualities into a more compact package. The X80 is just that, another bold step for Princess Yachts“.

Princess Yachts' X80 - the vital statistics

Length overall (incl.pulpit) 82’7” 25.18m

Length overall (excl. pulpit) 82’7” 25.18m

Beam 19’11“ 6.06m

Draft (at full load) approx. 5’10’’ 1.78m

Displacement approx (lightship) 61.6 tonnes

Displacement approx (half load) 71.9 tonnes

Fuel capacity 7000 litres / 1430 gal / 1717 USG

Water capacity (excl. calorifier) 1400 litres / 308 gal / 370 USG

Hot Water calorifiers 200 litres/ 44 gallon / 53 USG

Black water tank 500 litres / 110 gal / 132 USG

MAN V12 (2 x 1650mhp) Maximum speed range – 26 - 28 knots

MAN V12 (2 x 1900mhp) Maximum speed range – 29 - 31 knots

Princess Yachts has pinpointed an “aggressive investment strategy”, highlighting the company’s record financial position and full order book, as the reason it has been able to create these new yacht designs.

The X80 is due to take to the water this year in 2021, becoming the second member of the X Class Superfly family.

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Princess Yachts Launch New Yacht Configurator

Thursday 24th February 2022

‘Choose your finish’ on-board your favourite Princess yacht with the new configurator online.

Customise your yacht with a choice of 4 timber finishes, from Alba Oak or Rovere Oak in a satin finish as standard. Alternatively, you can select Silver Oak or Walnut in a choice of satin or gloss finishes as an option.

The configurator is currently available across eight models, and will be implemented across the range in the near future.  Find out more about the configurator for each model here: X95 , Y95 , Y72 , F45 , S62 , V65 , V60 and V55 .

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Experiencing a Historic Ship-building Town with Princess Yachts

Sep 20, 2022 | Magazine , News , Princess Yachts | 1 comment

Plymouth, England is home to Princess Yachts Limited and all their ancillary operations. Plymouth is also recognized as having the largest operational naval base in Western Europe, originally built in 1690. Their history dates back even further to the early eleventh century as a major port and trading hub, called Sutton. King Henry VI officially changed the name of the town to Plymouth in 1440—after over 200 years of this being the town’s nickname. Plymouth is derived from ‘Mouth of the River Plym’ which lies to her East, and River Tamar to her West.

The historical allure of Plymouth is undeniable for anyone who visits, and Princess Yachts’ hospitality ensures the visitors are frequent and plentiful. Bluewater Sales Professional Chuck Meyers returned from his fourth visit to Plymouth in the spring of 2022 and explained, “You could spend weeks there on end and not see it all!” For Princess dealers and their new build customers, factory visits are highly encouraged. Meyers enjoyed hosting customers who are currently building a new Y72 with an expected summer 2022 delivery.

Princess Y72

Taking cues from the larger Y-Class yachts, the Y72 is completed to the highest standards and offers several interior finish options. The refined hull form and twin MAN V12 engines provide sprightly acceleration, exceptional handling and commendable fuel consumption. The full-length hull glazing adds to the Y72’s stunning appearance while providing generous amounts of natural light to her well-appointed cabins and full-beam master stateroom.

The spacious salon is designed for both entertaining and relaxation, offering a free flow of movement from the covered cockpit dining area up to the helm, thanks to a continuously flat flooring surface and large sliding glass doors. Above, the expansive flybridge provides two unique seating areas along with a wet bar to port. The aft section of the flybridge offers a standard sun bed that acts as a continuation of the U-shaped seating forward. Owners can opt instead for individual sun lounges or utilize the space for a crane and tender storage.

The open bow offers a retreat for sunbathers and star gazers alike thanks to the large convertible lounge and separate seating area with table. The sweeping lines of the cabin and flybridge hardtop provide a sleek look whether tied to the dock or maneuvering through open water.

This exciting member of the Y-Class family offers a tremendous amount of entertaining space for a yacht of this size while featuring the highest standard in luxury finishes we have come to expect from Princess Yachts.

Great article! Kathy and Erich are great people and I am pleased to know that I helped bring them into the Bluewater/Princess fold. I think I know the guy in the UVA hat as well. I sold him his first Princess too!

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Best Princess Yachts for Charter

14 princess yachts for charter.

A Princess yacht charter boasts luxury, sophistication and exclusivity while putting some of the world’s most elegant destinations at your fingertips. Princess Yachts is a British luxury yacht manufacturer renowned for building exceptional fiberglass yachts from 42’7” (13m) to 131’2” (40m) that provide unforgettable experiences on the water.

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Why charter a Princess yacht? 

The Princess Yacht name is recognized as one of the UK’s leading names in luxury yacht manufacturing and is recognized globally for many boat-building accomplishments and awards. Thanks to their culture of innovation, dedication to design and incredible comfort, Princess Yacht charters are desired by the world’s most exclusive travelers. 

When you charter a Princess boat, you are guaranteed an incredible crewed yacht holiday. Enjoy navigating the Mediterranean’s most stunning destinations, cruise across the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, or explore some of the world’s far-flung locations. A Princess Yacht rental ensures an unforgettable experience. 

Contact A Yacht Charter Broker

What makes Princess Yacht charters so sought-after? 

Every Princess yacht is designed with a forward-thinking mentality and crafted with meticulous attention to detail, making them highly desirable charter yachts. 

Princess Yachts was established in 1965 and has since gone on to build some of the world’s finest yachts, including the new X Class super-flybridge yachts, which features the yard’s flagship 95’ (29m) X95, an elegant superyacht defined by expansive spaces that offer enhanced levels of flexibility.

With a desire to build a better future, the new generation of Princess yachts feature pioneering hybrid propulsion systems, energy-saving technology, and eco-friendly materials.  

The shipbuilder’s state-of-the-art 1.1 million square feet yard is perched on the edge of the English Channel in Plymouth, an area that is rich in British maritime heritage. The shipbuilder’s parent company is French luxury group LVMH, ensuring impeccable standards of luxury that cannot be matched on a private crewed yacht charter. 

What are the most sought-after Princess yachts ? 

The shipbuilder’s wide selection of yachts means that there is a vessel to suit a wide range of lifestyles. Popular Princess Yacht  vessels include the 95’6” (29.1m) Y95, the 95’ (29m) X95, and the 82’7” (25.17m) X80.

M/Y SOLARIS is a stunning example of a Princess-built yacht. This 131’9” (40.16m) yacht was delivered in 2014 and refitted in 2019. She features a stunning interior design by Mark Berryman Design Ltd and boasts six spacious suites. Her many amenities include a large swim platform, a garage loaded with water toys, fold-down balconies, and a wonderful balance of deck spaces providing room for dining and relaxation. She boasts a top speed of 16 knots.

Northrop & Johnson has access to every luxury charter yacht globally, including the most desired Princess yachts, such as M/Y SOLARIS. To learn more about renting a private crewed Princess yacht , contact the Northrop & Johnson team.

If you are looking to buy a Princess yacht, please check our Princess yachts for sale.

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Princess Yachts For Sale

British luxury yacht manufacture Princess broke into the superyacht market with the launch of the Princess 25 Metre motor yacht in early-2000. Since then, Princess has enriched its British maritime heritage with new innovations and lines that have helped to establish the brand's lifestyle statement. With many Princess yachts for sale now on BOAT International, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Princess yacht owner lifestyle.

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