How Princess Yachts has evolved its traditional design

Announced at the Cannes Yachting Festival this year was the latest 25.5-metre Y80 flybridge model from the leading UK-based shipyard, Princess Yachts. Adding to the brand’s existing Y Class range, the Y80 holds something far different from her sisterships in a bid to further enhance the Y Class design.

While all Princess Y Class yachts offer a number of customisation options for their owners, it is the Y80 that has been designed with a highly versatile layout which can be easily adapted to suit any social situation. While the sleeping arrangements of four guest cabins – including a full-beam master suite with a private stairway – are a set layout on the lower deck, with an optional crew cabin layout, a prospective owner of a Princess Y80 yacht has several ways to adapt the design to suit their lifestyle:

Traditional cockpit

Alongside the helm area, galley, day head and the main saloon, the main deck is home to the yacht’s cockpit. Situated to the aft of the yacht, the cockpit can be designed in three variations. The traditional design features a spacious U-shaped dining arrangement where guests can gather for casual meals or take a break from an afternoon of watersports. In this design, there is also a convenient storage solution for up to two SeaBobs away from the additional tender and toy hold above on the flybridge.

Dining cockpit

For owners who dedicate a lot of their cruising itinerary to hosting and enjoying mealtimes on board, perhaps in secluded bays and anchorages, the cockpit can be transformed into a large dining table with a selection of free-standing chairs and furniture. With this configuration, up to eight guests can sit together around the table while taking in the uninterrupted views under the protection of the canopy above. The three sides of the cockpit are kept open to the elements, with a large aft glass balustrade to maximise the panorama. For easy access to the water, all Princess Y80 yachts come with a submersible bathing platform.

Infinity cockpit

When revealed in July 2022, the Y Class sistership, Princess Y85 was designed with a new version of the cockpit named ‘infinity’. This layout utilises an electrical mechanism that at the touch of a button, can rearrange the seating and dining area to better suit the situation. The sofa-style seating can be brought closer together, while the table can be moved up or down and used as either a coffee or dining area. The infinity cockpit offers owners and guests a beach-club-style experience as activities are kept close to the water and overlook the submersible bathing platform. The aft of the Princess Y80 is the perfect base for swimming and watersports when at anchor and keeps everyone on board connected with the action in comfort.

Social foredeck

The bow of the yacht is one of the best spots on board to enjoy the great outdoors. The Princess Y80 has been designed with a foredeck that is both secluded from the main hub of the boat and completely open to the environment. The conversationalist seating area can easily accommodate up to 10 people with convenient drinks holders and coffee tables in close range – this set-up can then be transformed into a spacious sunpad. With Princess’ design for the Y80 focusing on an increased beam and more advanced hull formation techniques, the yacht is steady, agile and easily controlled – even when running at top speeds of 30 knots – meaning that any endeavour on the foredeck can be enjoyed in comfort.

Flybridge crane

A main feature of the Y80’s exterior styling is the elegant S-shaped hardtop. Not only does this feature offer shelter to the flybridge, but seamlessly connects the space to the main deck and the continuous line of windows. As the highest point on board, the flybridge is a social spot with many of the yacht’s key amenities. Guests will find one of the many options for relaxed seating and dining with additional bench seating on both sides of the helm station. The bar can also be designed to include high stools for those guests wanting additional seating and is fully equipped to serve guests.

The spacious design of the flybridge has still allowed space for storage of a 4-metre tender or a wet bike. And to the aft, owners can opt for the large sunpad to double as a storage space for a crane which comes integrated and cleverly hidden underneath. Plus, the flybridge aft can be customised to include a relaxed free-standing L-shaped seating arrangement or a spa bath with sun loungers.

Private galley

The main deck has been designed to make the most of the yacht’s 6.07-metre beam. The open-plan saloon is where guests can move seamlessly from the cockpit to the helm with large windows contributing to the panoramic views on offer. Designed to be an indoor retreat, the main saloon is mainly dedicated to living and dining areas. The helm station and companion seating are located forward and the nearby galley is well-equipped to serve all guests from its open countertop design. However, an owner can choose to add a partition to the galley and wheelhouse area as well as a helm pantograph door opening out onto the side deck to create a more private experience away from the yacht’s two crew members should this be desired.

The Princess Y80 was created in collaboration with Olesinski and Pininfarina, and the first unit is set to launch during the Autumn boat shows in 2023. Carrying the trademark timeless aesthetic and high standards of all Princess yachts, Princess’ Y Class range now includes the award-winning Y72, the Y80, the Y85 and the soon-to-be-launched flagship, the Y95.

To find out more about Princess Yachts, contact the team directly here.

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