In 2020, Princess decided to switch things up a bit. In a bid to inject something new into the established Princess brand, the British boatbuilder replaced its M Class of yachts with the all-new Princess X Class. Now the brand’s flagship line, the X Class is formed of two units: the Superfly X95 and her sistership the X80.
What this class delivers is a new benchmark for living at sea. “Every hull is carefully engineered for those wanting more space and to travel further,” explained naval architect Gerard Grancourt from Olesinski. “And adventure is at the forefront of these crafts,” added Princess’ Director of Design, Andy Lawrence. Curated by Princess Yachts in collaboration with Olesinski and Italian design house Pininfarina, the X Class was made to push the boundaries for Princess but still carries the yard’s well-recognised classic design.
Spread across four decks, the room found inside the Princess X80 is increased by the “super” flybridge. By providing 30% more useful interior space, the flybridge extends along the full length of the yacht giving her an avant-garde look with relaxed, long and fluid lines. “The aim was to break new ground for the amount of interior and exterior useable space on board. This ‘open concept’ delivers 10% more outdoor space and 40% more indoor space than a traditional motor yacht,” said Grancourt, a claim which Lawrence duly supports. “The X95 pushed the upper limits of what was possible to extract in terms of layout from a sub-24-metre vessel,” he said. “And by introducing the X80, we have managed to answer the question of ‘how far can we push the X class concept to establish the lower limit without the product feeling compromised in any way?’”
The number of those who have bought into this answer is rising fast. “We currently have more than 30 confirmed orders for the X80,” stated Lawrence, who also explained why the client demand for the product is so high: “The X80 is offered at a much lower price point to create an entry point into the range. After successfully selling the X95, it was only right we launched a second product to show our commitment to X Class concept to our customers,” he added.
These clients are ones who, according to Lawrence, “have been drawn to this type of layout over the traditional flybridge equivalents” with a key area of interest being the extended forward flybridge and the air-conditioned lounge areas that spread across two of the decks. As described by Pininfarina designer Daniele Mazzon, another is the upper deck’s “forward cockpit lounge to enjoy during navigation.” The designer also noted the clear division between the main and upper decks instigated by the sheer amount of large glazing panels that run the full length of the yacht. These windows not only allow for 360-degree views and light but are an important “evolution from what appears on the X95.”
Pinned together by an internal staircase, the four decks can be configured to house a more exclusive main-deck master stateroom with a private sundeck that makes full use of the 6.06-metre beam. With the remaining en-suite staterooms found below deck, the other option for the main deck layout is to include a saloon, galley and forward dining area. “The X80 is suited for both family use and charter with up to five cabins,” said Lawrence. “The option to include a main-deck master is unique at the size.”
Technology played a part in the creation of the X80. “By using cutting-edge simulation techniques, we have created a hull with a unique geometry,” said Grancourt. “Our design process involves analysing a vast array of potential hull forms in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The hull with the best combination of speed range and sea kindliness was chosen,” he added.
The hull seen on the X80 was technologically crafted with “a deep V form” that was further refined with CFD and machine learning algorithms “to maximise efficiency without compromise – something that is expected of an Olesinski hull,” Grancourt added. The remaining naval architecture houses an enclosed wheelhouse, higher-than-normal topsides and bulwarks which, in the words of Mazzon, add “majesty and solidity to the boat” and give her the look of a “modern trawler.” Within the structure, an S-shaped canopy flows into the flybridge deck to keep the expansive skylounge private. “This S shape has been designed with the aim of creating a sensation of lightness both inside and outside,” he added.
Powered by twin MAN V12 1900 engines, the Princess X80 is set to reach speeds of up to 30 knots. The new superyacht has been made to offer a comfortable ride, excellent seakeeping and impressive cruising distances.
To find out more about the growing Princess fleet and the many personalisation options available, contact the yard directly here.
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