British yard Princess Yachts has announced that the first unit in its S80 series will be debuting at this year's Cannes Yachting Festival. The flagship of the S Class range, the S80 was developed in collaboration with naval architects from Olesinski and Italian design house Pininfarina.
The S80 offers a versatile layout either as an owner-operated vessel with an open saloon and raised helm or as a 'discretely crewed' vessel, with the option of an enclosed helm concealing accommodation for up to three crew.
The S80 has been conceived with sociability and a connection to the outdoors in mind. The main deck sits close to the water with a seamless flow between its sunbathing, lounge and dining spaces.
Andy Lawrence, director of design at Princess Yachts, explained: "The design of the elongated sleek canopy shades the forward two-thirds of this area with an optional awning taking care of the remaining third. The saloon glazing extends far back into the cockpit, cocooning the forward dining area to create shelter from the wind without obstructing your view."
High bulwarks with oval stainless steel rails complete the space, extending beyond the full-length windows lining either side of the cockpit canopy. A large sliding door on the main deck ushers guests into the yacht's interior, which features soft natural materials and four en suite cabins situated on the lower deck.
Above sits a 28.7-square-metre flybridge with multiple seating areas, a wet bar and a barbecue. The space is also equipped with a convertible dining table and even functions as an outdoor cinema with a rise-and-fall television. Other on board highlights include a generous foredeck, tender garage and an electro-hydraulic bathing platform.
The S80 can be fitted with either MAN V12 1,900 or 2,000 hp engines enabling speeds of up to 34 knots, with an optional 7,000-litre fuel tank for an extended cruising range.
Princess Yachts has 18 units currently under construction, according to BOATPro.
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