Full force
Princess Yachts launches the Super Fly X95, bringing some serious horsepower to the water through her automotive alliances.
Photography by Princess Yachts Australia
04 June 2020
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UK luxury yacht builder Princess Yachts’ Plymouth-based manufacturing facility is up and running and looking forward to fulfilling a strong order book for the rest of 2020 and into 2021.
The eagerly anticipated hull #1 of the X95 is nearing completion, showing off beautifully sculpted surfaces with long flowing lines that extend from bow to stern. The X95 – the first model in the new X Class – defines a striking design language for a new concept of the boat while maintaining classic Princess design cues.
Both the flybridge and main deck interior space cover almost the full length of the yacht, creating the Super Flybridge – the X Class’s defining characteristic. This new layout provides 10 percent more outdoor space and 40 percent more indoor space than a traditional motor yacht.
As Princess Yachts executive chairman Antony Sheriff says, “The X95 breaks the mould of traditional yacht design.”
This is not surprising, given the X95 Super Flybridge was designed in partnership with Italian sportscar designer Pininfarina, which has built its reputation on an alliance with Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Peugeot, and British naval architect Bernard Olesinski.
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The flybridge and main deck extend close to the full length of the yacht, delivering expansive, flexible spaces. Equipped with a fuel capacity of 13,400 litres, it has the range for voyages to remote regions and can attain a top speed of 26 knots.
Onboard, the standard guest accommodation for up to eight can be found on the lower deck, comprising a full-beam master stateroom amidships, two twin guest cabins and a double VIP suite forward.
However, the first X95 incorporates a five-cabin arrangement with a full-beam main deck master suite, plus a non-standard lower deck layout, including aft VIP stateroom with adjoining gym room complete with a treadmill and TRX training area.
“The unique open-plan architecture is brought to life through our design partnership with the legendary styling house Pininfarina,” says Sheriff. “This leap forward in space and versatility mirrors recent innovations from luxury automotive brands that have developed crossover models.”
This commitment to research and development is definitely pushing boundaries – and is what attracted boating industry veteran and Princess Yachts Australia Dealer Principal Greg Haines to the brand.
Greg was born into a prominent boatbuilding family and has held various senior roles in international boating businesses. He says, “When Princess approached me, I investigated their boats and their brand values; I visited the factory and went on board all their current models.”
I was so impressed with the Princess craftsmanship and dedication to innovation – evolution rather than revolution.
In the role for just over one year, Greg has been instrumental in raising the profile of Princess Yachts in Australia and made a successful foray into the 2019 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
In 2020, Princess had planned a gala event to welcome owners and VIPs to its headquarters on the new undercover marina at Sanctuary Cove. The COVID-19 pandemic did away with those plans, but as Greg explains, “There is plenty to look forward to in 2020 and into 2021.”
Now ensconced in the state-of-the-art marina at Sanctuary Cove, Princess Yachts Australia is looking ahead to a series of owner events in the second half of 2020.
“Our focus will be on owner and extended family events, including a rendezvous at Hamilton Island and a luxury-brand experience at Hayman Island, which we’re all looking forward to.
For Princess, it’s all about family boating and enjoying the seclusion and unique experiences we can share on the water.
“Now, as the world cautiously emerges from isolation, people are realising what’s important: family, friends, health and wellbeing – and a new appreciation of the great outdoors. Boating fulfils all those values. While we can’t travel far afield, we can stay local and explore our great island nation by boat.”
Looking ahead to 2021, Greg and his team are planning on showcasing a brilliant line-up of new models, including the V40, V55, V65, F55 and F70. He says, “It will be a huge year in 2021 for Princess in Australia. With our presence on the new marina at Sanctuary Cove, we are anticipating a massive SCIBS 2021.”
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