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Regal presence

Ocean’s Associate Editor Scott Alle spent a day out on Princess Yachts’ F70, a prominent addition to the esteemed UK marque.

Written by Scott Alle

31 January 2020

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Extremely stylish, spacious, luxurious and a highly capable sea-boat.

That’s my verdict on Princess Yachts’ F70 after a day testing the flagship of the company’s flybridge range on Sydney Harbour and offshore.

Dockside impressions count and the F70’s elegant lines immediately stamp the boat as a Princess. Sculpted curves, including expansive saloon windows create highly pleasing aesthetics.

But once aboard it’s the sheer size of the social spaces; from the aft cockpit that can host 10 guests in comfort which flows through on a single expansive dining and entertaining level, including another separate lounge in the bow. A hydraulic hopper window opens-up the rear facing galley to the cockpit, creating al fresco feel in the saloon which is beautifully finished in walnut trim and high-quality fabrics and furnishings. The leather helm seats are a very svelte touch.

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Underway we quickly settled into the flybridge, the boat’s undeniable drawcard. The spectacular views were complemented by the amenities – two lounge areas, a double sun pad and fully-equipped wet bar with barbecue into a sunbed.

Performance was just as satisfying. The F70 bettered 33 knots on Sydney Harbour and easily handled the unpredictable chop outside the heads, cruising at 20 knots with minimum roll in a following sea. The boat’s impeccable sea manners are the result of its resin-infused deep V hull from renowned naval architects Olesinski, which have configured Princess hulls since the 1970s.

Princess has only enhanced its reputation for luxury and craftsmanship since Antony Sheriff took the helm in 2016. His focus on melding innovation and design with traditional Princess values is apparent in the large spaces and the small details which will invariably please the most jaded motor yacht type.

Layout is four-staterooms and three heads with an additional crew cabin near the engine room. The full-beam Owner’s suite is located amidships and boasts a private access from the saloon.

The engine and machinery rooms reflect the first-class engineering standards Princess is known for.

I was particularly impressed by the two bespoke tool cases and the boat manuals in their leather doctor-type cases.

Engines are MAN 1200 V8s.

The Princess Yachts F Class range now features the F45, F50, the F55, introduced at the 2017 Southampton Boat Show, the F62, introduced at the 2017 Cannes Yachting Festival, and the F70, introduced at Cannes in 2018.

Read the complete review in the next issue of Ocean.

princessyachts.com.au

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