Princess returns in full-force for 2020
by Greg Haines 28 May 2020 17:33 AEST
Princess production © Greg Haines
Following close to eight weeks "controlled shutdown" during Covid19 restrictions, Princess Yachts has welcomed back 80 percent of their 3,000 employees who had been furloughed, remaining on the company's payroll under the British government's Coronavirus scheme.
The UK's largest luxury yacht maker, Princess is operating under stringent safety measures at their Plymouth factories and is looking forward to a fulfilling a strong order book for the rest of 2020 into 2021.
In January 2020 at Boot Dusseldorf, Princess unveiled the first model in its new "Super Fly" X Class range, the X95. The 29-metre explorer motor yacht is described as "a luxury SUV of the seas". The X95 is one of six new models in production following record results in 2019 of £30 million.
The X95 "Super Flybridge" was designed in partnership with Italian sportscar designer Pininfarina, which built its reputation on is alliance with Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Peugeot, and British naval architect Bernard Olesinski. The X95 aims to redefine traditional yacht architecture with extensive outdoor space and an open plan interior.
The X95's flybridge and main deck extend close to the full length of the yacht, delivering expansive, flexible spaces - around 10 percent more outdoor space and 40 percent more indoor space than a motor yacht of the same size. Equipped with a fuel capacity of 13,400 litres, the X95 has the range for voyages to remote regions and can attain a top speed of 26 knots.
Princess Yachts executive chairman Antony Sheriff said: "The X95 breaks the mould of traditional yacht design".
"The unique open plan architecture is brought to life through our design partnership with the legendary styling house Pininfarina. This leap forward in space and versatility mirrors recent innovations from luxury automotive brands which have developed crossover models."
Then there's the Y95, another superb collaboration with design partners Olesinski and Pininfarina and the new flagship in the Princess Y Class range, which was announced at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2019.
This commitment to R&D and pushing the boundaries is what attracted boating industry veteran and Princess Yachts Australia Dealer Principal, Greg Haines to the brand. Greg was born into a prominent boat building family and has held various senior roles in international boating businesses.
"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, with a successful foray at 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 Covid19 pandemic did away with those plans, but as Greg explained "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 well-being, with a new appreciation of the great outdoors.
"Boating fulfils all of those. 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 to showcase a brilliant line-up of new models, including V40, V55, V65, F55 and F70.
"2021 will be a huge year for Princess in Australia," he said. "With our presence on the new marina at Sanctuary Cove, we are anticipating a massive SCIBS 2021."
Princess Yachts Australia at Sanctuary Cove is now open and displaying a range of vessels which includes Princess V57, V58, V65 and F49.