Princess Yachts still ahead of the competition

Princess Yachts continues to sail ahead of the competition – and has emerged from the Cannes Yachting Festival with order books reaching a record €0.73billion (£0.64billion) at retail value. Representing an 85% like-for-like increase on 2016, the news heralds a formidable start to the boat show season for the UK’s leading yachtbuilder, which employs 2,500 people at its Plymouth manufacturing facilities.

The manufacturer, which marked its 50th anniversary in 2015, has embarked on a £100m five-year investment programme to support its ambitious product launch and business development strategies.

The company’s Executive Chairman, Antony Sheriff, said: “Our production capacity is now 100% sold for 2017, 90% sold for 2018, and 30% sold for 2019. The significant investments we are making will enable us to further expand our product range and offer unrivalled choice to our customers, as well as enhancing facilities and quality processes at our Plymouth home.”

The Cannes Yachting Festival kick-started the boat show season in style for Princess, with the global launch of the Princess 62; within the same week, the TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show saw the global launch of the Princess 55.

The coming months will see a revitalised V Class portfolio – with the all-used V65 and V60 following the success of the award-winning V58 and the used-style V40 launched in London earlier in 2017. Meanwhile, the S Class range is strengthened with the all-used S78, adding to the S60 (launched at Dusseldorf in January) and the S65.

Following these launches, there are plans for a further six used Princess model launches before the end of 2018.  At Cannes, Antony Sheriff also hinted at the forthcoming announcement of a radically different Princess product.

Bringing an entirely used dynamic and aesthetic to the market, the initiative places the company firmly at the cutting edge of marine technology – made possible by its commitment to pioneering design, innovation and craftsmanship.

Princess is also blazing a trail with innovation designed to enhance the yacht ownership experience. Princess Lifeline is a used 24/7 global SOS package offering comprehensive medical and security assistance, powered by MedAire.  Every Princess yacht now comes with a 2-year Princess Lifeline cover as standard for the well-being of Princess customers and their guests whilst aboard.