Unveiled at this year's Cannes Yachting Festival, the latest 25.5-meter Y80 flybridge model comes from the top-tier British shipyard Princess Yachts. Beyond the brand's existing Y Class series, the Y80 features elements distinct from her sister series to further enhance the Y Class design.
Of course, all Princess Y Class yachts offer many customization options for their owners, but the Y80's design features a highly versatile layout that can easily adapt to any social occasion. Although the lower deck features a fixed four-cabin layout (including a master suite with a private staircase) and an optional crew cabin, Princess provides prospective Y80 owners with various design adaptations to suit their lifestyles:
Three Afterdeck Configurations for the Y80
Beyond the helm area, galley, day head, and main salon, the afterdeck is the heart of entertainment. The cockpit located at the stern of the yacht can be designed in three variations.
Traditional Afterdeck Design
The traditional design adopts a spacious U-shaped dining layout where guests can gather for a light meal or relax after water sports in the afternoon. In this design, there is also a fantastic storage space that can hold up to two SeaBobs, which can simultaneously serve as a tender garage or a water toy locker.
Family Dining Afterdeck Design
For owners who spend most of their yachting time hosting parties and dining on board while anchored in secluded bays, the afterdeck can be transformed into an elegant, grand dining table. With this configuration, up to eight guests can be seated around the table while enjoying unobstructed views under the protection of the flybridge deck above.
The three sides of the afterdeck remain open to the surrounding environment, featuring a large stern glass railing, a design that maximizes the panoramic view. For easy water access, all Princess Y80 yachts are equipped with a hydraulic hi-lo bathing platform.
"Infinity" Afterdeck Design
In July 2022, when the Y Class sister ship, the Princess Y85, was debuted, a new afterdeck version called "Infinity" was introduced. This layout utilizes an electric mechanism; with the touch of a button, the seating and dining areas can be rearranged to better suit the situation. The sofa-style seating can be adjusted closer together, and the table can be moved up or down to function as either a coffee or dining area.
The "Infinity" afterdeck provides owners and guests with a beach club-like sensory experience, as activities are kept near the water's edge, overlooking the hydraulic bathing platform. The stern of the Princess Y80 is the perfect base for swimming and water sports while at anchor, keeping everyone on board comfortably connected to the vessel.
Versatile Large Foredeck
The foredeck is one of the best places on board to enjoy outdoor activities. The Princess Y80's foredeck design is isolated from the main central areas of the boat and remains completely open to the surroundings. The conversational seating area easily accommodates up to 10 people and is equipped with convenient cup holders and a close-proximity coffee table—this setup can be transformed into a large and spacious sunpad.
The design of the Princess Y80 focuses on a stable beam design and more advanced hull molding technology. Even when running at a top speed of 30 knots, the yacht remains stable, agile, and easy to control, meaning that any activity on the foredeck can be enjoyed in comfort.
Flybridge Concealed Crane
A key feature of the Y80's exterior styling is the elegant S-curved flybridge hardtop. This feature not only provides protection for the flybridge but also seamlessly connects the space with the main deck and continuous windows. As the highest point on the boat, the flybridge is a premier social hub, equipped with many primary amenities.
Guests will find numerous lounging and dining seating options, with additional benches flanking the helm station. The bar can also be designed to include bar stools for guests needing extra seating, and it is fully equipped to serve guests.
At the stern of the flybridge, owners can choose to install a concealed crane beneath the large sunpad to lift and stow a 4-meter tender or jet ski. Additionally, the aft section of the flybridge can be customized to feature an independent L-shaped social sofa or a spa tub with sun loungers.
Customized Private Galley
The design of the main deck fully utilizes the Y80's 6.07-meter beam. The open-plan salon allows guests to move seamlessly from the main deck to the helm area, with large windows designed to capture panoramic views of the surroundings.
The main salon is designed as an indoor leisure space, primarily for living and dining. The helm station and co-pilot seats are located forward, with a fully equipped galley nearby, serving all guests through an open-counter design.
If required, owners can choose to add partitions between the galley and the helm area, as well as an opening side door at the helm for side-deck access, creating a truly private yachting experience away from others.
The Princess Y80 is a collaboration with Olesinski and Pininfarina, with the first hull launched during the 2023 autumn boat shows. The Princess Y Class series boasts the signature timeless aesthetic and high standards of all Princess yachts, now including the award-winning Y72, Y80, Y85, and the upcoming flagship, the Y95.