Motor Yacht Sales Director Joe Hill is the external spokesperson for all "Large Yachts" and "Superyachts" at Princess Yachts Sales. With 8 years at the company and over 28 years of experience in the marine industry—including serving as a dedicated captain for many yachts under 100 feet—Joe is a professional consultant specializing in serving clients considering yachts over 70 feet.
Providing a wealth of knowledge and extensive yachting experience, he allows buyers to understand all their needs with confidence, whether they are purchasing a brand-new Princess X95 directly from the shipyard or an M-Class yacht through a brokerage, and whether it is a first-time purchase or an upgrade for the client.
We interviewed Joe to talk about large yachts, what sets Princess Yachts apart from its competitors, and the benefits of yachts under 30 meters...
Princess Yachts has an incredible history of selling superyachts up to 40 meters in length; what is the secret?
"It's actually quite simple. Princess has been working together for years to take care of their customers. We have been creating excellent ownership experiences across all series, from small yachts upwards, and these key principles have continued into our large yachts.
For superyachts and large yachts, there are a few more considerations that we can also assist with, such as helping to structure the client's SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) ownership, facilitating management, finance, and insurance, and even chartering through our own Princess Yacht Charter company, if that is the route our clients wish to explore."
Joe continued: "As one of the world's most successful Princess Yachts distributors, in terms of vessel units and size, we have nearly 60 years of experience. We deeply understand how to provide the best service to owners throughout their entire customer journey, from purchase to enjoying the unique lifestyle on board."
This brings client loyalty and confidence; even when moving up in model range, clients understand the quality of our products, and the service quality and support throughout the ownership period is second to none. We provide a 24/7 dedicated concierge, service, and maintenance package. We can assist with vessel registration, documentation, captains, and crew, etc., making yacht ownership smoother and easier to manage."
We see the Princess Yachts shipyard utilizing internal volume and deck space through clever naval architecture and design, bringing their new range of large yachts down to under 30 meters. What is the benefit of doing this?
"Well, there is a magical threshold for yacht length that keeps it in the 'Pleasure Craft' category, rather than 'Commercial' status, which brings huge benefits. It is all about the load line length being under 24 meters. For example, the largest yacht in the new Princess fleet is the Princess X95; her load line is 23.95 meters, keeping her within the 'Pleasure Craft' category."
Princess has collaborated with long-term naval architect partners Olesinski and the renowned Italian design house Pininfarina to cleverly design their new X-Class and Y-Class yachts to meet the 24-meter load line regulations while maximizing internal volume, deck space, and LOA (Length Overall).
Operating a yacht under 24 meters (load line) has huge practicalities, especially in cost-effectiveness. Firstly, you do not need full-time crew, thereby immediately reducing operational costs and lowering mooring, crew headcount, fuel, and overall maintenance costs. Owners do not need to worry about the complexities of commercial categories, such as surveys, meeting certain specifications, rules, and regulations.
Princess Yachts has long been known for creating medium-sized flybridge cruising yachts that combine massive internal space with proven hulls and premium luxury. This also means that with a modern fleet of 20 models covering six product lines from 40 to 95 feet, their modern fleet is actually very diverse.
The new adventure-style X-Class 'Super Flybridge' yachts bring new opportunities at 80 and 95 feet, while the majestic Y-Class remains a clear expression of Princess's inherited strengths from 72 to 95 feet.