Dynamic, spacious and focused on life at sea - Princess Yachts reveals the all-new F45 Flybridge
by Princess Yachts 27 Oct 2018 04:05 PDT
Princess Yachts F45 Flybridge © Princess Yachts
The brand-new Princess F45 flybridge delivers unparalleled space, design quality and flexibility in a compact flybridge yacht that features a full beam owner's cabin, extended flybridge and a unique electronically-controlled sliding transom, which increases the size of the cockpit area at the touch of a button by 40cm.
The F45 is packed with technical innovations that ensure this compact yacht feels as spacious above deck as it does below. Together with its elegant full-length hull windows, beautifully resolved surfacing, and unique design details, the F45 will establish itself as the benchmark small flybridge yacht.
Innovations are to the fore in the yacht's layout. Its interior space is defined by the Princess resin-infused deep-V hull, which lies at the heart of the yacht, and its structural form provides vital functions and technical sea-keeping advantages, optimising lift and reducing drag whilst underway.
Core to the all-new F45's stability and dynamic predictability are the twin Volvo IPS 600 engines, which deliver 870 mhp and a top speed of 31 knots†, and the yacht is intuitive to control at low speeds thanks to the joystick control. The result is a class-leading combination of power, performance and efficiency, optimised physical dimensions, and sea-keeping behaviour.
Design
The new Princess F45 has been designed to bring a rare elegance and sophistication to the design of compact flybridge yachts. Designed by Princess's long-standing naval architect, Bernard Olesinski, the elegant and instantly recognisable exterior design language provides the foundation for sweeping, sculpted features that create a beautifully streamlined profile. With the voluptuous rear wings and essential forms that compose a sweeping, low profile flybridge, the F45 has the feel of a Sportsbridge with all the practicality and space of a Flybridge yacht.
The new Princess F45 has been designed with on-deck living in mind, apparent from the moment guests are welcomed on board. The sociable cockpit seating area seamlessly connects to the aft galley and can be extended at the push of a button to create additional flexibility within this zone. An optional barbecue and sink can also be specified, neatly accommodated aft of the cockpit seating, to extend the entertainment space onto the teak transom platform.
Moving forward, the patio doors give way to a saloon, complete with a well-equipped galley, featuring a three-zone hob, and a microwave / convection oven complete with grill. Fresh food can be stored in a refrigerator or deep freeze, an icemaker and dishwasher are optional.
The saloon features a U-shaped sofa and dining table for 6 guests, which also doubles as a comfortable double berth. The state-of-the-art Naim Atom audio system comes as standard in the saloon and can be specified to extend throughout the rest of the yacht.
Andy Lawrence, Head of Design, Princess Yachts, said: "The F45 is designed for on-deck living and is packed with innovative design features, including the unique sliding transom that transforms the main deck at the touch of a button. I'm personally pleased with the F45's wrap-around glazing which extends almost from the stern all the way around the bow, making the yacht instantly recognisable and a classic addition to the Princess fleet."
Below deck, up to four guests can enjoy two beautifully appointed, spacious en suite cabins, filled with natural light from the hull glazing. The generous full beam master stateroom has a double bed, wardrobes and full-sized shower in the bathroom. Plus, there is ample storage for extended stays at sea. The forward cabin easily converts from twin single beds to a spacious double.
But Princess expects F45 owners to spend as much time as possible above deck; the spacious foredeck boasts a luxurious sunpad, perfect for reclining and watching the sunset.
Up top, a large, well-proportioned flybridge features L-shaped seating, twin helm seats, and an adjustable steering wheel. The dual-station instrumentation and latest Garmin / Volvo controls enable the Princess F45 to be helmed from both the main deck and flybridge for precision manoeuvring.
Performance
The new Princess F45 has been designed from the deep-V hull upwards to offer dynamic and effortless sea-keeping. The refined design below the water line complements the twin Volvo IPS 600 engines, improving efficiency and agility at speeds of up to 31 knots†.
Princess's hulls are borne from the company's naval architects' drive for exceptional sea-keeping and voluminous space – their sculpted form, shaped from a lightweight, resin-infused composite, creates a greater internal volume compared to standard hull production methods. The variable geometry of the deep-V hull translates into assured, taut handling.
The F45 requires less power and burns less fuel than comparative yachts thanks to the pioneering hull design, whether slicing through flat seas at 31 knots or navigating stormy waters. With smooth power delivery, it has been optimised for greater lift and less drag, producing lower planing speeds and greater efficiency.
Craftsmanship
Princess Yachts represents the epitome of British craftsmanship. The company is renowned for designing and manufacturing luxury yachts from its Plymouth headquarters for more than 50 years. Synonymous with luxurious style and power, the latest Princess will impress from the moment you step aboard.
Instantly recognisable as a member of the Princess fleet, the F45 utilises the same quality ethos as much larger yachts from Princess. It retains the same overall design integrity through the use of the finest materials and timbers available.
All the traditional Princess qualities of craftsmanship and attention to detail are on display, honed and refined, and the F45 represents the highest level of build quality in the sector, crafted at the company's British headquarters.
Each element of the F45's interior has been designed with meticulous attention to detail. Clean-flowing, precise lines accentuate the one-piece saloon windscreen, while soft-faceted geometry defines the interior joinery to create a calming and captivating visual experience for owner and guests.
Attention has been paid to the transition between exterior and interior main deck spaces, inviting guests to enjoy on-deck living while moving seamlessly from indoors to outside. Elegant materials used in the exterior upholstery feature hand-stitched contrast detailing, complemented with hand-laid directional veneers and soft angled geometry furniture. Recessed fashion lines through the internal bulkheads and headlining, and the hand-stitched helm seat, are a true expression of Princess craftsmanship.
Princess Lifeline
'Princess Lifeline' is a unique, new 24/7 international SOS service in partnership with MedAire. Every Princess yacht now comes with a two-year Princess Lifeline cover as standard for the well-being of Princess owners and their guests whilst aboard. It provides around-the-clock global access to medical and travel safety experts, real-time information and primary contact throughout your trip. For the luxury yacht market, it is an exceptional level of customer service that has never before been included complementary as part of a new yacht purchase.
New Product Strategy
The F45 is one of six all-new innovative yachts that will debut in the coming months and this product offensive sits alongside a record order book, record financial results, and a workforce of nearly 3,000 people - all based within a 10-mile radius of Plymouth.
Princess continues to perform as a beacon of success within the British maritime industry and is recognised with a strong presence in over 100 countries worldwide, further solidifying its position as the world's best-selling brand of luxury motor yachts.