Adaptability and progression are key features of yacht design, and Princess Yachts has taken these concepts to heart with the continual refinement of its series offerings. Premiering at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show, February 14-18, Princess Yachts’ refined Y85 model is marked by a multifunctional layout designed to adapt to its owner’s lifestyle. Among this adaptability is the model’s new cockpit design, which is punctuated by a glazed transom for uninterrupted views, the option for electrically sliding seating for multiple configurations, and a submersible swim platform creating a beach-club-on-the-sea atmosphere.
While it might be the Y85’s new contemporary exterior profile—redesigned to align with the signature style of its younger Y Class Series sisterships—that will spark passersby attention, the multifunctional seating and entertaining configurations offered by the infinity cockpit is but one example of the British luxury yachtbuilder’s emphasis on staying one step ahead with its yacht offerings.
For a model that has seen tremendous success in the North American market since its introduction just four years ago, these new features seem like sprinkles on a perfectly iced cake.
“The North American market and the Y85 model have had a great marriage from the start,” says James Nobel, VP and marketing director for Princess Yachts America. “When we introduced the Y85 at the 2019 Palm Beach Boat Show, we sold four right out of the gate. It has been an incredible model for us.”
It is clear that Princess Yachts continues to innovate, even with a strong model that is hitting its stride in the market. “When we decided to introduce the infinity-cockpit design to the Y85, we took the opportunity to bring in the next-generation styling and also change the hullside window line to be more like the flagship Y95 that was in development at the time,” Nobel says.
Designed by the Princess Design Studio in collaboration with long-standing naval-architect partners, Olesinkski, and Italian design house Pininfarina, the newly restyled Y85 is defined by plentiful entertaining and deck areas with a glazed transom that provides uninterrupted views out to the sea. The optional infinity cockpit with its electrically sliding seating mechanism is offered alongside the traditional U-shaped dining arrangement or flexible central cockpit table with free-standing furniture configuration. With the infinity-cockpit arrangement, the seats can slide closer together while the high/low table transforms from a coffee table to an alfresco dining space. All of this, combined with a protected overhead canopy and the submersible swim platform, brings guests closer to on-water activities in pure comfort.
The opportunities for entertaining and socializing continue on the Y85 flybridge, which is fitted with a large dining area and well-equipped bar and barbecue space. The aft section of this deck can be configured to an owner’s preference, with the option for a tender and crane, a fixed sun pad, or a spa pool with free-standing furniture.
Within the Pininfarina-designed interior, the 20-foot beam and large windows enhance the feeling of spaciousness and connection with the sea. The main salon features a large living space and a circular dining area with an extendable table and adjacent galley that can be open or enclosed depending on owner preference.
The attention to guest privacy and crew flow continues farthest forward, with the wheelhouse kept separate from the guest spaces and side deck doors from the helm and galley allowing for ease of crew movement. As customers grow through the Princess Yachts’ brand, crew accommodations become an important consideration. The Y85 welcomes full-time crew with separate crew quarters that are comfortable and well-equipped, with two cabins, a crew mess and laundry situated aft.
The Y85 sleeps up to eight guests in four cabins on the lower deck, each of which take advantage of the natural light afforded by the exterior styling’s full-length hull glazing. The master stateroom spans the yacht’s full beam, and throughout the entire yacht, exquisite details from the Princess Design Studio showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of the brand’s dedicated team.
The cohesiveness and new-generation feel that the signature hullside window design brings to the entire Y Class range is matched by a high-performance deep-V-hull design for which Princess is renowned. On the Y85, twin MAN V-12 engines offered in 1,800 mhp or 1,900 mhp variations propel the 85-foot fiberglass planing yacht to a top speed of 31 knots.
The newly restyled Y85 with the infinity-cockpit configuration will be joined by the award-winning Y72 and the new F65 model at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show this month. The brand new Y80—planned for debut at the 2024 Palm Beach Boat Show in March—will also offer the infinity-cockpit design option. With Princess Yachts, the innovation reaches to infinity…and beyond.
Visit the Princess Yachts America showcase during the 2024 Miami International Boat Show, February 14-18 at Herald Plaza. Learn more at princessyachtsamerica.com.
