princess yachts south yard

Historic Past Honoured by Princess South Yard Superyacht Facility

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Written by Zuzana Bednarova

Last week in the centre of Princess ’ South Yard superyacht facility saw the Royal Navy as well as local dignitaries gather to pay homage to a great warship – HMS Warspite. Historic South Yard is currently the home of the Princess M CLASS superyacht line , with five 40M yacht flagships having now been produced or in production, plus seven 32M yacht models and the new motor yacht Princess 35M under construction. Number three slip itself is still working hard, now known as the M CLASS Slip, it is used for all M launches.

Third Princess 40M superyacht at launch

Launched on the 26th of November 1913, down Number three Slip, HMS Warspite was a Queen Elizabeth Class battleship and the Royal Navy’s most decorated warship, having seen active service through two World Wars.

Warspite was involved in the battle of Jutland, the First World War’s biggest naval battle, pitching the Royal Navy’s Grand Fleet against the Imperial German Navy’s High Seas Fleet. During the battle Warspite suffered major damage, at one point losing steerage, but still fought on. In spite of her injuries, very few crew were killed or injured and the warship returned safely to port.

In World War II, Warspite saw action in Norway , the Mediterranean and was involved in the Normand landings.

At the ceremony, Base commander Commodore Graeme Little called HMS Warspite “the greatest battleship ever built, remaining a dominant force for over 30 years” and paid homage to those who served onboard and supported her. Little also described Number Three Slip, which dates back to the 17th Century,  as the most historic slip in Royal Naval history and thanked Princess for loaning it back to the Navy on this special occasion.

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Historic Past Honoured by Princess South Yard Superyacht Facility".

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Princess Model History

A small industrial unit in Newport Street, Plymouth was the birthplace of Princess Yachts almost fifty years ago in 1965. Since then, Princess has developed into one of the most successful and sophisticated motor yacht builders in the world.

Below you will see a timeline of how these magnificent models have developed over the years.

Today 19.09.2024

Princess X95 Vista Find Out More

Princess F58 Find Out More

Princess Y80 Find Out More

Princess S80 Find Out More

Princess F65 Find Out More

Princess F50 Find Out More

Princess V50 Find Out More

Princess X95 wins Robb Report’s ‘Best of the Best’ award

We are delighted to join Princess Yachts in announcing that the Princess X95 superfly yacht has won the Robb Report ‘Best of the Best’ award, in the Yacht category.

Read the full article

Princess X80 Find Out More

Princess Y72 Find Out More

Princess X95 Find Out More

Princess S62 Find Out More

Princess S66 Find Out More

Princess Y78 Find Out More

Princess V55 Find Out More

Princess Y95 Find Out More

Princess F45 Find Out More

Princess Y85 Find Out More

Princess V78 Find Out More

Princess R35 Find Out More

Princess Y88 Find Out More

Princess Y75 Find Out More

Princess F55 Find Out More

Princess F62 Find Out More

Princess F43 Find Out More

Princess F49 Find Out More

Princess F70 Find Out More

Princess V65 Scoops the 2018 Asia Boating Awards as Best Sportscruiser over 55ft

The annual Asia Boating Awards are the most renowned yachting awards in Asia and across the world. The awards serve as a benchmark for the industry in the Asia-Pacific region.

Princess V60 Find Out More

Princess V50 deck Find Out More

Princess V50 Open Find Out More

Princess V65 Find Out More

Princess S78 Find Out More

Princess 55 Find Out More

Princess 62 Find Out More

Princess V40 named as the Best Sportscruiser (up to 45ft) at the Asia Boating Awards 2017 in Singapore

V40 was named as the Best Sports cruiser (up to 45ft) at the Asia Boating Awards 2017 in Singapore.

Princess V40 Find Out More

Princess V58 Open Wins Motor Boat Award 2017

The Princess V58 Open received the award in the category for “Sportscruisers over 45ft”, for “delivering a truly intoxicating mix of style, sophistication and speed, with a party boat deck layout.” Stylish and powerful, the Princess V58 Open was first launched at the Southampton Boat Show in 2015.

Princess 75 Motor Yacht Motor Boat Award Winner 2017

Described as a “boat that doesn’t put a foot wrong in any department, with a genuinely entertaining driving experience and a top speed of 35 knots”, the Princess 75 Motor Yacht came top in the category for “Flybridges over 55ft”. The prestigious prize was presented to Chris Gates, Managing Director of Princess Yachts International, at the Awards dinner, held in London on 9th January 2017.

Princess S60 Find Out More

Princess 49 Find Out More

Princess 35M Wins Superyacht Award

The first Princess 35M, Antheya III, has claimed the top prize at Boat International’s World Superyacht Awards in the Semi-Displacement & Planing Two Deck Motor Yacht category. Boat International said: “The judges particularly admired her exterior design, which incorporated a variety of functional areas in which to relax and dine, as well as her contemporary yet ageless interior. Additionally, the judges found a high quality of construction and excellent technical, service and crew areas. A well balanced yacht indeed.” Antheya III is the second Princess M Class to claim a prestigious World Superyacht Award with the first Princess 40M, Imperial Princess, winning in the Three Deck Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts category in 2013.

Princess 30M Find Out More

Princess 75 Find Out More

Princess S65 Find Out More

Princess V58 Open Find Out More

Princess V48 Open – 2015 Motor Boat Award Winner

In the Sportscruiser over 45ft category, make way for the Princess V48 Open. Launched at the Cannes Boat Show in 2013, the open version of the V48, she is the perfect vessel for the outdoor lifestyle.

Princess S72 Wins 2015 Motor Boat Award

The brand new Princess S72, launched in 2014, was awarded the coveted prize in the over 55ft category in the 2015 Motor Boat Awards. The S72 is the first of the new S Class Sportbridge yachts, in less than a year, had already received much acclaim - the award, evidence of her outstanding class, amongst rival yachts in this category.

Princess 68 Find Out More

Princess 35M Find Out More

Princess V39 wins again

The Princess V39 has scooped another award, this time at the 2014 Asia Boating Awards. Following major successes in the UK and US, Princess' entry level sportscruiser was awarded the Best Worldwide Production Boat under 15M at the 10th annual Asia Boating Awards held in Hong Kong.

Princess 56 wins at the Boat of the Year Japan awards

For the second consecutive year Princess have been victorious at the Boat of the Year Japan awards. The impressive Princess 56 has been named ‘Best Imported Large Yacht’, following in the footsteps of the multi-award winning V52 which last year also became the first ever imported boat to claim the title of overall ‘Boat of the Year Japan’.

Princess S72 Find Out More

Princess 43 scoops the 2014 Motor Boat Award

Princess continues to dominate the flybridge market with the new Princess 43 collecting the award for best Flybridge up to 55ft at the 2014 Motor Boat Awards, arguably the most important category of the night and fighting off competition from far larger challengers.

Princess 43 – winner of best flybridge under 55ft at Motorboat awards 2014

At the 2014 Motor Boat Awards, the Princess 43 outshone far larger boats in her class by winning the best Flybridge under 55ft award. The Princess 43 has quickly established herself as the new icon of her class. In a review of the Princess 43 in Motor Boats Monthly magazine, there was praise indeed for the P43: “Princess spent a lot of time and a great deal of effort making sure it got this boat, a mainstay of the range, carrying serious heritage, absolutely spot on. It succeeded. And then some.”

Princess V48 Open Receives European Powerboat of the Year Award 2014 Nomination

The new Princess V48 Open has been nominated for European Powerboat of the Year 2014 in the over 45ft category. The V48 Open made her international debut in September at the Festival de la Plaisance de Cannes.

Princess 43 Find Out More

Princess 88 MY Find Out More

Princess 52 Find Out More

Princess 82 MY Find Out More

Princess V48 Find Out More

Princess receives International Accolade

Princess Yachts International is celebrating the success of Imperial Princess, the first Princess 40M from the company’s M Class range of 100ft plus yachts, at the eighth annual World Superyacht Awards held in Istanbul, Turkey on 4 May.

40M Wins Best Production Yacht

The 40M has been named ‘Best Production Motor Yacht (24m to 40m)’ at the 9th annual Asia Boating Awards. Jointly organised by Asia-Pacific Boating and China Boating the awards, which were attended by industry VIPs from around the globe, honour the best of yachting in Asia and internationally.

Princess V52 Crowned ‘Boat of the Year Japan 2012

Princess Yachts International celebrate another win at the annual Boat of the Year Japan 2012 awards. Having already claimed the title of ‘Best Imported Large Yacht’ the Princess V52 has been crowned overall ‘Boat of the Year’ in a ceremony held at the Japan International Boat Show.

Princess V39 Recieves Motor Boat of the Year

Princess Yachts International enjoyed yet another successful evening at the annual IPC Marine Media’s Motor Boat of the Year Awards where the Princess V39, which has received high praise from the worlds boating media since her launch last year, picked up the coveted title of ‘Motor Boat of the Year’ for Sportscruisers up to 45ft.

Princess V62-S Find Out More

Princess 56 Find Out More

Princess 40M Find Out More

Princess V57 Find Out More

Princess V39 MKII Find Out More

Princess V52 Awarded Best Sportscruiser

The Princess V52 is awarded best Sportscruiser over 45ft and Chairman and founder of Princess Yachts, David King, recieves the Judges' Special Award at the Motor Boat of the Year Awards 2012

Princess Achieve The RINA Green Plus Notation

Princess Yachts today became the first significant British boat builder to achieve the Rina Green Plus (Y) notation for their entire range of V Class and Flybridge yachts up to 24m (85 feet).

Princess 60 MKII Find Out More

Princess 98 MY Find Out More

Princess V72 Find Out More

Princess 32M Find Out More

Princess 32M Wins Asia Boating Award

The 32M was awarded the title of Best Production Motor Yacht (81 to 120 feet) at the 7th annual Asia Boating Awards which took place on 6th May at 2011 Hong Kong Gold Coast Boat Show.

Princess V52 MKII Find Out More

Princess 42 MKII Find Out More

Princess 64 Find Out More

Princess 72 MY Find Out More

Princess V85-S Find Out More

Princess V62 Recieves Boat of the Year Award

Princess Yachts International enjoyed another successful evening at the annual Motor Boat of the Year awards where, the already highly acclaimed V62 picked up the coveted title of ‘Boat of the Year’ for the Sports Cruiser category.

Superyacht Shipyard at South Yard

In 2009, Princess acquire a new site; South Yard on a long term lease from the Ministry of Defence for the development of the M Class Superyachts. The company was later granted the freehold in 2011.

Princess 78 Find Out More

Princess V56 Find Out More

Princess V42 MKIII Find Out More

Princess 85 Find Out More

Princess V85 Find Out More

Princess V62 Find Out More

Princess 50 MKIII Find Out More

Princess 95 Find Out More

Princess V45 Find Out More

Princess V42 MKII Find Out More

Princess 58 Find Out More

Princess 54 Find Out More

Princess Celebrates 40 Years

The Company now employs 1,450 people and enjoys global sales in excess of £140 million with exports accounting for 90% of sales.

Princess 50 MKII Find Out More

Princess V53 Find Out More

Princess V70 Find Out More

Princess 67 Find Out More

Princess 21M Find Out More

Princess 42 Find Out More

Princess 57 Find Out More

Princess 23M Find Out More

Princess V46 Find Out More

Princess V58 Find Out More

Princess Yachts International

Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd becomes Princess Yachts International plc.

Princess 61 Find Out More

Princess 25M Find Out More

Princess 50 Find Out More

Princess V42 Find Out More

Princess 45 Find Out More

Princess 38 Find Out More

Princess 52 MKII Find Out More

Princess 65 Find Out More

Factory Facilities Expand

New purpose-built headquarters were opened in Newport Street, Plymouth in 1997. A new site at Coypool, Plymouth was also acquired and an extension added to the manufacturing facilities at Langage, Plymouth. Today, Princess Yachts shipyards span over 1,100,000 sq ft.

Princess 40 Find Out More

Princess 460 Find Out More

Princess 430 Find Out More

Princess 20M Find Out More

Princess 22M Find Out More

Princess 34 Find Out More

Princess 60 Find Out More

Princess 420 Find Out More

Princess 53 Find Out More

Princess 380 Find Out More

Princess V52 Find Out More

Princess V39 Find Out More

First V Class Yacht

The First V Class sports yachts are developed, the V39 and V52, both with outstanding performance and sea-keeping abilities and widely accepted in world markets, laying a strong foundation fro today's high performance V Class range.

Princess 66 Find Out More

Princess 360 Find Out More

Princess 440 Find Out More

Princess 366 Riviera Find Out More

Princess 470 Find Out More

Princess 560 Find Out More

Princess 410 Find Out More

Princess 32 Riviera Find Out More

Princess 500 Find Out More

Princess 368 Find Out More

Princess 406 Riviera Find Out More

Princess 346 Riviera Find Out More

Princess 455 Find Out More

Princess 398 Find Out More

Princess 48 Find Out More

Princess 315 Find Out More

Awarded the Queen’s Export Award

Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd are awarded the Queen's Export Award.

Princess 388 Find Out More

Princess 46 Riviera Find Out More

Princess 435 Find Out More

Princess 330 Find Out More

Princess 36 Riviera Find Out More

Princess 415 Find Out More

Princess 385 Find Out More

Princess 35 Find Out More

Princess 286 Riviera Find Out More

The Largest Production Motor Yacht in the UK

In 1982, the Princess 45 was introduced, a landmark design, and at the time the largest production motoryacht in the UK. Over 400 were sold in 9 years when it was replaced by the Princess 455.

Princess 412-2 Find Out More

Princess 414 Find Out More

Princess 33 MKII Find Out More

Princess 30S Find Out More

Bernard Olesinksi

Bernard Olesinski designs his first Princess, the Princess 30DS. It is the beginning of a design relationship that continues to present day.

Princess 30DS Flybridge Find Out More

Princess 30DS Find Out More

Princess 412 Find Out More

Princess 412.

The first Princess to be built with Volvo inboard diesels (TAMD60-255hp) is launched - the Princess 412

Princess 41 Find Out More

Princess 33 Find Out More

First Princess Flybridge

The Princess 37 V Hull, the first Princess flybridge motoryacht to be built with high performance inboard diesel engines, is launched in 1974. The model was launched at the London Boat Show following the appointment of John Bennett, who designed two new models, including the Princess 37 to compliment the Princess 32.

Princess 37 V-Hull Find Out More

Princess 25 Find Out More

Princess 37 Y-Hull Find Out More

Pilgrim 25 Find Out More

Princess 32 Find Out More

Pilgrim 30 Find Out More

Project 26 Find Out More

Project 20 Find Out More

Project 31 Find Out More

Founded 1965

Princess Yachts founded as Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd in 1965

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• Princess Yachts Reveals Plans For South Yard

Princess yachts reveals plans for south yard

Luxury boat builder moves forward with £15 million redevelopment plans for Devonport site.

Plymouth-based luxury yacht builder Princess Yachts International, today presented plans for the newly occupied South Yard site at a consultation with Devonport Regeneration Community partnership (DRC). The plans represent a significant contribution to the local economic regeneration and outline a £15m investment programme for the yard leading to the creation of 200 new jobs at the company.

The 15 acre site, which is within the historic naval dock yard of Devonport, was acquired by the company last year for the purpose of building a new line of 100 feet+ vessels and the build of the first of these new M Class yachts has already begun at the yard. These new development plans are essential to ensure the correct infrastructure is in place for the long term manufacture and development of these and other future Princess models at the site.

The redevelopment will consist of significant modifications and enhancements to the current yard including a new impressive production ‘hangar’, which will develop in size over three phases to produce a vast, world class manufacturing facility. The plans also include the covering and development of the existing ‘shallow dock’, structural changes to the existing number 3 slipway to make this more suitable for the craft it will ultimately launch, and many associated external works around the site.

Chris Gates, Managing Director of Princess Yachts commented “We are now entering the next exciting phase of our redevelopment of the 15 acre South Yard site. This vast facility has already enabled us to move successfully into the 100 feet+ ‘Superyacht’ arena with our technically advanced M Class yachts and this next phase will ensure we also have an appropriate world class facility to build them in, just a short distance away from our headquarters in Newport Street.”

“Significant modifications are needed at South Yard to allow us to achieve this and to sustain our future production plans. This consultation with DRC brings us a step closer to realising these and to solidifying the future of the company.” He added, “It is a sign of real strength that, in the turmoil of this economic downturn we are still able to look forward positively.

Princess Yachts is one of the largest employers in the region. The new South Yard facility is additional production capacity to the five existing sites the company already operates in the area. Production of the company’s other world leading and award winning craft will continue in the existing facilities.

Following the DRC consultation, formal planning applications for adaptation of the site will be submitted.

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Princess Yachts eyes Plymouth freeport as site for new factory

UK's largest luxury yacht manufacturer needs more capacity and more staff after seeing order book reach US$1bn

• 07:00, 19 NOV 2021

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Luxury boat maker Princess Yachts wants to build another factory in Plymouth’s freeport area so it can produce more vessels, employ more people and fulfil a US$1bn order book.

The manufacturer is considering a new production facility at its South Yard base, in Devonport, which is included in Plymouth’s £50m tax-break freeport area.

It is early days and no plans have yet been drawn but the firm and Plymouth City Council have confirmed a new factory is very much on their radar.

More about Princess Yachts

And Princess Yachts is just one of several businesses, including some from abroad, which are eyeing the freeport, to be called the Plymouth and South Devon Freezone.

An outline business plan is due to be submitted to the Government before the end of November, and if all goes smoothly a full business case will be approved in Spring 2022, unlocking £25m in Government funds, which will be matched locally.

The Freezone could be up and running by summer of 2022 and would include sites at Devonport's South Yard, Langage Energy Zone and the as yet unbuilt Sherford Business Park next to the A38.

It would create space for businesses to import goods and materials, add value to them by manufacture, and export them, benefiting from simpler planning procedures, infrastructure funding, and lower taxes.

Caroline Cozens, strategic projects manager for Plymouth City Council, outlined the freeport process to about 100 construction industry bosses at a Meet the City Buyers event, called to brief the industry on major Plymouth building projects, at City College Plymouth.

She said: “We are getting great interest from the market that wants to invest. Local businesses wanting to expand and foreign direct investment in the city.”

And she said: “Princess Yachts is looking at a new factory in that location and we are working with them to bring that forward.”

Princess Yachts already has several production bases in Plymouth, including at South Yard, where the X Class super flybridge yachts are constructed. The former naval yard, which dates back to the 17th Century, is earmarked as part of the freeport.

Paul Turner, Princess Yachts’ HR director, said Princess Yachts was considering a new factory in the location so it could make more vessels and employ more people.

He said: “There is a lot of space there, so a potential opportunity for future capacity there. An opportunity for increased capacity and headcount.”

He said the plan was in a very early stage and would need funding and planning permission but said: “The reality is we need additional capacity. And it's about an opportunity in Plymouth to create more jobs.”

He said the freezone would provide a “fantastic opportunity” for Princess Yachts, particularly as the firm prides itself on making every vessel in Plymouth.

“Our strapline is ‘crafted in Plymouth’,” he said. “So we have to build everything in Plymouth, and we are proud of that.”

In October, the company revealed a “record-setting commercial performance” with sales surpassing production, with almost all output through to the end of 2022, and more than 60% of 2023 production, already covered by orders.

This year it has already sold 20 of its flagship Superfly X95 and has 57 orders for the new Y72 model which launched in the summer. The company is now poised for further growth with the new Y95, X80,and V50 already in production, as well as five further new model launches by the end of 2022.

And, despite being in a Covid-19 recovery phase, intensive recruitment continues with increased investment in skills training and award-winning apprenticeship programmes.

The firm, which employs about 3,200 people in Plymouth, faced challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing supply chain issues affecting the UK and turnover and profits dipped in 2020 as the company was affected by a temporary Covid-related closure. But it bounced back strongly and sales have grown to the highest levels in company history, with an order book exceeding US$1bn.

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Plymouth was named as a recipient of one of the country’s eight new freeports by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in his March 2021 Budget. It meant Plymouth could benefit from a £100m investment and employment boom, with an estimated 1,000 jobs created in the first two year. Plymouth was named as a freeport alongside East Midlands Airport, Felixstowe and Harwich, the Humber region, the Liverpool City Region, Solent, Thames and Teesside, but it must have its case approved by ministers.

Plymouth City Council has been working with Devon County Council and South Hams District Council on the outline business case for the Plymouth and South Devon Freezone. Ms Cozens said the council had been talking with key stakeholders and landowners, particularly at Langage, where the local authority owns significant land in the Freezone area, but not all of it.

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Princess Yachts Reviews

The story began on Newport Street in Plymouth in 1965. It was here that ex-Naval officer David King and two friends started a company called Marine Projects.

Their first model, which was named Project 31 , was built on the hull of a Senior 31 and fitted out in a rented shed. This historic yacht was restored in 2015 as part of the yard’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

From such humble beginnings, Marine Projects made huge advances over the following years. This led to the 1969 launch of the Princess 32 – the first model to bear the name.

The 1970s saw Princess branch out into the burgeoning flybridge market with the Princess 37 V Hull. Designed by John Bennett and launched at the London Boat Show, this model was fitted with high performance inboard diesel engines.

Six years later the company began work on the Princess 30DS with a promising young designer called Bernard Olesinski. His name has since become a byword for the deep-vee hull. 1981 saw a buyout of the company, with South African businessman Graham J Beck taking the helm – he would remain the majority shareholder for the next 27 years.

In 1984 the launch of the Princess 286 Riviera cemented this company’s status in the high-speed sports cruiser market. Its twin 270hp Volvo AQ271/DP engines gave a top speed of more than 30 knots. Just a year later, the company followed up this success with the launch of the Princess 45, which was the largest production yacht in the UK – and there was clearly an appetite for larger yachts, as more than 400 hulls produced over the next nine years.

Export and expansion

The V-Class range was rolled out in 1994 with the arrival of the Princess V39 , which in its latest guise is still one of the company’s best sellers more than 20 years later. A 1995 tie-up with Viking Yachts of Gretna, New Jersey saw Princess break into the American market.

The 1990s also saw the yard move into a new purpose-built headquarters, still on Newport Street, as well as acquiring a new site in nearby Coypool.

But wasn’t until 2001 that the company was officially renamed as Princess Yachts International, with production split over three sites in Devonport, Plympton and Lee Mill. This year also saw the launch of Princess’s first M Class superyacht, the Princess 25M.

And in 2008 a buyout by L Capital allowed further expansion, taking the Princess range over the 100ft mark for the first time. This led to another new site – South Yard was leased from the Ministry of Defence for the development of the M Class range in 2009 and Princess was granted the lease for the premises two years later.

The yard is rightly proud of its environmental record, which was underlined in 2011 when Princess became the first British yard to achieve RINA Green Plus (Y) notation for its entire range. More recently, Princess teamed up with the Marine Conservation Society to launch a 2016 book called Enid & Her Magic Yacht, which aims to spread the environmental message to the next generation of seafarers.

Today the Princess Yachts collection ranges from the entry-level V39 sportscruiser to the 131ft tri-deck Princess 40M superyacht . Its yachts are built in a state-of-the-art facility, which spans more than 100,000 square metres. With more than 3,000 staff on its books, Princess Yachts is one of the biggest employers in Plymouth, but also operates in 118 other countries across the world.

You can read all the latest Princess Yachts news, reviews and features on MBY.com

1 - 15 of 15

Princess X95 review: Widebody design ushers in a brave new world

Review price: £6,950,000.00, princess s65 review.

The first model from the Plymouth yard built from the hull upwards to be a sportsbridge, the Princess S65 could be the best example of genre yet

Review Price: £1,984,308.00

Princess 68 review.

With an interior to die for and sparkling performance, the Princess 68 looks to be the whole package

Princess 68 takes to the water for sea trial

The new flybridge from Princess has undergone its first sea trial, hitting a top speed in excess of 30 knots

Motor Boat & Yachting drives the Princess S72

We put the Princess S72 to the test in the Miami heat

Princess Yachts 52

Standing tall among its rivals, the Princess 52's aim is simple - to conquer all

Review Price: £691,900.00

Princess yachts v39.

The new V39 isn't just eagerly awaited, it's the new jewel in the boating crown. Which probably explains why it's already sold out until autumn...

Review Price: £343,632.00

Princess yachts 50.

What can Princess offer in an already crowded 50ft class?

Review Price: £680,500.00

Princess yachts 72 motor yacht.

See the 72 Motor Yacht on stand SO50/berth DO40

Review Price: £1,780,000.00

Princess yachts v42.

Princess opts for the best of both worlds by keeping its hardtop soft

Review Price: £336,547.00

Princess yachts v62.

Princess V62 - suitable for cruising in northern waters

Review Price: £1,100,000.00

Princess yachts v45.

Sterndrives, performance and economy make the Princess V45 a winner

Review Price: £347,300.00

Princess yachts 54.

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Princess yachts 45.

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The World’s Best Superyacht Shipyards

We highlight the top yards crafting the most spectacular yachts on the planet., geri ward's most recent stories.

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• Share This Article

From Germany to the Netherlands, Italy, and the United States, the superyacht industry employs highly skilled craftsmen and women at shipyards around the globe. The handcrafted vessels can be seen in bodies of water from the Mediterranean to the Bahamas, providing enjoyment—and jobs—for those on board. Here we highlight the top 20 superyacht shipyards in the world.

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Lürssen

The German name tops the list, having built 11 out of 20 of the world’s largest superyachts in the last two decades. The 145-year-old family shipyard’s largest yacht, Azzam , spans 592 feet, 6 inches. Imagine six football fields laid end to end, with dozens of staterooms and saloons filled with beautiful woodwork, custom furniture, and art, all inside a high-tech hull. That 2013 launch was followed by others like 512-foot Dilbar and this year’s 364-foot Project Tis .

Lürssen Dilbar, designed by Espen Øino.  Photo: Josep Baresic

Still owned and managed by the Lürssen family, the company’s ability to consistently produce so many floating masterpieces is directly proportional to its skilled workforce and vast facilities. After recent acquisitions, including the famed Blohm & Voss yard, Lürssen owns eight shipyards across Germany. Its staff, some of the most experienced of any superyacht builder, include 400 designers, 600 engineers, 1,600 skilled workers, and 200 apprentices.

Lürssen’s Bremen shipyard.  Courtesy of Lürssen

After launching the company in 1875, Friedrich Lürssen declared: “My firm shall be known as a leader in both quality and performance.”

With his name attached to the world’s largest yachts , Friedrich’s words have taken on a greater significance than he could ever have imagined.

Abeking & Rasmussen’s Elandess at the shipyard.  Photo: Courtesy Abeking & Rasmussen

Abeking & Rasmussen

Located across the river from Lürssen’s Lemwerder yard, Abeking & Rasmussen has created advanced running surfaces, like its Swath hull that skips over turbulent ocean waves rather than pounding across. The name is known for commercial and military vessels as well as custom yachts.

Abeking & Rasmussen’s Cloudbreak.  Christopher Scholey

Its award winners include the 237-foot Cloudbreak , which set new design standards for expedition yachts, and the 244-foot Elandess , featuring its “Nemo Lounge” with a window below the waterline. Abeking’s flagship, the 321-foot Aviva , is unique among yachts its size with an unmatched interior volume that includes a regulation-sized paddle-tennis court .

Aviva’s paddle-tennis court.  Photo: Abeking & Rasmussen

The 112-year-old yard is typically ahead of the latest trends. It is developing a hybrid fuel cell powered by methanol that emits only clean steam. The system could well be the first hydrocarbon-emissions-free propulsion in the yachting world.

Feadship Amsterdam Yard.  Photo: Courtesy of Feadship

Formed as a group in 1949, Feadship is probably the most famous name among the Dutch builders. Feadship is comprised of the De Vries and Van Lent family yards, with locations in Aalsmeer, Makkum, Kaag, and Amsterdam. The group also includes De Voogt Naval Architects .

Feadship’s 312-foot Faith.  Photo: Courtesy of Feadship

Feadship, credited with dozens of custom launches over the last seven decades, has grown into Holland’s superyacht powerhouse. In the 2015, it launched 333-foot Symphony , the first Feadship to cross the 100-meter mark. Faith , a stunning 312-footer launched two years later, has a streamlined profile and helicopter pad with hangar on the foredeck and swimming pool with glass floor (forming the ceiling of the beach club below) on the aft deck.

Feadship Hasna.  Photo: Courtesy of Feadship

Last year, Feadship launched a half-dozen other yachts, including 241-foot Sherpa . Its expedition-yacht exterior, including two industrial-looking exhaust stacks on the aft cockpit, shows Feadship’s design capabilities. Its Project 814, with its vertical bow and long, lean forefoot, will be an example of an entirely new look, when launched later this year.

Nobiskrug Sailing Yacht A.  Photo: Courtesy of Nobiskrug

Specializing in made-to-measure, custom-built superyachts, award-winning builder Nobiskrug produces its vessels out of three different facilities in northern Germany: Rendsburg, Kiel-Gaarden, and Kiel-Friedrichsort. The yard was established in Rendsburg in 1905, shortly after the Kiel Canal opened in 1895. Today Nobiskrug employs more than 1,000 highly skilled craftsmen and women across the three shipyards. In-house production includes hull construction, steel cutting, mechanical work, fitting, pipe fitting, paint, electrical, and carpentry, with these workshops organized under one roof.

Shown above is the brand’s Best of the Best winner A , designed by Philippe Starck and built by Nobiskrug, the yacht is a 470-foot sail-assisted motor yacht that was delivered in 2017.

Nobiskrug Mogambo.  Photo: Courtesy of Nobiskrug

Nobiskrug’s 241-foot Mogambo won Robb Report ‘s Best of the Best award in 2013. Featuring both interiors and exteriors by UK-based Reymond Langton Design, Mogambo is a great example of Nobiskrug’s past projects.

Nobiskrug’s hybrid superyacht Artefact.  Photo: Courtesy of Nobiskrug

Representing the future of the company, Nobiskrug’s hybrid superyacht Artefact (ex-project 790) was revealed last fall in Monaco and is scheduled for a 2019 delivery. With an exterior by Canada’s Gregory Marshall Studio and interior by Reymond Langton Design, the yacht features numerous eco-friendly characteristics, such as lower emissions and a quieter ride. It also utilizes a Dynamic Positioning System to hold its position for longer, delaying the need for sea-bed-damaging anchors.

Amels Shipyard.  Photo: Courtesy of Amels

Amels celebrated its centennial in 2018, but the superyacht builder has modern facilities and one of the industry’s smartest business plans. It was acquired by the Damen Group in 1991, which gave it the financial resources and vision to become one of the most respected custom yacht builders. Ten years ago, it launched a Limited Editions range. Built on proven hull platforms from 180 to 272 feet, owners have a choice of customizing both the interior and exteriors. Close to 40 yachts have been delivered since, proving that the disruptive concept has a place in yacht-building.

Amels Limited Editions 242.  Photo: Schöningh Wulffraat

The Amels’ yard in Vlissingen has two climate-controlled bays, one 475 feet and the other 670 feet, for multiple new builds or refits. Its second yard in Vlissingen East has a climate-controlled bay, measuring 705 feet.

Amels Volpini 2.  Photo: Courtesy of Amels

Used for military and commercial vessels, it has the facilities and skilled workers to handle the world’s largest custom, steel-hulled yachts. Noteworthy launches last year include 243-foot Universe , 205-foot Sea & US , and 189-foot Volpini 2 .

Oceanco launches 110-meter Jubilee.  Photo: Francisco Martinez Photography

Oceanco is a relative newcomer, but it has created some of the world’s most beautiful custom superyachts. Names like the recently launched 295-foot DAR are great examples, but the yard has also built technically advanced vessels like the 350-foot sailing superyacht, Black Pearl , with some of the most advanced sails ever designed. Its other award winners like Jubilee , Aquijo , and Infinity , retain their own unique DNA. The yard has worked with the most sought-after yacht designers, including Terence Disdale , Nuvolari-Lenard , Espen Øino , Sam Sorgiovanni , Igor Lobanov , Tim Heywood , and Andrew Winch .

Oceanco Bravo launch.  Photo: Francisco Jose Martinez Mendez

The Alblasserdam yard is working on 357-foot Project Bravo , the first Oceanco with its proprietary LIFE design (lengthened, innovative, fuel-efficient, and eco-friendly). Bravo will combine hybrid propulsion, weight savings, and extra interior space in a package that could be a game-changer for yachting. “Our approach with Bravo was to maintain a stunningly sleek profile without sacrificing interior space,” says designer Dan Lenard. “The new exterior style concept is bound to create a new design stream.”

The superstructure is lowered over the hull of Project Triton.  Photo: Dick Holthuis

Among the Dutch builders, Heesen has seen the greatest expansion of its model line, which is available in aluminum and steel. Its recent launches range from the 164-foot futuristic hybrid, Home , to more conventional designs like the 180-foot Laurentia . The yard really started its upward trajectory in 2011 with the simultaneous launches of Quinta Essentia and Satori, two very different yachts that captivated the superyacht world.

Heesen Home.  Photo: Courtesy Dick Holthuis Photography

Two years later, Galactica Star , the first fast-displacement yacht, showed that Heesen lived in a world where design and technology intersect. Its largest-ever build, 230-foot Galactica Super Nova , was a sign that Heesen can move into larger categories. The yard has drawings of an ultra-modern 83-meter custom Maximus concept, complete with an entirely open cockpit and swimming pool with waterfall, waiting for the right owner.

A Delfino 95 emerges from the shed at Benetti’s Viareggio yard.  Photo: Courtesy of Benetti

Benetti is not only the world’s largest superyacht builder, it is also one of the oldest. Started in 1875, the Italian builder always has a parade of custom and semicustom builds. The Azimut Benetti Group now has 97 yachts under build over 78 feet. In the last year, Benetti has launched a range of yachts, including Ironman , its sixth Fast 140, 207-foot custom Metis and 226-foot Spectre .

Benetti Spectre.  Courtesy of Benetti

Benetti also recently launched its largest-ever build, 351-foot FB277, one of three gigayachts currently being built in its Livorno yard. The other two are due to launch this year. The world’s largest superyacht builder continues to push the boundaries in design and technology, as it moves into gigayacht territory that the yards in Northern Europe have dominated for years.

CRN’s superyacht yard.  Photo: Courtesy of CRN

The 262-foot Chopi Chopi was a landmark yacht for CRN when it launched in 2013, showing that the Italian yard could go toe-to-toe with the yards in Northern Europe. Chopi Chopi is still CRN’s largest build to date, but the Ancona facility has launched a succession of custom yachts that have established CRN’s place as the crown jewel of the Ferretti Group. The military exterior of 180-foot Atlante , sleek hull of 239-foot Yalla , or stunning, high-tech interior of its most recent launch, Cloud 9 , show the range of the custom builder.

CRN’s Cloud 9 superyacht.  Photo: Maurizio Paradisi

CRN’s current builds include a 260-foot tri-deck motor yacht, a pair of 203-footers with low superstructures and vertical bows, and a 164-foot Superconero , a modern version of the 1970s SuperConero that defined CRN. Ferretti has invested about $10 million to upgrade the Ancona yard, with plans to invest another $15 million.

Baglietto Shipyard.  Photo: Emilio Bianchi

Baglietto is one of Italy’s most revered yacht names, having started in 1840 when Pieto Baglietto built small wooden fishing boats in his backyard. The company built boats for kings and popes, and put the first combustion engine into an 80-foot yacht in 1906. After being rescued from bankruptcy by the Gavio Group, a multinational corporation owned by a yacht-loving family, Baglietto has experienced a renaissance. Both its production facility, which gained a $25 million facelift, and model line, ranging from 43 to 230 feet, are now state of the art.

Baglietto’s Silver Fox.  Photo: Federico Ferretti

Francesco Paszkowski, Italy’s most revered yacht designer, does the lion’s share of design for Baglietto, but the builder recently unveiled other concepts by Milan-based Hot Lab and Santa Maria Magnolfi for its midrange superyachts. Baglietto is offering these very different designs on five proven hull platforms. Its 230-foot flagship is from Mulder Design in the Netherlands.

Rossinavi Aurora.  Photo: Courtesy of Rossinavi

Rossinavi ’s recent launches are some of the most inspired designs in the superyacht world. The 2017 launches, 160-foot  Endeavour II and 161-foot  Aurora , are as different in design as chalk and cheese. The yard worked with Achille Salvagn i on both interiors. Salvagni, known for his stylized residential interiors and whimsical decor, brought a fresh sensibility to both yachts that gave them very distinct personalities.

Rossinavi’s Custom Utopia IV.  Photo: Courtesy of Rossinavi

Last year, the yard launched two more inimitable yachts, 206-foot  Utopia IV and 161-foot  Flying Dagger . Utopia IV is unique among superyachts because of its top end of 33 knots, with transatlantic range. Always on the lookout for new ideas, Rossinavi has unveiled concepts with Pininfarina, designer of many Ferrari models, and the Phantom 62, a sleek, futuristic design by Enrico Gobbi.

Sanlorenzo’s superyacht yard.  Photo: Silvano Pupella

With headquarters in Ameglia and other yards in Viareggio, Massa, and La Spezia, Sanlorenzo is ranked among the top three builders of yachts over 80 feet. In the last two years it has introduced a 118-foot planing yacht, a 210-foot 64Steel (due out this year), the 171-foot custom Seven Sins —not to mention the flagship of its explorer line, the 164-foot 500EXP Ocean Dreamwalker III , which it launched at the last Monaco Yacht Show . The light-blue steel hull shows the style that Sanlorenzo gives to each new launch.

Sanlorenzo SL102 Asymmetric Yacht.  Photo: Courtesy of Sanlorenzo

The recently introduced SL102 employs an asymmetric exterior design , with an outer walkway on just one side of the boat to increase interior volume.

The hull of the 56-meter motor yacht in the Perini Navi Voyager line, designed in partnership Philippe Briand, arrives in La Spezia from the Yildiz shipyard in Istanbul.  Photo: Courtesy of Perini Navi

Perini Navi

The Perini name extends across a succession of groundbreaking yachts from 289-foot  Maltese Falcon , which had a DynaRig sail plan that was designed from a theory, to the ultimate blue-water cruiser, the 229-foot  Sybaris , through to the flagship of Monaco’s 2017 show, the 1 97-foot  Seven .

Perini Navi Seven.  Photo: Courtesy Perini Navi

Since a management restructuring in 2017, Perini Navi has introduced multiple new lines , including its E-volution sailing yacht series and three styles of motor yachts—Argonaut, Heritage, and Voyager. With two yards in Italy and a third in Turkey, Perini now has three sailing yachts under construction, including two 138-foot E-volutions. Its three motor achts under build include two Philippe Briand–designed 53 and 56 Voyagers, as well as its 82-foot hybrid-powered Eco-tender. The brand’s new energy promises a bright future.

Sunseeker’s shed.  Photo: Courtesy of Sunseeker

When John and Robert Braithwaite started their fledgling boat business in 1969, the two brothers had no idea it would become one of the UK’s most important shipyards. Sunseeker is different from most yards on this list because it builds only in composites up to 155 feet.

The Sunseeker 161 being built by Icon Yachts.  Photo: Courtesy of Sunseeker/Icon

Prompted by owner demand, Sunseeker is now venturing into aluminum with its new 161 Yacht. Easily recognized by Sunseeker’s exterior design cues, the 161 will be built by Icon Yachts in Holland. “We are combining the metal build expertise of ICON with our design DNA, technical expertise, and market know-how,” says Sean Robertson, president of Sunseeker USA, adding the new yacht will “absolutely” be a Sunseeker. The 161 will be launched in 2021.

Princess Yachts shipyard.  Photo: Courtesy of Princess Yachts

Princess Yachts

Princess Yachts is the other British builder that continues to evolve in interesting, new ways. Established in Plymouth in 1965, Princess has grown into multiple modern production sites measuring more than 1.1 million square feet. Situated in a port with maritime ties that date back centuries, Princess’s South Yard, where the M Class superyachts are built, is a former 17th-century naval yard.

Princess Yachts Imperial Princess.  Photographer: Marc Paris

The Princess flagship, the 131-foot 40M Imperial Princess, seems like a larger superyacht, with large interior volume and unusual natural light. The yard also makes a 30M (98 foot LOA) and 35M (115 foot LOA).

Princess Yachts R35.  Photo: Courtesy of Princess

Its most exciting launch was the R35, a 35-footer designed by Pininfarina, with a foil system that reduces drag by 30 percent. Princess plans to add the foil design to its larger yachts, an innovation that could revolutionize yachting.

Royal Huisman Ngoni.  Photo: Courtesy Royal Huisman/Breed Media

Royal Huisman

Established in 1884, Royal Huisman is one of the oldest shipyards in Holland but one of its most modern. Its waterside facility in Vollenhove totals about 350,000 square feet, with four heated bays to accommodate yachts up to 266 feet. It has another facility in Amsterdam and a third in Emden, with facilities for yachts up to 394 feet. Its fleet of famous sailing superyachts include Gliss, Antares, Hyperiod, Hanuman, Elfie, and Arcadia . Its recent launches include the 190-foot  Ngoni , which has one of the most eclectic interiors ever, and the more classic 184-foot  Aquarius . Though best known for custom sailboats, the yard is currently working on Project Phi, a 180-foot motor yacht designed by Van Ooosannen Naval Architects.

Nautor’s Swan Pietarsaari shipyard.  Photo: Courtesy of Nautor's Swan

Nautor’s Swan

Finnish builder Nautor’s Swan , founded in 1966 by Pekka Koskenkyla, has always had its sights on building high-performance sailing yachts with beautiful wood interiors. Koskenkyla enlisted Sparkman & Stephens, designer for many winning America’s Cup yachts, to create its first fiberglass boat. The new boats saw instant racing success.

Swan 115 sailing yacht.  Photo: Eva-Stina Kjellman

The builder eventually partnered with German Frers Design. The Frers team, working with 30 Swan designers, is responsible for many innovative designs, including the first Swan 115 S introduced in 2015 at the Monaco show. The 115 was the flagship of the its Maxi division, which includes the Swan 98 , and eventually became the Swan 120.

The 98’s multipurpose deck makes for a great hangout and sunning area, while at the same time has optimal space for sail handling.  Photo: Courtesy Nautor's Swan

Nautor’s Swan expanded beyond its historical plant in Kallby in 2002, when it opened a new high-tech facility in Pietarsaari for yachts from 60 to 115 feet. Its Kronoby facility produces its famous wood interiors. The most noteworthy yard in Finland has produced 2,000 Swans since it launched operations.

Westport’s shipyard in Port Angeles, Washington.  Photo: Courtesy of Westport

Westport Yachts

Westport Yachts has been North America’s most prolific superyacht builder since it began building boats in 1969. Its facilities in Westport and Port Angeles, Washington, include enclosed spaces of 170,000 and 100,00 square feet, respectively, with a separate 80,000-square-foot cabinet shop and 4,100-square-foot upholstery shop. Westport has launched more than 140 yachts.

A recently launched 130-foot/40-meter Westport superyacht.  Photo: Courtesy of Westport

Westport’s success lies in its disciplined approach to yacht building, which involves a production mentality that keeps each build on time and on budget. The builder uses leading-edge machinery, proven coring materials, and components like MTU and Caterpillar engines, Northern Lights generators, and Furuno electronics that bring quality and consistency to the build process.

The saloon of Westport’s recent 130-foot superyacht.  Photo: Courtesy of Westport

Its line of the W112, W125, W130 and W164 are contemporary but not ostentatious, with high levels of fit and finish across the yacht. That type of production mentality, which allows for a certain degree of customization, means the yachts are built to the same high standards.

Westport clients appreciate that level of reliability, not to mention resale value, when it comes to yacht ownership.

Delta Marine shipyard.  Photo: Jeff Brown

Delta Marine

Delta Marine is not given much to self-promotion, but the Seattle yard shares the same type of pedigree as many of the top European builders.

Delta Marine Invictus.  Photo: Jeff Brown

Its production quality, skilled labor, and proven ability to turn intricate, complex designs into beautiful, custom superyachts has earned it a place among the world’s top builders. The yard comprises a 25-acre complex in Seattle, with 300,000 square feet of manufacturing space in its state-of-the-art facility. With Boeing headquarters just down the road, and Seattle being a leading tech center, the trickle-down influence on the shipyard is noteworthy. Its collection of custom yachts includes 216-foot  Invictus , 164-foot  Arianna , and 240-foot  Laurel . Recently, an unnamed 204-foot launch was seen on sea trials near the yard.

Mangusta El Leon launch.  Photo: Emilio Bianchi

The Overmarine Group’s Mangusta brand has been known for speed during its 34-year-history. The Balducci family defined their niche, though the range has expanded to maxi open yachts and long-range yachts. The line extends from 94 to 215 feet LOA, with 300 yachts produced over the years. Its Mangusta Maxi Open series, ranging from 94 to 215 feet, offers speed as well as quietness and stability, in a stylish package. Its 50M (164-footer) is considered an industry icon. The Mangusta Oceano are long-range yachts with ranges up to 5,000 miles.

Mangusta Oceano 46 Q95.  Photo: Courtesy of Mangusta

The Mangusta GranSports are a combination of the two lines, fast-displacement yachts capable of covering long distances. The group has 10 production facilities in Tuscany and Viareggio, Massa, and Pisa that total around two million square feet of indoor and exterior space. It has two wharfs in Viareggio where it does the final work on its yachts. Overmarine is vertically integrated, from the initial design to making the molds, to installing the electronics. The company celebrated a milestone in December: Its Gransport El Leon  (shown above) crossed the Atlantic, the first Mangusta to ever accomplish that feat.

Southern Wind Kiboko Tres.  Photo: Courtesy of Southern Wind

Southern Wind

This 25-year-old builder has design offices in Italy and a modern yard in Johannesburg, South Africa, where it builds advanced composite sailing yachts from 82 to 115 feet in length. Over the years, it has worked with renowned sailing yacht designers, Farr Yacht, Reichel/Pugh, and Nauta Design. Most launches are semi-custom projects built on proven running surfaces, giving the owner the choice to customize interior and exterior. Southern Wind ’s most  recent launch is SW105 Kiboko Tres , the second of its performance cruiser series. Designed for offshore sailing but with the comforts of a superyacht, Kiboko Tres passed the ultimate sea trial: 7,000 miles from Johannesburg to Italy, on its way from the shipyard to the offices in Italy.

Christensen Chasseur.  Photo: Jeff Brown

Christensen

Rare among superyacht builders, Christensen Yachts does virtually all of its work in house. The Vancouver, Washington–based yard has its own metal department for completing stainless handrails, stairways, anchor pockets, and other custom pieces, as well as a stone shop for marble, onyx, quartz, granite, and limestone used in the inlaid floors, countertops, and panels; and shops for woodworking, painting, and upholstery. Vertical integration allows the yard to deliver exceptional details for its yachts, which run up to 164 feet. Christensen’s Chasseur won top award in its category in the 2017 International Superyacht Society, in part for the intricate interior.

Christensen’s Vancouver shipyard. 

Located on a seven-acre marina, the shipyard has a dozen bays enclosed in 180,000 square feet of climate-controlled space.

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Plymouth's Princess Yachts likely to be sold to US private equity giant

A deal to sell the UK's largest luxury boat maker could be struck as soon as this week

• 12:56, 13 FEB 2023

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Speculation is mounting that Plymouth-based luxury boat-builder Princess Yachts is about to be sold to a US private equity business. The company has told PlymouthLive that it is unable to comment at this point but it is understood a deal could be struck this week.

In May 2022, PlymouthLive reported that Princess Yachts’ private equity owner L Catterton had hired bankers to find a buyer . Now it seems US private equity investor KPS Capital Partners is in the frame to acquire the UK’s largest luxury boat maker.

For more than 30 years, KPS has been acquiring manufacturing businesses in sectors producing such as branded consumer goods, healthcare and luxury products, automotive parts, capital equipment and in general manufacturing. The New York-headquartered business has about UD$14.1bn of assets under management.

KPS’ portfolio of companies generates total annual revenues of about US$22bn, operates 232 manufacturing facilities in 27 countries and combined have about 53,000 employees. KPS said it creates value “almost exclusively through operational and performance improvement”. It bought Tiger Woods-backed TaylorMade Golf from Adidas in 2017 for US$425m and sold it four years later to South Korean private equity firm Centroid Investment Partners for US$1.7bn.

In 2008 Princess Yachts was acquired by L Capital 2 FCPR, an investment group co-sponsored by LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) and Groupe Arnault. In January 2016, L Capital merged with Catterton to become L Catterton, now recognised as the largest global consumer-focused investment firm.

Last year, there was intense speculation that L Catterton had hired bankers at Macquarie to find a buyer for the Plymouth manufacturer. At the time, Princess Yachts told PlymouthLive it was looking to start discussions with potential investors. It said this was to provide financial support needed to build a huge new factory at its Devonport operation. In late 2021, PlymouthLive revealed Princess Yachts wants to build another factory in Plymouth’s freeport area in the South Yard so it can produce more vessels, employ more people and fulfil a US$1bn order book. The company was also undergoing a sales boost, now selling more than 300 boats annually.

Princess Yachts has just returned from Europe’s largest boat show Boot Düsseldorf , in Germany, It used the show to debut its new S72 vessel and also showed off seven vessels at the eight-day show, including the X80, F65, Y85, V40, F45 and S62.

In 2022 Princess Yachts said it was embarking on a three-year plan to launch lots of new models as its order book remained packed and its factory unable to take on any new work until 2024. The Stonehouse-headquartered company said it will be further investing in new products and has “bold plans” to increase capacity, having already announced it wants to build a new plant at Devonport.

In December, the company entertained potential customers in Plymouth when they showed off the new £12m Y95. Potential customers flew in from the USA, Middle East, Asia and across Europe to tour the vessel while it was moored at the Royal William Yard’s marina.

At 95 feet in length the boat is just short of superyacht status. The first Y95, known in the industry as “slot 1”, was moored at the marina prior to being collected by its new owner and transported to Asia on a cargo ship. Princess Yachts took the opportunity to show it off to invited guests - and received orders for more Y95s.

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After releasing the very first Princess motor yacht in 1965 – 31-ft Project 31 – Princess Yachts have become a leader of the motor yacht industry. Legendary flybridge models, innovative long-range X Class, sporty V and S Class as well as the newest R Class with outstanding high-performance characteristics – every single Princess yacht represents the ultimate handcrafted luxury on water that provides its owners with best experiences. What makes Princess Yachts stand out from other motor yacht brands? The core of the brand concept is vivid – every Princess yacht owner experiences the exceptionally built yachts with phenomenal level of handcrafted detailing. Perfect maneuverability and handling, beautifully furnished luxurious interiors, durability and comfort – this is what is concealed in every Princess yacht. Located in Plymouth, Great Britain, Princess Yachts’ shipyard has one of the most advanced building infrastructures in the world that enables the construction of high-quality motor yachts implementing on board technologies of the future. Every Princess yacht conceives a perfect balance of style and material that unifies innovations and heritage, creativity and cutting-edge technologies. Being a part of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA (LVMH), Princess Yachts is a synonym of luxury yachting that has become one of the most influential brands in the world.

Brief history of Princess Yachts Limited

Princess Yachts established as Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd to deal with technical maintenance and chartering of Project 31 yacht. Afterwards, the yacht was sold. The company then realized that it was a good chance to grow substantially by selling yachts. Between 1966 and 1969 more than 150 yachts have been successfully built and sold.

After Project 31 success, Princess started to make GRP-formation and released its first Princess 32 that was then showcased during boat show in London. In a decade, more than 1200 yachts have been sold, what made this yacht a true best-seller of all time. Local and foreign agents were hired and the distributor network was.

John Bennett appointed to design two new models to compliment Princess 32.

Princess 37 had had launched during boat show in London, as well as Princess 25 was introduced later that year.

Based on Princess 37 the very first flybridge yachts launched in different variations. In addition, the Lee Mill infrastructure was opened as a mould store, developed by Bernard Olesinski.

Princess 30DS was the first next-generation yacht designed by Bernard Olesinski.

More than 500 yachts sold. This trend started a brand new approach. Its core idea lays in profound salon detailing of every model. This is one of the core brand concepts Princess Yachts still follows.

Premiere of the Princess 45, the all-time design of a motor yacht and the biggest, which was mass produced at that time. More 900 yachts have been sold in 9 years. Princess 45 was replaced by the newest Princess 455.

The very first sport yacht built – Princess 286 R. It was developed for the needs of the Mediterreanean market.

Brand new manufacturing facility «Langage 1» is built with volume 4200 sq. m in Plymouth.

Princess 62 is launched. It was the largest mass-produced motor yacht built in Britain.

First V class sport yachts are built: Princess V39 and Princess V52, which were later established as a base for future yachts.

The very first «Metre» yacht is built – Princess 20 Metre.

New headquarters opened on Newport street. The shipyard acquires Coypool facility (30000 sq.m), also Langage facility is extended to Langage 2 to produce V class yachts. Princess 52 construction started, which were the first yachts to have electronic diesel engines installed.

Princess v65 mass production started, the largest yacht of the range.

Marine Projects renamed to Princess Yachts International plc.

The company celebrates 40 th anniversary, being the world leader in yacht mass-production.

The construction of Princess 95 Motor yacht flagship started.

Princess V class extended to Princess V85, the biggest yacht in the range. Princess 85 Motor Yacht, Princess 50 and Princess V62 also added to the model list.

Princess Yachts is to be the first European yacht manufacturer to acquire ISO14001 certificate as a recognition of achievements in lowering negative impact on nature. 5 new yachts are added to the model range with Princess 72 Motor Yacht and Princess V85-S. Princess climbs 37 points up in Sunday Times HSBC Top track 250 rating.

Princess Yachts presents the very first M class yacht during London Boat Show – Princess 32M, and 3 other boats later that year. Princess acquires ownership of South Yard industrial complex from the Ministry of Defense and funding from the regional development government to increase the growth of the production.

Princess Yachts achieves British standard OHSAS 18001 certificate in security management and health of the employees. Princess Yachts becomes the first major British motor yacht manufacturer to achieve RINA Green Plus (Y) level for every yacht in V class and flybridge range with length under 24 meters.

This year is very important for the shipyard. V39 – the smallest yacht built for the last decade as well as the biggest superyacht every built in history of the shipyard – Princess 40M. The 132-feet superyacht listed as the biggest yacht built in Great Britain with resin-unfused composite hull. Princess V52 prized as «Best sportcruiser 45 ft+». David King founder and CEO of Princess Yachts Ltd awarded with special jury prize «Motor Boat of the Year Awards 2012». Princess V39 awarded in USA as «Best foreign motor yacht 30-40 feet» during AIM Media Marine Group Editor’s Choice Award 2012. In 2012 V57, 56 and Princess V62-S were built reaching the total number of new added yachts in the year to 5.

The release of Princess 52, 82 Motor Yacht and 88 Motor Yacht. The shipyard starts building the first yacht with IPS drive system – Princess V48. The first Princess 40M superyacht is awarded with prestigious World Superyacht Award in nominations «Trideck gliding or semi-displacement motor yacht» and «Best mass produced motor yacht from 24 to 40 m» during 9-th Asia Boating Awards. The other M class yacht – Princess 32M – is awarded with «Best mass produced motor yacht in the range of 30m» during Hurun Report’s Best of the Best Awards. It was also a successful year for V class. V39 was awarded second year in a row as «Best sportcruiser under 45 feet» during Motor Boat Awards. In Japan V52 awarded as «Best foreign large yacht» and «Yacht of the 2012». The company awarded with «Large Company of the Year» during Herald Business Awards 2013 and «Best brand collection» during Helm Singapore Yacht Show.

Princess presents Princess S72, the brand-new S class yacht with sportbridge. The development of the new M class superyacht is in full swing, which will be announced in 2015. Two flybridge yachts awarded: Princess 43 wins in the category «Flybridge yacht under 55 feet» during Motor boat Awards and Princess 56 wins «Best foreign large yacht» during Boat of the year in Japan.

Princess Yachts celebrates its 50 th anniversary since the establishment in 1965. For this occasion, Princess Yachts releases renovated Project 31 – the very first Princess yacht. The yacht was showcased during Cannes Yachting Festival along with the sales start of Princess 35M. S class range updated with Princess S65. Later this year the shipyard launched open versions of Princess V58 and V48. Princess S72 and V48 are awarded during Motor Boat Awards. Princess 40M wins the category «Best semi-custom yacht in the World in the range 25 m+» during Asia Pacific Boating Awards.

The English shipyard launches new Princess 75 Motor Yacht and new M class superyacht – Princess 30M. Princess 49 with IPS engine added to the flybridge range.

In January two Princess yachts – 75 Motor Yacht and V58 – are awarded as «Best Yacht of the Year» during Motor Boat Awards. The shipyard refreshed its sports yacht range with Princess V40, which premiered at boot Düsseldorf in Germany. The brand-new Princess S60 showcased during London Boat Show. Princess 30M superyacht wins «Best semi-custom superyacht in the range from 30 to 33.9 m» during World Superyacht Awards. During Cannes and Southampton yacht festivals Princess 55 and 62 were premiered. In Cannes Princess Yachts presented its first unique client-oriented service – Princess Lifeline SOS-service. 2017 is a record-breaking year for Princess Yachts: the volume of the order book exceeds 1 billion dollars. Today the company is one of the bespoke luxury yachts manufacturer, that builds 20 different models in the range of superyachts, motor flybridge yachts. V class sport yachts and S class sportbridges, R class performance yachts in the range 39 to 132 feet and has a network with more than 50 distributors around the world.

KPS Capital Partners to Acquire Controlling Ownership of Princess Yachts

Investment will Accelerate Company’s Growth and Innovation

New York, NY  (February 13, 2023) -- KPS Capital Partners, LP (“KPS”) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling equity interest in Princess Yachts (Holdings) Limited, (“Princess Yachts” or the “Company”), a leading global manufacturer of luxury motor yachts.  Existing stockholders will retain ownership in the Company.  Completion of the transaction is expected in the first quarter of 2023 and is subject to customary closing conditions and approvals. 

Princess Yachts is a leading builder of luxury motor yachts and is recognized for its timeless design, hand-crafted quality and exceptional seakeeping.  Headquartered in Plymouth, England, the Company’s unparalleled level of vertical integration – including on-site design, engineering and manufacturing – has helped position Princess Yachts as one of Britain’s most iconic luxury brands.  Princess Yachts serves a global customer base through its best-in-class international dealer network.  The Company has approximately 3,200 employees and operates five manufacturing facilities in Plymouth, England.

Ryan Harrison, a Partner of KPS Mid-Cap Investments, said, “We are excited to make this significant investment in Princess Yachts, a leading company in the luxury global yachting industry with an iconic brand grounded in British tradition, a remarkable and growing product range and worldwide reputation for quality and innovation.  KPS’ investment will accelerate Princess’ growth trajectory and fund numerous investments for its future.  We look forward to working with Princess’ existing stockholders, Chief Executive Officer Antony Sheriff, the senior leadership team and the talented employee base at Princess Yachts.”   

Antony Sheriff, Chief Executive Officer of Princess Yachts, said, “We are thrilled to partner with KPS for this exciting new chapter for Princess Yachts.  KPS and the Princess Yachts team are deeply committed to investing in the Company’s future while continuing to further strengthen our portfolio of best-in-class motor yachts.  With a current order book nearing a record $1 billion and many model lines sold into 2025, we have never been in a stronger commercial position.  Together with KPS’ tremendous track record of manufacturing excellence and investing in leading brands, we are now positioned to take Princess Yachts to the next level of industry leadership in quality and innovation.  Under KPS’ ownership, we will accelerate a range of growth and operational initiatives to build upon our long and successful history.”

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP served as legal counsel to KPS.  Macquarie Capital and Latham & Watkins LLP served as financial advisor and legal counsel, respectively, to Princess Yachts.

About Princess Yachts

Princess Yachts is a leading builder of luxury motor yachts and is recognized for its timeless, understated design, unique craftsmanship and exceptional seakeeping.  Headquartered in Plymouth, England, the Company’s unparalleled level of vertical integration – including on-site design, engineering and manufacturing – has helped position Princess Yachts as one of Britain’s most iconic luxury brands.  Princess Yachts serves a global customer base through its best-in-class international dealer network.  The Company has approximately 3,200 employees and operates five manufacturing facilities in Plymouth, England.  For additional information, please visit www.princessyachts.com .

About KPS Capital Partners

KPS, through its affiliated management entities, is the manager of the KPS Special Situations Funds, a family of investment funds with approximately $21.8 billion of assets under management (as of June 30, 2024).  For over three decades, the Partners of KPS have worked exclusively to realize significant capital appreciation by making controlling equity investments in manufacturing and industrial companies across a diverse array of industries, including basic materials, branded consumer, healthcare and luxury products, automotive parts, capital equipment and general manufacturing.  KPS creates value for its investors by working constructively with talented management teams to make businesses better, and generates investment returns by structurally improving the strategic position, competitiveness and profitability of its portfolio companies, rather than primarily relying on financial leverage. The KPS Funds’ portfolio companies generate aggregate annual revenues of approximately $19.3 billion, operate 219 manufacturing facilities in 26 countries, and have approximately 47,000 employees, directly and through joint ventures worldwide (as of June 30, 2024). The KPS investment strategy and portfolio companies are described in detail at www.kpsfund.com.

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By SuperyachtNews 25 Aug 2023

Princess Yachts appoints new CEO

Princess yachts has announced the appointment of will green as ceo, succeeding antony sheriff in the position….

Antony Sheriff has stepped down as CEO of the Plymouth-based yacht builder and has been replaced as CEO by Will Green, who steps up from his role as Commercial Executive Director. In February 2023 Princess Yachts , the UK's largest luxury boatbuilder was sold to KPS Capital Partners, a US-based private equity firm.

Will Green joined Princess Yachts in 2003 and has helped shape the Company as Chief Sales Officer and more recently in his position of Chief Commercial Officer. Previously Head of UK Sales at luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin, Green oversaw the strategic direction of Princess’ global sales.

“It is an honour to be appointed chief executive of Princess. Those who know me will recognise the passion I have for the brand, so this is an exciting opportunity to shape the next chapter for the business and build on its amazing legacy," said Green.

“I am excited and privileged to work alongside a very talented team that has achieved a long track record of success and, with the support of our controlling shareholder KPS Capital Partners, I know we can build on this further with investment in some key areas and by focusing on what we do best – building exceptional yachts for our customers.’

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