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[TRADUCCIÓN]
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ON BOARD
PRINCESS 88 MOTOR YACHT
ELEGANT AND EFFICIENT POCKET
SUPERYACHT
Sports cruiser with flybridge? Semi-displace-
ment powerboat? The 88 Motor Yacht is both of
these. A model designed for fuel-efficient cruis-
ing and long-distance voyages.
Text: G. de Soler
Translation: Futuramos
D
esigned with long cruises and extended stays
aboard in mind, the new Princess 88 MY comes
equipped with the latest in hybrid semi-planing deep-
V hull designs, which coupled with the power of her
MTU or CAT engine options deliver a top speed of over
27 knots. This allows for quick nearshore hops when
necessary, from port to port or bay to bay, and sedate
sailing at 16-18 knots on relaxed longer journeys. To
round off the concept, let’s say that from a navigational
point of view the Princess 88 can quite easily be defi-
ned as a semi-displacement powerboat with flybridge,
whilst from a construction and interiors point of view
we’re looking at a semi-custom yacht but with many
possibilities to choose different options. The result, ex-
cept for the structural side, is actually a yacht whose
owner may well feel as if she was built expressly to suit
his desires. Being able to incorporate this added value
is not unrelated to the fact that since 2008 the shipyard
has been owned by LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hen-
nessy). The luxury group’s involvement in designing
and creating the interiors is crystal clear, with furniture,
soft furnishings and materials all bearing the hallmark
of this brand.
A VAST FLYBRIDGE
A quick glance at the exterior lines underlines the im-
portance given to the flybridge on this model. From the
radar arch and antennas, an optional hardtop features
an electrically-powered canvas bimini that covers prac-
tically the front half of the top deck up to the second
helm station, providing protection and shade for both
the skipper and companions. The helm station is placed
in the centre, which unlike those located on one side
of the boat allows for two daytime areas on each side,
well sheltered from the wind by the front deflector, with
two groups of sofas for unwinding, observing or simply
accompanying the helmsman while underway. Further
aft, the deck features a bar unit and grill to starboard
and a U-shaped sofa to enjoy shaded alfresco dining
when at anchor.
In the aft section of this area, the shipyard offers the op-
tion of including either a sunpad or, taking advantage of
the structural height, replacing it with a hot tub, which
doesn’t take away any space as the flybridge overhang to
aft provides a decent location for sun loungers, or even
for storing a tender or jet ski with its corresponding cra-
ne on the side.
This isn’t the only outdoor space on the Princess 88
geared towards relaxation and enjoying navigation
whilst in the open air. Besides the aft deck, totally pro-
tected by the flybridge overhang, and its spacious U-
shaped sofa and table for eight, on the foredeck guests
can unwind on a further sunpad and a second sofa area
for enjoying the breeze whilst at sea or using as a private
corner away from prying eyes when berthed stern-to at
a marina.
SALOON WITH BALCONY
Commanding the interior of the main deck is the vast
full-beam saloon, flanked by large floor-to-ceiling win-
dows allowing light to flood in and providing panoramic
views of the seascape. In this flagship model, designed
by the owner in collaboration with the yard’s interior
design team, prevalence is given to soft hues and light
fabrics and leathers, which harmoniously blend with the
walnut flooring. This delivers a relaxing and transparent
space, dominated in the centre by a large L-shaped sofa
with chaise longue, individual armchairs to aft and a fur-
ther sofa to starboard served by a coffee table designed by
Casa Fendi, part of the LVMH group.
Free from tall furniture interrupting the view in any
direction, and with the dining area and eight-seater ta-
ble placed forward, only the galley is separated from the
saloon, closed off by a bulkhead and accessed via an elec-
tric door. The galley also leads to the forward section
featuring the main helm station and guest dinette. Day
visitors are catered for on this yacht, too, with a guest
bathroom found in the corridor between the saloon and
the helm station and dinette.
Besides the huge side windows and the aft glass wall, a
key feature of the interior-exterior definition of the Prin-
cess 88 main deck is the hydraulic folding balcony that
opens out over the sea from the starboard corridor just
next to the saloon. In fact, this is the first model produ-
ced by the British shipyard to boast this unique option.
INTERIOR ELEGANCE
The Princess 88 offers two basic lower deck layouts, de-
pending on the use desired. On this model, the full-beam
master cabin is placed amidships, with two cabins – one
twin and one double – allocated for guests, and the bow
section reserved for the VIP ensuite, which is also full
beam. All boast stylish décor and a private bathroom.
Truly exceptional, the master cabin enjoys stunning
views from large rectangular windows and portholes. On
one side there are two sofas and an occasional table for
