Página 134 - N & Y Magazine - Número 7

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[TRADUCCIÓN] English translation | русский перевод
On Board Princess 98 Motor Yacht
The Princess 98 Motor Yacht is undoubtedly one of this
British shipyard’s most important achievements, not
only because of her design, but also the wealth of featu-
res within her 30 metres.
Germán de Soler/Translation: Endeavour Languages
The 98 Motor Yacht is the top-of-the-range luxury
flybridge model built at this Plymouth-based shi-
pyard, part of the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH)
group. This Princess range includes a total of 11 mo-
dels, starting at 42 feet. The yard’s other two series are
the V Class, sports yachts from 39 to 85 feet, and the
M Class superyacht family, which features two 40-me-
tre and 32-metre models. Forming part of the LMVH
group understandably means that all Princess yachts are
manufactured to highly meticulous standards of design,
interiors and equipment. Unsurprisingly, the 98 Motor
Yacht, being the largest of her class, is no stranger to this
painstaking attention to detail.
Just a quick look at the spec sheet proves that here
we have an outstanding yacht worthy of her length and
category. The usual features found on a yacht of this class,
such as dual station hydraulic stern and bow thrusters
or communications and navigation systems (radar, GPS
plotter, autopilot, trim tabs and echo sounder), are com-
plemented on the 98 by a hydraulic telescopic passerelle,
an electric-hydraulic raise/lower bathing platform me-
chanism, capable of stowing an additional tender or jet
ski, a transom garage which can accommodate a 3-seater
jet ski, a flybridge crane, third station docking controls,
full air conditioning, and twin 40 kW diesel generators
that power all onboard services and guarantee enough
energy for the long cruises this model is designed for.
And let’s not forget the optional extras, such as a sli-
ding hardtop to provide a greater al fresco feel or to let
the sun through if desired.
Equally interesting, from a navigational point of view,
is the broad range of engine options offered by the ship-
yard, designed to satisfy the specific needs of each owner
and cruising programme. The owner can choose between
four engine layouts: twin 1925mhp Caterpillar with a
cruising speed of 19 knots and a top speed of 21 knots, or
twin 2217mhp, 2434mhp or 2637mhp MTU engines,
with speeds ranging from 22 to 29 knots and a range
of 243 miles at 27 knots and 287 miles at the economy
speed of 16.4 knots (data from the trial held by our colle-
agues at Motor Boat & Yachting).
Exterior
With sleek and aerodynamic lines, the 98 Motor Yacht
can be easily recognised by the host of oval portholes
and vertical windows amidships that bestow light into
the accommodation area. However, her most distinctive
features are the two windows that embrace the supers-
tructure, one extending the length of the flybridge deck
and the other a huge panoramic windscreen giving light
to the wheelhouse as well as the dining area and galley,
whilst guaranteeing full vision from all points.
Also interesting is the foredeck design, with a relaxa-
tion zone boasting a semicircular sofa, table and raised
sunpad, which leaves the sides free for access to the mo-
oring equipment, formed by dual station hydraulic win-
ches and two anchors.
The cockpit is fully sheltered by the flybridge over-
hang, making the eight-seater table surrounded by a
sofa and chairs totally protected from the elements. Also
found here are two side winches which are used for mo-
oring. There is a hot and cold transom shower, and two
stairways lead down to the hydraulically-lowered swim
platform that also reveals the garage door behind which
the tender and jet ski are stowed.
The flybridge is another major feature, hence the im-
portance given to this space by the yard throughout the
range. Fully set aside for leisure and daytime activities, it
sports double station docking controls on the centreline,
with a guest area to the side. Further aft, and well protec-
ted by the hardtop, is the wet bar and barbeque area, as
well an open-air table for eight surrounded by sofas. The
rest of the flybridge is set aside for sunbathing and also
features a tender crane that can be installed to the side or
in the centre.
Interiors
The main deck layout allows for variations in the saloon,
so that it can be full beam or, as in the yacht shown in
the photos, to one side with the other left free for storage.
As standard in the saloon is a LED TV with DVD/radio
and surround-sound system, just like in all the cabins.
Placed between the saloon and the wheelhouse to allow
for easy service to both areas is the galley, as well as a day
head. Fitted with a full-height fridge-freezer (with ice-
maker), the galley also boasts a dishwasher, combi oven
and ceramic hob.
In the full-beam wheelhouse, the two seats for the
skipper and guest are flanked to port by a dinette with
semicircular settee and table for enjoying breakfasts or
informal lunches whilst underway.
On the lower deck, the owner’s suite and guest cabins
are separated from the crew area by the engine room.
The full-beam owner’s suite is positioned amidships and
is blessed with light coming through the vertical hull
windows. Thanks to its privileged position and generous
space, to one side is a desk and to the other a reading
area with armchairs and occasional table. The aft of the
cabin features the ensuite and dressing room, further
soundproofing the sleeping area from the engine room.