The Princess S60 is designed for comfort and speed as well as to entertain.
Princess Yachts are distinguished by their style, speed, craftsmanship, and generous accommodations. From the moment I stepped aboard the Princess S60 at her U.S. debut, I expected European styling with high-end finishes and comfortable accommodations, and she certainly delivered.
But what I didn’t anticipate was the number and quality of entertainment spaces she contained. This is one Princess that can party. Her layout invites guests to gather and converse in different areas while enjoying food, refreshments, and views in comfort and style.
Sculpted contours, curved blackout windows and a nearly hidden flybridge with a slicked back radar arch make the S60 look fast, and according to the manufacturer, she is. Powered by a pair of MAN V8-1200 driving shafts, she claims a top speed of up to 38 knots. To keep in step with yacht designer Bernard Olesinski’s low deadrise hull form design, which is optimized to lessen drag and bring the boat onto plane quickly, she has a steeply raked bow with a narrow entry that flattens rapidly aft.
Born to Run
This Princess S60 is designed to run, and I imagine she’s fun to drive from either steering station. The lower station is to starboard underneath a sunroof and has an opening side window. Better visibility and exhilaration can be found on the flybridge station above to port with twin bucket seating; however, the wheel and controls are on the inside right and prevent optimal viewing along the port side hull when docking.
An optional wing station in the cockpit can alleviate docking concerns, but to me, an easy fix is to swap the control located on the flybridge helm. Seating to starboard of the helm pod is a great place for guests to hang out on thePrincess S60. There’s excellent visibility, and it allows for interaction with the helmsperson. A padded area of the dash creates an aft-facing lounge that’s ideal for relaxing or sunbathing.
The Princess S60’s open flybridge is not just for piloting; it also provides one of many distinct entertainment areas. In addition to the forward seating area, there’s a cushioned, dining area aft with a table that seats six. Between the two seating areas, a console with a pop-up lid reveals a sink, electric grill and top-accessed cooler compartment to keep refreshments chilled. The layout of the flybridge makes it a great place to dine or simply relax under the stars away from dockside action, and a hydraulic retractable Bimini opens to protect guests from the elements.
Up on Deck
A floating stairway with teak steps and a stylish stainless stringer leads down to the cockpit, where a forward-facing settee with a twin leafed hi-low table makes this an excellent congregating spot. A large bolstered sunpad protrudes aft behind the settee and allows sun loungers to engage with those seated in the cockpit or easily interact with anyone engaged in watersports off the swim platform. Also, an optional retractable awning covers the cockpit and part of the sunpad. A short stainless railing at the aft end of the sunpad is for safety, but the sunpad’s proximity to the stern restricts its use while underway. Under the sunbed to starboard is a hatch to access an optional crew cabin below with a single berth and wet head or can double as an additional storage area.
On the foredeck, a cushioned seating area faces forward opposite a large sunpad with forward-facing pop-up backs for lounging and the requisite drink holders. Divided by a Portuguese bridge walkway, there’s room for a teak cocktail table that makes the foredeck another popular and comfortable space for entertaining.
From the cockpit, a large sliding glass door opens to bring the interior outside, and an adjacent smoked glass and a stainless window opens to the galley to create a pass-through counter and an excellent serving area for cocktails and appetizers. Inside, the Princess S60, is full-featured galley is to port and to starboard is another seating area with a flip-top table. This is an ideal breakfast nook where family and friends can gather and converse during food preparation. The seating to the cockpit and galley creates one large party space on the same level when doors are open.
Entertainment Abound
When more entertainment space is needed, the raised salon area forward to port has a U-shaped couch with overstuffed cloth seating, carpet, and a double-leafed, hi-low table. The main deck helm with dual seats is to starboard and a long cabinet behind it houses a 49-inch LED flat-screen on a lift. When not in use, the cabinet offers more space for serving food and drinks. While somewhat more formal, the salon area creates another great spot to congregate. Additionally, triple overhead skylights and large windows keep the salon light even while closed. When the weather is right, open the sunroof and side windows to let the breeze flow through.
The yacht can comfortably sleep six and cabins configure to sleep three couples. A VIP cabin forward has a queen island berth with shared head access. It’s shared with the starboard twin cabin. Additionally, the bed can convert to a double, if needed. A full-beam amidships master stateroom with ensuite head and separate shower has all the expected amenities, including a 40-inch flat-screen TV and lounge seating. Large side windows and opening portholes make the cabin light and airy.
The Princess S60 provides five different areas where up to 25 guests can gather for conversation, relaxation, partying, or dining. That’s remarkable on a vessel of this style and size. Her seaworthiness and performance will keep seasoned boaters engaged. Her deck space and accommodations will make entertaining on board a pleasure. Cruising, entertaining, or host a party, this Princess was designed to dazzle. And that she does.
Specifications
LOA: 62′ 11″
Beam: 16′ 0″
Draft: 4′ 7″
Dry Weight: 59,966 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 845/159 U.S. gals.
Power: 2x MAN V8-1200
Cruise/Top Speed: 31/36 knots
Range: 236 nm @ 31 knots
MSRP: $3,125,000
Contact: Princess Yachts America
One North Clematis Street, Suite 120
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
Phone: (561) 840-1940
princessyachtsamerica.com
By Arnie Hammerman, Southern Boating August 2018
