Florida likes look of yachts from Devon
LUXURY boat maker Princess Yachts is toasting a “great commercial success” after selling more than £29 million of vessels at a boat show in the United States.
The Plymouth manufacturer hit pay dirt at this year’s Palm Beach International Boat Show in sundrenched Florida, where Princess Yachts America showcased an eightyacht line-up representing all six classes of Princess vessels for the first time at an American boat show.
James Nobel, vice-president and marketing director for Princess Yachts America, said: “Sales during the show totalled over $40 million (£29 million), with a number of deals pending that are likely to come together as a result of the show that will further improve the final tally.”
The line-up included the global boat show debut of the Superfly X95; the revolutionary R35 performance sports yacht; craft from the S Class – the S66 and the S62 – plus the Y78 and the Y85, described as a “true triumph of contemporary design”.
Also on display was a show debut of the F45, a yacht which delivers unparalleled space, quality and flexibility, plus the V65, representing the V Class, with engines taking passengers up to 38 knots.
The show organiser, Informa, created a safe environment for exhibitors and visitors to attend the event, thus allowing States-side distributor Princess Yachts America to achieve “great commercial success” during the show.
No one from the Plymouth HQ was able to attend, however, as travel abroad is still forbidden during Covid restrictions. But the firm, the largest luxury yacht manufacturer in the UK, was represented by Princess Yachts America and its USA regional manager, who is based in Florida.
“With an expanded display highlighted by the global premiere of the X95 and the North American premiere showing of the F45, Princess and Princess Yachts America welcomed a record number of visitors to the 2021 edition of the Palm Beach International Boat Show,” said Mr Nobel.
“Princess and Princess Yachts America wish to thank Informa, as well as all of our dealers and supporting vendors for their incredible efforts in helping us produce a safe and successful show.”
The Palm Beach International Boat Show 2021 was seen as a significant milestone as it represented a return to form for the industry following a period of global uncertainty. “I am incredibly grateful to both the teams at Princess Yachts America and Informa for ensuring that the safety of everyone attending the show was the utmost priority,” said Will Green, chief sales officer at Princess Yachts. “We were absolutely delighted to have had the opportunity to showcase the Superfly X95 at Palm Beach. The results from the show are strikingly positive.”
Tom Carroll Jnr, president of Princess Yachts America, said: “The opportunity for the industry to come together and present the show in a safe and professional way will undoubtedly prove to be a highlight in an otherwise challenging time for events.”