Princess Yachts has long been regarded as a hallmark of British yacht building, combining traditional craftsmanship with an appetite for innovation. Founded in Plymouth in 1965, the brand has grown into one of the UK’s most respected yacht builders, producing a diverse fleet that covers the sporty V Class, the elegant Flybridge line, and the flagship Y and X Class superyachts.
Design and Performance - Every Princess yacht reflects a philosophy of balance – seakeeping, luxury, and innovation in equal measure. Owners frequently highlight their ability to handle testing conditions in the Channel or Bay of Biscay with ease, a testament to hull designs developed in partnership with renowned naval architects Olesinski. Interiors are no less impressive, with layouts maximising light, space, and comfort, often compared to modern penthouses on the water.
The V Class is admired for its sleek, sporty handling, while the Flybridge range offers family-friendly living spaces and excellent visibility. At the top end, the Y and X Class yachts rival small superyachts with features such as beach clubs, widebody saloons, and custom interior design schemes.
Princess has also invested in sustainable yachtbuilding technologies, reflecting the growing demand for efficiency and environmental responsibility. The shipyard was an early adopter of resin-infusion construction, a method that reduces weight while lowering emissions during production. More recently, Princess has been exploring hybrid propulsion systems and alternative energy integration to improve fuel efficiency and cut carbon output. While these technologies are still evolving, it shows a willingness to innovate beyond style and performance – a quality that increasingly appeals to forward-thinking yacht owners who want to future-proof their investment.
Reputation and Personality - Princess stands apart from Italian builders such as Azimut or Ferretti by leaning into British understatement rather than overt glamour. For many owners, this translates into yachts that feel more practical, seaworthy, and discreet, while still offering the luxury touches expected at this level. Personally, I find Princess yachts excel for buyers who prioritise confidence at sea as much as the experience in port – a quality that explains their enduring appeal in Northern Europe as well as the Mediterranean.
UNICO Yachting and Pre-Owned Princess - At UNICO Yachting, we specialise in helping clients acquire pre-owned Princess yachts that embody the brand’s values of quality, reliability, and long-term appeal. Our network and market knowledge allow us to identify vessels with excellent provenance, condition, and specification, whether that’s a nimble V50 for coastal cruising or a Y85 suited to entertaining on a grander scale.
Our role doesn’t end with acquisition. We provide flag registration, VAT consultation, yacht finance, insurance, surveys, international delivery, and post-purchase support covering maintenance, refit coordination, and operational management. For clients, that means peace of mind and the freedom to enjoy their yacht without distraction.
Princess yachts are built to deliver a refined, confident yachting experience, and at UNICO Yachting, we make sure every stage of ownership reflects that same spirit.
