The F65 is the new flagship of Princess’s F Class of flybridge models
British builders are again the dominant exhibitors at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show (September 16-25), with Sunseeker, Princess and Fairline fielding impressive line-ups at Mayflower Park, having all participated at the Cannes Yachting Festival earlier in the month.
Princess’s seven yachts in the water are headlined by the global debut of the F65 and the world premieres of the F55 and F50, all from the F Class series of flybridge yachts. The Plymouth builder’s other models include the V50 Deck (show debut) and V55 sports yachts, S66 sportbridge and the Y72 (show debut) from the larger Y Class flybridge motor yachts. Project 31, the original Princess yacht, is on display by the show entrance.
Princess has seven yachts in the water
Will Green, Executive Director, Sales and Marketing for Princess Yachts, said: “The Southampton International Boat Show has always been extremely important to Princess and marks the start of the new selling season, often setting the direction for the year ahead.
“The new F65 will be a pivotal new boat for Princess, so we’re delighted to be able to launch her at our home show as a major draw for both UK and international customers.”
Sunseeker is showing nine yachts
Sunseeker’s large display features the UK debut of the Predator 65, which had its world premiere in March at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in the US. The nine-yacht line-up also includes Predator 65’s sister model, the 65 Sport Yacht, along with the Manhattan 55 and Manhattan 68. The Poole builder’s largest models on show are a Predator 74, Predator 74 XPS, 76 Yacht, 88 Yacht and 95 Yacht.
Sean Robertson, Sales and Marketing Director at Sunseeker International, said: “We’re showcasing another stellar line-up at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show, with our expert team on hand to offer comprehensive sales advice and support throughout the 10-day show.”
Fairline’s six yachts include its flagship Squadron 65
Fairline is staging the show debut of its newly upgraded flagship Squadron 68, soon after the model’s official world premiere at Cannes. The Squadron 68 includes a subtly revised exterior, new sleek hardtop and new interior design, and the first hull in Asia was delivered over the summer to Pattaya, Thailand, through regional dealer Simpson Marine. The builder’s line-up at the show also includes the F//Line 33, Targa 45 Open and GT models, Targa 50 Open and Squadron 50.
Paul Grys, CEO of Fairline, said: “We’re excited to return to Southampton International Boat Show. The response we’ve had for our latest models has been excellent, and we continue to invest in new products and improve existing lines to ensure excitement grows with what Fairline has to offer.”
Professional flyboarder James Prestwood cut the ribbon
Italy’s Bluegame is hosting the Southampton show debut of its BGX60, while France’s Prestige is displaying its 420, 460, 520 and 590 flybridge models.
Beneteau is staging the Southampton debuts of its Gran Turismo 45 and Swift Trawler 48, a model that debuted at Miami in February, while its other motorboats include the Gran Turismo 32, Gran Turismo 41 and Swift Trawler 41. The French builder is also showing multiple Oceanis sailing yachts including the Southampton debut of the 34.1.
The Sunseeker stand
Jeanneau is displaying well over a dozen models including motorboats from its Cap Camarat, Merry Fisher and NC ranges, along with Sun Fast and Sun Odyssey sailboats, while fellow Groupe Beneteau builder Lagoon is showing its 42 and 46 sailing catamarans.
British builder Oyster is exhibiting its 595 sailing yacht, while other exhibitors include Dufour, Fjord, Spirit, Hanse, Dehler and Moody.
Organiser British Marine said this year’s show occupies a larger footprint than ever before, covering over 70,000sqm and featuring 550 brands and 650 craft of varying sizes.
http://www.southamptonboatshow.com
Note: Article updated from a show preview in YACHT STYLE Issue 67.
