NEW PRESTIGE 60 LAUNCHED AT
CANNES
Lee Marine broker, Jim
Poulsen, offers his first impressions of the new
Prestige 60 following it’s recent launch at Cannes boat
show.
After studying the drawings and
plans for the new Prestige 60 by Jeanneau, I was very
much looking forward to seeing the completed first boat
in the water at Cannes for its worldwide premiere. Any
new model from this accomplished French manufacturer is
sure to include some novel and inventive features.
My first look from the dockside
came as a pleasant surprise. The exterior design is
‘edgier’ than previous models in the Prestige range, and
this new flagship drew admiring glances from those whose
interest is normally reserved for the big European
brands that one would normally associate with boats of
this size.
For me, this design step is an
indication of Prestige becoming a progressively
confident brand that is up to meeting the demands of a
discerning consumer in a climate where decisions on
value, quality and style are under close scrutiny.
Stepping aboard and into the
main living area, one of the first things that struck me
was the abundance of natural light flooding in from the
large, wrap around windows. The open plan saloon offers
360 degree visibility and enhances the internal volume
of this space. Gone are the days of heavy, dark timbers
and excessive cabinetry; this is a different feel
altogether. We go to sea to immerse ourselves in the
natural surroundings and experience the wide open
expanse that is the ocean, so why not also enjoy this
from the comfort of your air-conditioned
saloon?
The galley is positioned aft
which is both a practical location and a design feature
that has become very popular recently. Now the person in
the galley can enjoy the company of guests whilst
preparing food and can easily serve the dining area,
saloon or aft deck. This is a feature that suits
al-fresco dining very well.
There is a separate entrance to
the saloon and galley via twin double doors, both of
which can be opened at the same time. This makes for
more open, natural flow through the main living areas of
the yacht.
Down below on the accommodation
deck, hull windows are to be found in each of
the cabins, with the centrally located master cabin
having the largest window. A fantastic view out over the
water when in this cabin reminds you that you really are
on the ocean. Relaxing in this cabin whilst enjoying the
views will be a pleasure for the owner. The VIP cabin
and guest cabins also have hull windows. The Prestige 60
hull has no fewer than eight viewing windows enabling
sea views from all cabins.
The IPS propulsion system with
twin 700HP Volvo engines make docking this vessel a
simple experience even for the novice skipper. You will
never hesitate to throw the lines on this boat with the
IPS joy stick control. The other added advantages of IPS
include increased efficiency and range, tighter turning
circle and increased acceleration and speed, pushing
this 60 ft vessel to a max speed of 31 knots.
The Prestige 60 boats several
features that make the boat suitable for a tropical
climate. The bow area has a ‘love seat’ protected by a
retractable bimini top, whilst in the aft cockpit, a
clever retractable sun awing gives full shade and
optimises comfort for guests in the cockpit which, after
all, the area on the vessel which tends to get the most
use.
There are defined, separate
areas on this yacht where people may choose to relax
whilst under way or at anchor. The bow seating and sun
pad, the re-designed flybridge, the aft cockpit, the
saloon, the interior dining area and settee
plus the private cabins which all boast en-suite
heads. For those who need crew, there is the twin crew
cabin available. Space and privacy all in one package.
The Prestige 60 by Jeanneau is a
great yacht which offers true value for money, eye
catching style and many features normally the
reserve of larger, more expensive yachts.
I am sure that this new Prestige
60 will get rave reviews over the coming months and will
have it’s competitors heading back to the drawing board.
We are looking forward to bringing this new model to
Asia and hope to see one cruising Thai waters in the not
too distant future.
Jim Poulsen
