First Princess 40M sets sail

The largest production yacht ever launched in Britain, with the largest resin-infused hull ever moulded, the new Princess 40M has been making headlines ever since the Plymouth yacht builder announced plans for her some three years ago. 

Now, after a successful schedule of commissioning and compliance to Class and Flag in Plymouth, hull #1, Imperial Princess, is on her maiden voyage to warmer climes.

The superyacht swept majestically into Jersey last week, turning more than a few heads, and was formally handed over to her owner by Chris Cleverly and Nigel James of Princess Motor Yacht Sales, together with Chris Gates, Managing Director of Princess Yachts International.

After a brief stop, the magnificent superyacht set sail again, this time for the Mediterranean, making light work of some large seas across the Bay of Biscay as she went, Princess reports.

Back in Plymouth, in the company’s impressive new 40-metre facility, build of hull#2 is already progressing well, and hull#3 has just completed her infusion.

Each 40M be completely individual as owners, of course, have carte blanche to create the yacht of their dreams using the commodious hull and superstructure.

Princess has also begun development of the recently-acquired South Yard site, part of the historic Naval Shipyard in Devonport. As well as the 40M, the site is already home to the Princess 98 Motor Yacht and the Princess 32M, where hull#7 is already moving into build.

When complete, the new South Yard site will represent some of the most advanced superyacht facilities in the world, says Princess.

Meantime, the 40M stands tall as a tri-deck, semi-custom superyacht. She is not only a dramatic new chapter for Princess, but for Plymouth’s historic shipbuilding industry and some one of Europe’s most experienced shipwrights.