Spotlight: Prestige M8

The 19.8-metre length overall M8 will stand alongside Beneteau's 14.8-metre Prestige M48 launched last year to take the role as the flagship of the multihull line, with Prestige claiming the space onboard the M8 is the equivalent of a 26.0-metre monohull.

Of note, the new M8 features walkaround decks and vast split-level forward and transforming aft living spaces, but at just 8.85 metres it carries a beam that’s surprisingly narrow for a catamaran of this length.

It’s also economical, with Prestige claiming it is able to cruise up to 350 nautical miles at 15 knots, powered by twin 600hp Volvo Penta D8-600 six-cylinder diesel engines passing through a V-drive. 

Prestige vice-president Erwin Bamps said the Italy-built M8 represented the “quintessence of our savoir-faire in terms of design, elegance, and fit and finish”. 

"I would like to underscore the unique character of Prestige, the only Franco-Italian yacht builder in the world today combining the French mastery of serial production and Italian heritage in large yacht construction,” Bamps said.

The Prestige M8 features a large swim platform framed on either side by hull extensions that connect with the outboard staircases to the large rear cockpit. Wide sidedecks lead forward to a bridge deck that features a large sunpad and in front of that, a sunken lounge.

A glass bulkhead leads to the large saloon area featuring an aft lounge space and a forward dinette with a galley that backs onto a surprisingly compact helm station.

Accommodations below include the option of four staterooms across both the hulls, a forward master stateroom that runs across the full internal beam of the boat, and two crew bunks integrated in the forepeak of the bridgedeck, each with their own enclosed wet head.

Upstairs, the flybridge features a large living space aft, and a large sunbed opposite an eight-seater dinette amidships. Forward of this is the flybridge helm station featuring two seats.

Prestige catamarans are distributed in Australia by TMG Yachts. It said the new M8 “sets a new standard for spaciousness”.

“Whether you are cruising Australia or the Mediterranean, the M8 ensures an intimate connection to the sea and your surroundings, even when you’re indoors, through its remarkable windows that consistently provide breathtaking views,” it said. 

“The M8’s remarkable design combines the volume, comfort, and luxury equivalent to an 85-foot monohull yacht with the stability and comfort of a catamaran, delivering a cruising experience unlike any other.”

TMG Yachts managing director John Cowpe, who was at the 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival for the global launch of the Prestige M8, said the boat felt like an “apartment on the water”.

“Owners will love how versatile the layout is and really making this boat their own,” he said. 

“Being onboard the Prestige M8, the fits and finishes, the lines and the textures all give the overall impression of whispered luxury. 

“Even when you’re indoors, there is a real feeling of being at sea; there are windows everywhere, allowing you to really take in your surroundings,” Cowpe said.

Cowpe said Australians had really taken to the power catamaran concept, and the Prestige M8 was sure to be a leader in the sector. 

“We envision owners cruising the east and west coasts of Australia and spending long periods onboard,” he said.

“TMG Yachts can also take European delivery in Trieste, Italy, with the Mediterranean on your doorstep. This is an exceptional opportunity for those seeking a new journey.”

Pricing has not yet been announced, although European media has speculated it is likely to sit between €3.0-5.0 million ($A5.0-8.2 million) at handover.