NEW BOATS - Swinging 60s
If the Autumn Euro boat shows demonstrated anything, it was that the 40-something-foot sector — both for sail and power — was alive and kicking. But the big players were also making moves a little farther up the size range, with Princess showing its new 64 at Southampton against the Sunseeker Manhattan 63.
The 64 is a spacious, sleek, four-cabin flybridge cruiser with plenty of entertaining space — particularly if you like to sit outside (not an option for British summers, unfortunately).
The flybridge itself is divided between an alfresco dining area with U-shaped seating, a generous sunpad, and an upper helm complete with an additional four forward-facing seats so that guests can enjoy the view underway. Indeed, for partying in fair climes the flybridge really does provide, with a wetbar and barbecue offering nourishment and refreshment in equal measure. It is indicative of the sense of luxury that Princess is aiming to instil that the flybridge is offered with a teak deck as standard.
Below, there is a second dining area on the aft deck and a second sunbathing area on the foredeck, while the main deck interior space is divided between generous aft seating, and a forward dining area adjacent to the galley, which itself is separated from the saloon area by a glass screen that slides away at the touch of a button to create an informal, open-plan living space.
A full-beam midships master cabin is complemented by a forward VIP, while a twin and a twin-bunk cabin make up the rest of the guest accommodation. An optional aft cabin, accessed from the cockpit, can double as additional guest accommodation or as a crew cabin — if you feel so inclined. — Tim Thomas
Images: Princess 64; P64 saloon; P64 stateroom; P64 helm; P64 master cabin; Sunseeker Manhattan 63.