Since 1969, Düsseldorf has hosted its annual boat show to the international market with great success and increased growth year on year.
To coincide with the celebration of the show’s 50th anniversary, Princess Yachts displayed a stunning line-up of 11 yachts on what was the largest Princess stand to date. Boot Düsseldorf is now the largest indoor boat show in the world, taking place over 9 days in January – it is now the prime time to get your boating fix before the season commences. Amongst the 11-yacht line-up were 3 global launches; the dynamic Princess Y85, the spacious and luxurious F45 and introducing the new flagship of the V Class, the Princess V78. Visitors to the show were able to enjoy a new concept in yacht design across these three models thanks to a collaboration between the well-known naval architect Olesinski and the Italian designer, Pininfarina. Joining the global launches on the stand, we had members of our other classes plus a very special nostalgic piece.
Launched in 1965, the Project 31 was the first boat Princess ever built. Production continued until 1973 and over that period some 240 boats were built, mainly for the UK and northern European markets. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Princess Yachts, this 1968 model was meticulously restored paying particular attention to its heritage. The Project 31, followed by the Princess 32, 33 and 37 in the 1970’s, established the company on the international boat building scene and laid the foundations for the current Princess range from 35ft – 130ft.
When you compare the Project 31 to the revolutionary new Princess R35, it is clear to see how Princess yacht architecture and design has advanced whilst still remaining true to its heritage. Here at Düsseldorf Boat Show, visitors were able to indulge in the new concept of the R35 whilst being able to compare it to the traditional qualities of Project 31, and the larger yachts also on the stand. The impressive R35 in electric blue took pride of place at the entrance to the Princess stand, ensuring an extraordinary experience from beginning to end. The stunning all-new Princess V78 had her global launch at the show, presenting itself as the flagship of the V Class range. From the moment you step onboard, her quality in craftsmanship and detail is clear to see. With a grand central access from the bathing platform to the cockpit with flexible seating and a spacious galley aft arrangement – ideal for socialising and entertaining – the V78 has been built with yacht owners in mind, combining luxury and practicality into this contemporary build. She certainly won’t disappoint on performance either, with a top speed of up to 39 knots, and her pioneering lightweight deep-V hull ensures a smooth ride.
Princess Yachts Limited saw impressive sales of 21 yachts at this year’s Boot Düsseldorf, worth in excess of £38m. With a strong order book confirmed for 2019 and 2020 along with the announcement of the new V55, Princess Yachts is sure to grow in its success in coming years. Düsseldorf Boat Show had record numbers of 250,000 visitors attending with Princess customers travelling in from all over the world to view what was on offer.
Princess Motor Yacht Sales had a larger than ever presence at the show, with over 40 members of staff attending throughout the 9 days. We welcomed customers from our international markets as well as customers from Great Britain – with convenient flight links between Düsseldorf and the UK, we welcomed more British customers to the show than ever before, making it apparent that this show is now the place to be, replacing the former London Boat Show.
