EXPRESSLY YOURS

THE PRINCESS YACHTS V55 HAS THREE STATEROOMS, 35-KNOT SPEED AND POSH APPOINTMENTS.

- CHRIS CASWELL

FOR A NATION ABOUT THE SIZE OF OREGON, Britain clearly understands luxury. The Brits produce vehicles that set a benchmark: Think Rolls-Royce and Bentley, as well as Aston Martin, Jaguar and Lotus. 

¶So it should come as no surprise that the Princess Yachts V55 has a level of luxury beyond just layout or speed; it's about the details. Before I get into the amidships master stateroom or the two other staterooms, the gourmet galley or the cockpit arranged for alfresco living, consider the supple, handmade leathers and suedes used for the V55's interior upholstery. The helm seats, with armrests and headrests, have flawless stitching that stands proud of the material, just like on fine cars. The leather couch in the master made me feel cosseted with the luxe material. This is a highly usable yacht too. Boarding from the transom platform is via twin stairways flanking a sun pad, which conceals the garage that accommodates an 11%-foot tender. The cockpit has softly curved lines, unlike the dart-like hull with its black-window slash and sweptback windscreen. An L-shaped lounge with a folding teak table is to port, a couch is aft, and there's a Kenyon grill and a fridge for outdoor cooking. The cockpit is protected from wind with full-glass side windows.