WRITTEN BY: Rob Bowman
Oct 19, 2021 
"High Standards Throughout." It's the direction that Princess team and the Olesinski naval architectural design firm dedicated themselves to fulfilling, not just in theory, but truly creating spaces on board where these standards are tangible. In a highly competitive market for 72-foot flybridge yachts, the Princess Y72 elevates itself through both glaring differences and subtle details that combine for palatial accommodations at sea. Versatile as she is beautiful, the Y72 can be both formal entertaining yacht and comfortable cruiser, capable of long-distance luxury travel.
Princess Yachts will debut the Y72 to North America at the 2021 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show and if you weren't able to travel to the Cannes Yachting Festival, this will be the first time any of us across the pond have seen the new model. The international yachting world is already a buzz as the Y72 joins an award-winning stable of Y-class models, situated perfectly in the range with the Y78 and Y85.
Perhaps the most evident difference the Princess Y72 accomplishes is in its performance. Standard power for the Y72 features twin MAN V12 1,650mhp engines that produce a stable cruise of 30 knots and a top speed of 34 knots. In comparison, the 72 Fly from Azimut Yachts is also equipped with MAN V12 engines, but only 1,400mhp, resulting in slightly lower speeds. The 720 from Ferretti Yachts features MAN V8 1200mhp engines standard, but do have an optional MAN V12 1,400mhp's available. The closest model built by Sunseeker Yachts is the 76 Flybridge which only reaches 1,550mhp as an option. Clearly, Princess aimed to lead this category when it came to speed and power on the Y72, creating a sizable advantage.
And, don't forget the optional extended range fuel tank which gives the Y72 a total fuel capacity of 1,400 gallons.
(Below: Motor Boat & Yachting Test Drive The Y72 In Choppy Condition.)
SI Yachts is proud to be one of the top Princess dealers in the world and we work closely with the shipyard for all of our clients that choose to build their own. If you're considering purchasing a new Princess, we can help you select the perfect equipment for your needs, find availability, work with the factory to secure a build slot, take your boat in on trade, and keep your new boat serviced all season long. If you're considering purchasing a new yacht, please contact us at 1-718-984-7676 or by email at Sales@SIYachts.com.
(Below: Youtube AQUAHOLIC is among the first to step on board the Y72 and give it a thorough review.)
The Y72 exterior lines and accents have noticeably evolved in this new model, signaling a slight variation in aesthetics for the full model range to come. The windows below deck are streamlined with a curve in the bottom, a solution which adds to the exterior look while also meeting the need for natural light below deck. The striking deep-v at the bow is the traditional Princess hull shape, honed to perfection after thousands of boats constructed. The same slope can be found in the curvature of the flybridge hardtop, which also boasts a lighter grey color to accent the lines.
It doesn't go unnoticed either that you can see clear through the salon and the lower deck thanks to the abundance of large windows.
Beginning aft, the hydraulic swim platform is wide and features a walkway between the transom and the platform. If you've ever tried to put on scuba fins while the swim platform is down, having this area, plus the seat by the storage locker, is a welcome addition. A decent sized tender can also be carried when underway. Teak staircases port and starboard, with an extending passarelle on the portside, lead to the beautiful aft deck.
The cockpit on the Y72 (below) is spacious and fun, shaded from the flybridge for comfort, and ample seating for afternoon cocktails. Small details in this space accent the ambiance through recessed LED lighting, twin tone headliner with stainless steel trim accents, a hidden aft docking station with joystick, and so much more. The pedastal table unfolds making dining al fresco a possibility and the optional NAIM audio system with JL Audio speakers supply concert-like sound.
The foredeck seating area (below) features multiple seating and sunbathing options. The sunpad can lay flat or raise the backrests to create additional seating that faces the other sofa. Stainless steel cup holders, Fusion waterproof speakers, additional storage, and teak decking complete the bow, which when cruising with the gyro stabilizers on, can be an exceptional place to enjoy the cruise.
The side decks connecting the bow and aft deck are wide and feature specially-formed stainless steel handrails often found on superyachts. Small details like this add to the feeling of luxury and quality, high standards that Princess aims to keep on every part of the boat.
As you ascend the staircase to the flybridge (below), the teak steps are illuminated at night and face you from the cockpit, making maneuvering around the boat safe and easy. The flybridge is exquisite with many noticeable details that create a unique experience. Beginning starboard side and aft, is a large sunpad that can fit multiple people for conversing or getting a tan. The teak flybridge railing is a nice touch, as is the glass panels that allow the sunbathers a view out of the back of the boat.
Forward of the aft flybridge sunpad is a U-shaped couch with a pedastal table that can easily be minimized or extended for dining with multiple guests. Across from this outdoor dining area is a contemporary-looking wetbar that consists of a BBQ, sink, drawer refrigeration, storage, and trash. The hardtop above offers an option to have electrically-operated louvered sections that tilt with the push of a button. Forward on the flybridge is a wonderful helm space that any owner/operator would find enjoyable to use. Seating surrounding the upper helm allows guests to enjoy the ride with the captain while the boat is underway.
As with most yachts of this caliber, the Y72 features an aft galley with an opening window that helps to integrate the cockpit to the main deck interior when the cockpit doors are open. It also makes serving guests from the galley quite easy.
Stepping inside the Y72, the result of incorporating the extra-large glass windows is visible in the amount of natural light, but also the nearly unobstructed views. The inside dining area is farthest aft and across from the galley which is well-equipped to prepare meals for all of your guests. Additional chairs, bar stools, a sofa, cocktail table, and hidden flat screen television create a wonderful living room space that is just aft of the interior helm.
Princess has a variety of wood and fabric selections for the Y72 that will appeal to all tastes and desires. A silver oak, in either a satin finish or a gloss finished is an upgraded option, as is the walnut interior. The galley worktops and bar are quartz, but come in a variety of color choices including black anubis, prganic white, oyster, clamshell, and others.
Four beautifully decorated and spacious staterooms are found below deck. As you head down the companionway, large storage spaces and washer/dryer are found by opening cabinets. The VIP suite is forward and features lots of light, portholes for fresh air, a large flatscreen television, lots of closet and drawer space, as well as a queen-sized berth. The VIP en suite bathroom has a large walk-in shower and storage tucked away in multiple areas.
Adjacent to the VIP suite is the guest cabin that features twin beds that can be electrically-controlled to join together into a queen.
A private staircase that is separate from the guest stairs is found portside and forward in the salon. This leads to the master suite which is located midship and is completely incredibly roomy. From the king-sized berth, to the large windows, the entertainment system, the storage, and the additional reading area, you may never want to leave your private oasis below deck.
For additional images of the new Princess Y72, please visit the model page here: https://www.siyachts.com/new-yachts-for-sale/Princess-Yachts-Y72_262
Other options and features on board the Y72 include:
- Seakeeper 18 with controls at both helms
- Sleipner Vector Fin Stabilization System
- Optional Flybridge Crane with tender chock mounting system
- Seabob Storage with charging ports
- Standard ONAN 29kW primary generator with optional second ONAN 21.5kW gen
- YachtSafe Air Purification System
"Finished to high standards throughout, the all-new Y72s design features are comparable to those of larger Y Class yachts." - Princess
