News and Views of the LBS from the Superyacht Point of View
While superyachts are not the focus of the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show, we went along to see what the show had to offer the large yacht enthusiast.
Despite the adverse weather conditions affecting the country, exhibitors put on a brave face on Friday, the first of ten days of London’s biggest nautical event. The halls of ExCeL were hardly bustling but with almost 1,000 boats and products from over 500 exhibitors including 80 product launches there is certainly plenty to see. Sunseeker, Princess and Oyster were among the exhibitors with offerings of interest to super yacht lovers.
Continuing their investment in new craft, Princess Yachts International revealed their new Princess 72 Motor Yacht with a low-key launch. She is the entry level into their superyacht range. The company showcased models of their other new superyachts that will be built in Plymouth, on the site inside the Royal Dockyard formerly occupied by Devonport Yachts.
We toured this boat and will be writing a full report on her for publication in Ocean a magazine published in Australia.
Sunseeker launched their new Portofino 48 with the resounding aid of the Royal Marine Band. This baby motorboat has all the hallmarks of Sunseeker: flowing interior lines, lively performance and clever features throughout. The company also introduced the much larger one off 108 Predator Sports Flybrige, a special edition of the popular line which is being phased out by the company
CEO of Sunseeker International, Robert Braithwaite CBE, said: ‘An incredible amount of work went into getting these boats ready to meet our high standards for the show. I think everybody will agree it’s all been worthwhile.” He was in fine form and generously found time to give us an exclusive interview for a profile we are writing all about him.