The first of the Prestige 550s on route to Australia

The very first of the new Prestige 550 luxury motor yachts is on it’s way to Australia.

The Sydney based new owners had made the trip to France to attend a VIP launch weekend at the Prestige factory in Les Herbiers. Attending the world wide launch they had the opportunity to be shown over the 550 by Sydney Prestige dealer Matthew Willett, and the General Manager of Prestige, Jean-Paul Chapeleau.

“We were thrilled to be able to host our customers.” said Matthew Willet. “Visiting the factory is an ideal and easy way to have a look first hand at the building process and to see these stunning yachts as they take shape. We encourage any potential owners to consider making the trip.”

This new model is designed with form and function very much in mind. Building on the success of the prize winning Prestige 500, the 550 retains the elegant, distinctive profile, and contains a contemporary interior that incorporates a range of details to enhance comfort.

The immense living space is on a single level with a spacious galley. This area then continues onto the aft deck with the galley centrally located to serve both the interior and exterior. The 360 degree panoramic view bathes the living space in light, and the lower helm station is ideally located with all controls within easy reach of the ergonomic seating for two.

The owner’s suite is immense.  Accessed by a private stairway, the suite features a large lateral window in the hull, bathing the room in natural light and affording an impressive view of the sea. The owner’s shower and head compartment is equally impressive. With adjoining head compartment, shower and walk-in closet, it features all the comforts of a motor yacht of over 60 feet!

Toward the bow, the forward cabins form an independent living area, with a generously sized head compartment and separate shower. A clever layout yields exceptional volume in this living area, with the added benefit of a dedicated space for a washing machine located under the stairway. The spacious guest cabin features a double berth that can be converted into two single berths. The third cabin features two single berths that can be converted into a double berth.

Heading up onto the flybridge on the Prestige 550 shows the key strength of this model.  Of exceptional size for a 55-foot motor yacht, it is accessed by an open stairway.  This flybridge of impressive dimensions has all the comfort of a large motor yacht:  a generous sundeck, true twin seating at the helm, a galley and a large table and lounge area.

In conducting research for the hull of the Prestige 550 and in collaboration with the J&J naval design cabinet, the hull has been carefully studied and designed to yield the best performance with twin Cummins QSC 600 HP engines, equipped with ZEUS 3800 PODS. This pairing offers numerous advantages:  guaranteed easy handling by joystick control, enhanced comfort due to reduced noise and vibration, and increased fuel efficiency by around 20 % over a conventional propulsion system, as well as the availability of optional automatic trim tabs.

Lastly, Prestige has adopted the very latest production methods and technology to offer higher levels of quality and comfort. An infusion moulded hull and deck, the ultimate design solution, ensure greater solidity, rigidity and weight savings.

High performance, optional equipment to enhance comfort on board includes:  powerful air conditioning adaptable to any climate, the latest generation sound system, a gyroscopic stabiliser, and a hydraulic swim platform.

The Prestige 550 benefits from the latest technological innovations, taking its current place of honour among models in the Prestige range by truly simplifying life onboard and offering exceptional quality and comfort to demanding customers in the market for a motor yacht of this size.

For full details go to www.prestigeaustralia.com