A Pilgrimage to Plymouth
JUSTIN THORPE HEADS TO THE HOME OF PRINCESS YACHTS IN PLYMOUTH
For most people, a holiday to England might include castles, country pubs and London landmarks. For Princess Yachts Australia Sales Executive Justin Spencer, there was only one place he had to visit—the home of Princess Yachts in Plymouth. With decades of experience in the marine industry, Justin was eager to see where the yachts are built and meet the people behind the brand. The experience exceeded every expectation.
What took you to Plymouth, and why was visiting the Princess Yachts headquarters a must-do while you were there?
I only went to England because I wanted to check out the factory in Plymouth. It was important to me to familiarise myself with the roots of the brand. It was important to me to be able to talk confidently about what I saw. It increased my enthusiasm and excitement for my future.
What was your first impression when you arrived at the shipyard?
I was made to feel extremely welcome by the Princess team. As soon as we begun touring around the factory, I knew this is a brand I want to be aligned with long term. From the beginning of the factory tour with Adam Essex, Regional Director Middle East and Asia Pacific for Princess Yachts, who was extremely accommodating, I knew I had landed in the right place. Representing the right brand with the right crew here in Australia, with the right factory support back in Plymouth.
What surprised you most about the scale of the Princess operation?
5 x things stood out to me incredibly;
- Walking into the 80ft shed where the X,Y and S80’s are built, seeing at least 12 lined up in a row.
- Walking into the 95 and 90 shed, seeing 4 of these massive boats, noticing their futuristic hull design out of water and seeing how the strength is built into them behind walls and under floors.
- Realising the 74th 80fter was in build as well as the 46th 95 – huge numbers of big boat orders.
- The fact nearly 1 x boat is handed over to a dealer each day through Monday – Thursday (180-200 boats built per year)
- Being such an old town, they have to utilise several different sites on and off the water.
Was there a particular stage of the build process that really stood out to you?
The process that stood out to me was a pre-build process, which they construct before a new model goes into build. I could have spent a day in the mock up area on the exciting upcoming models – except its nearby the hangman cell in an old navy site, so the thought of ghosts keeps the tour going to the next site.
Having sold another brand in Australia for many years, did seeing Princess’ being built change your appreciation of the brand in any way?
I have been in boat building factories since 1998 when I began my shipwright apprenticeship. I really did not think it was possible to be as surprised and impressed as what I was. The size of the operation, the models I hadn’t seen in real life yet, stepping foot on the first X90, Adam organising a sea trial on a new S65, seeing my first S80 on the water. Seeing my first Y80 and X80. How the first build of each model is so carefully observed by a designer who spends the hole fit out on the mezzanine, perfecting anything that needs adjusting. Taking in the history of the town, going through the timber factory seeing how they make all of their curves with veneer and solid timbers in house (which unfortunately is a dying art in the industry), seeing what else they manufacture in house even down to water tanks – it’s just a seriously impressive operation.
What level of craftsmanship or attention to detail impressed you the most?
I can stare at Princess’ timberwork all day long. The curves and distinct detail mesmerise me. Also, as importantly I learnt about how they team up with Olesinski Naval architects for their hull design. I learnt about how much they go into detail with the hull testing in the tanks. I learnt that they don’t cut and shut moulds to extend or shrink new models like most brands, each new model is created with the latest in advanced hydrodynamic analysis which suits the weight of the new model and tested in all sea conditions, ensuring the best performance available to new releases.
Was there a particular model or new development that caught your attention?
Yes, I got on the first new X90 on the water, I got to go on an S80 on the water, I got to walk through the C48 mock ups and feel the size of the new model and also some new models in the mock up area which are upcoming releases.
What do you think Australian owners would find most fascinating if they could experience the shipyard for themselves?
The confidence of knowing who they are really buying from. I have been in the Australian boat sales industry since 2011 and albeit I have sold pre-owned Princess’ before, I don’t think its common knowledge the design work that goes into the way they handle the seas, stay dry in swell/wind and go as fast as they do, with very competitive fuel economy. You are not doing yourself justice if you aren’t considering this brand on your next purchase.
After seeing where and how Princess yachts are built, what gives you the greatest confidence when talking to clients about the brand?
All of the points above especially the hull design and tank testing, coupled with some of the world’s finest timber detail.
Take a tour of the Princess Plymouth shipyard - watch now >
