Ride on time

The flybridge concept has progressed a great deal in just over three decades. Moving from being merely an elevated driving position, to the modern use of the flybridge as an entertaining, dining and even tender storage area, the development has in no small part been driven by Princess Yachts, the 40-year old motoryacht builder based in the South West of the UK.

Sporting an older external profile than her larger M-Series sisters and the stylish V-Class open sports range, the P50 is one of the Plymouth-based company's most popular selling models, combining excellent sea keeping performance with a three-cabin arrangement that allows a large family or two nuclear families to cruise over an extended period.

But that is not to say the P50 is simply a family caravan, for combined with its coachroof sunpad, useable aft cockpit and spacious flybridge, there is more than ample entertaining space out in the sun. In fact, the P50 was the yacht of choice bought by David Beckham for his wife Victoria in December 2003 following the intense media interest the couple were under. Reportedly named Brooklyn-Romeo, after their two sons, the yacht was intended to act as a private family environment where they could get away to relax.

The popularity of the P50 is in part down to the strength of the Princess build, designed to be tested. Stacking a lot into its 15-metre length, the Bernard Olesinski-designed 1.12-metre deep-V provides a steady counterbalance for the superstructure which is stacked high to provide good headroom throughout the interior. Family cruising considerations are evident throughout the design by virtually always placing a barrier between the guest and the sea. Even when stepping onto the high bathing platform, both quarters extend to offer more security to those using the teak platform.

Double sliding doors lead through to the cherrywood interior of the main saloon, revealing good headroom up to the Majilite ceiling, which succeeds in making the most of the natural light that floods into the area through the elliptical windows to keep the area light and bright. Facing a built-in double sofa that has the appearance of freestanding, a deep C-shaped banquette curves around a highly polished adjustable table, providing seating for up to eight. In the aft corner of the saloon beside the twin seater, a slide out flatscreen television can be angled to entertain all occupants of the space, including those in the galley area.

This culinary area is placed forward beside the helm station and then recessed so as not to obscure light coming in from the windscreen, and to allow those preparing provisions to continue with any discussion in the saloon environment. Designed for one, the C-shaped Corian counter curves around to allow the user a good amount of space in preparing extensive meals. While not overwhelmed in storage, small lockers provide enough space for necessary storage, with dedicated cutlery and crockery draws ensuring essentials are always well arranged. A large fridge is under the counter, while a chest freezer is set into the sole for colder provisions.