British yard Princess Yachts has announced that the first unit in its X90 series has been launched and is now preparing to enter sea trials, marking the latest milestone in the model’s development.
The 27.1-metre is now in the final stages of build at the shipyard’s South Yard facility in Plymouth, having completed outfitting ahead of initial on-water testing. Her global debut remains scheduled for September at the Cannes Yachting Festival.
The model was first unveiled at the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival and stands out from other yachts in the range with its low, open-plan "beach club-style" cockpit. Designed with a glass transom and drop-down balconies to port and starboard, the space extends outwards and provides 180-degree views, while offering both open and shaded areas.
In a first for the shipyard, the X90 features curved patio doors that connect the cockpit to the main saloon and, when opened, turn the formal, 10-person dining table al fresco.
Another defining feature of the model is its "Super Flybridge", which features the range's signature skylounge, generous open-air flybridge deck and sliding doors that lead to the enclosed primary helm station. In its elevated position, the flybridge helm station frees up space on the main deck, creating a greater sense of openness for guests below.
The X90 also introduces a new hull form for Princess Yachts: the Princess Hybrid Progressive-Planing (H.P.P.) hull, which has been developed in partnership with British naval architecture firm Olesinski. The hull has been engineered to optimise performance across all speeds, balancing efficient low-speed cruising with high-speed planing capabilities.
As such, the X90 is said by the yard to require 10 per cent less power above 16 knots than the Princess Y85, while matching the model's fuel usage below 10 knots despite being approximately 18 tonnes heavier. The X90 will be able to reach a maximum speed of 28 knots.
“With sea trials imminent, we look forward to handing her over to her owner,” said Princess Yachts CEO Will Green, who added that early demand for the model has been strong.
According to the shipyard, seven units have already been sold ahead of launch, with a further four yachts currently in build.
According to the shipyard, three yachts from the X90 series are already in build, with a fourth hull also set to enter production.
Exclusive data from BOATPro indicates Princess Yachts has 16 yachts on order or currently under construction. In recent news, the shipyard took the opportunity of the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show to unveil the 106 Odyssey: the first over-32-metre model in a new range of larger builds. BOAT sat down with CEO Will Green during the show to explore the announcement further.
Read More/Podcast: Princess Yachts returns to superyachts with 106 Odyssey