British yard Princess Yachts has taken the opportunity of the 2026 boot Düsseldorf show to announce that the first unit from its X90 series, the latest addition to its X Class line, has reached a construction milestone.
Currently in build at the shipyard's headquarters in Plymouth, the deck, canopy and hardtop structures of the 27.1-metre have now been successfully installed. Outfitting is now underway in preparation for her launch this summer.
First unveiled at the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival, the X90 stands out from other yachts in the range with its new, low and 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 spaces for a "refined waterside sanctuary at sea".
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.
“Reaching this stage of the X90 programme is a significant milestone for Princess Yachts,” said Princess Yachts CEO Will Green. “With the canopy and hardtop now in place, we are well advanced in the fit-out stage and moving ever closer to unveiling a yacht that truly redefines the X Class."
Green continued: "The X90 combines groundbreaking features such as the 'Super Flybridge' and fold-down terraces that transform the cockpit into a spectacular shaded beach club. It's open, flowing design maximises space, light and connection to the sea, while delivering the performance, efficiency, craftsmanship and elegance that define Princess.”
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