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Early-morning sea trials on the Cannes Yachting Competition are all the time a pleasure however for the Yacht Type workforce’s unique check of the brand new Prestige 690, there was a bonus – two, in truth.
Not solely had been we joined by Erwin Bamps, Model Director of Status, however we had been doubly stunned to even be accompanied by Camillo Garroni of Garroni Design, the Italian studio that has designed each Status mannequin because the model launched as an offshoot of Jeanneau in 1989.
Earlier than taking the model’s new F-Line flagship out of Vieux Port, it was useful to see her berthed alongside the pioneering X70, the mannequin that launched a radical new vary for Status final yr, with the primary unit in Asia just lately arriving in Hong Kong by Asia Yachting.
Each the 690 and X70 are based mostly on the identical hull as the previous 680, which was designed to accommodate the Volvo Penta IPS propulsion system.
Whereas the X70 includes a radical redesign of the principle deck – the place there are not any facet decks – in addition to flybridge and seashore membership, the 690 represents a extra typical improve because it assumes the position of the brand new F-Line flagship.
The 690 usually follows the signature exterior model that has helped make Status a world chief within the manufacturing of mid-sized flybridge motor yachts. Nevertheless, one design trait it has borrowed from the X70 is the arduous prime that includes forward-angled facet helps and curved ahead struts, in addition to an electrical sunroof.
Because the yacht heads out of the port, all of us make our technique to the teak-covered flybridge, which is among the many yacht’s standout options. It has been prolonged aft in comparison with the 680 and now covers 22sqm (236sqft), placing it amongst leaders in its class, the place the model competes with world heavyweights like Azimut, Ferretti, Sunseeker, Princess and Absolute.
In truth, the complete flybridge has been redesigned, with the port place of the steps among the many few similarities to the 680. As an alternative of largely fitted seating and lounging areas, the format has been utterly reconfigured.
The lined ahead space includes a eating desk set lengthways and 6 chairs, reverse an extended moist bar to starboard that features a barbecue, sink, and fridge.
For the aft half, Status provides an island solar pad in the usual configuration. Nevertheless, the choice proven on the unit in Cannes options elegant Roda outside furnishings – a settee to starboard, a chair, and a low desk, all secured to the ground by a easy bolt system. Relying on the association, the furnishings is free to face the clear aft balustrade, which is one other distinction from the 680.
“The entire level is to offer homeowners the power to rearrange the furnishings as they like, relying on how they want to use it that day or for that exact cruise or season,” Bamps says. “The 690 has far much less moulded and fitted furnishings as a result of we wish to have individuals begin pondering in another way and extra freely.”
Straightforward efficiency
The higher helm is to port and options twin carbon-fibre seats with armrests – reasonably than the bench seat on the 680 – and is accompanied by a C-shaped couch to starboard. The usual engines are twin 900hp IPS1200s, though we had been completely happy to listen to that the unit in Cannes had the 1,000hp IPS1350 choices.
As we took the wheel, we appreciated how straightforward it was to learn the knowledge displayed on the 2 giant screens and the way snug a motor yacht the 690 is to pilot.
In comparatively calm morning circumstances, we had been in a position to twist and switch at leisure and managed to exceed 31 knots, quicker than our hosts had predicted. Nevertheless, the yacht’s snug cruising speeds are within the vary of 18-20 knots at 1,800-2,000rpm, when it gives way more cheap gas consumption.
The yacht additionally benefited from the non-compulsory Seakeeper 18 gyro stabiliser, which was working quickly after we left the port and is particularly helpful at anchor, the place it dramatically reduces roll. As well as, the joystick proved very environment friendly in controlling the IPS pods and managing manoeuvres leaving and getting into the Outdated Port.
As well as, the 690 additionally advantages from Groupe Beneteau’s new SEANAPPS expertise, which allows homeowners to observe their boat in actual time, plan and schedule upkeep companies, and seek the advice of the upkeep log by a devoted cell app.
Different outside areas embody the foredeck, which has a fitted three-person solar pad that may be partly sheltered by a folding bimini. The hexagonal-topped backrests on the ahead couch are amongst notable styling upgrades.
On the different finish of the boat, the aft cockpit is comparatively typical, with a settee and teak desk, whereas the world will be shaded by an electrical solar awning that slides down between the 2 aft struts.
Status provides the interesting choice of an aft solar pad that’s behind the couch and ‘suspended’ above the swim platform. Except for being a pleasant place to lie down with a e book, it’s additionally nice for watching over household and associates enjoying within the water, which additionally helps with security.
Wonderful ending
Heading inside, the principle deck retains the final format of the 680, though the décor, supplies, ending, and particulars have been notably elevated and replicate the advantageous furnishings launched on the X70. “The inside ending is very totally different from the 680,” Bamps emphasises.
Gray oak is the usual inside woodwork, though wenge is amongst choices, whereas nubuck or leather-based are amongst cloth selections.
The open aft galley is to port, the place there’s a number of storage above and beneath, plus loads of working area on counter tops on all 4 sides. The galley hyperlinks properly with the eating space reverse, the place an adjustable glass eating desk and an L-shaped couch are supplemented by foldable eating chairs.
Up a step, the principle saloon has a big C-shaped couch and occasional desk to port and there’s even area for a dealing with couch beside the steps to the visitor cabins amidships.
In addition to giant home windows on each side, there’s additionally a sliding door to starboard, which is helpful for the driving force and for passenger entry to and from the foredeck.
The double helm station sits atop low cabinets, whereas to the left are increased cabinets that additionally include the pop-up TV in a refreshing ahead location in comparison with it usually interrupting a facet window.
To port are the personal steps – a Status signature – that lead down and ahead to the master bedroom, which has a excessive ceiling and loads of gentle from lengthy hull home windows.
A forward-facing mattress measuring 1.98.m by 1.60m (6ft 5in x 5ft 2in) flanked by bedside tables faces a big TV, whereas there’s even an overhead skylight with a gap hatch with electrical shade.
On the port facet, by the steps, are a chaise longue, dressing desk, and low cabinet topped by cabinets, whereas ahead is the walk-in closet with shelving, and the toilet. To starboard is an extended storage cupboard.
The saloon stairs to the visitor cabin lead right down to a hallway that divides the VIP cabin midships from both two twin cabins ahead or one other full-beam visitor stateroom with an en-suite lavatory, relying on the selection of the three or four-cabin model. There’s additionally an choice for an aft twin crew cabin that’s accessible from the swim platform and has direct entry to the engine room.
General, the Status 690 is definitely not as radical an overhaul of its predecessor because the X70, however it has benefited from a handful of chosen options and finishes launched on the latter whereas additionally exhibiting off a few methods of its personal.
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