Prestige X70
Prestige’s latest launch, the X70, stands out from the crowd thanks to her somewhat unorthodox yet purposeful design traits. The “X” in this boat’s name is shorthand for “crossover,” in that her exterior lines and styling bring to mind long-distance cruisers built to cross oceans, though her onboard feel (and true intent) is that of a luxurious motoryacht very much at home island hopping in calm Mediterranean and Caribbean seas.
The 71-foot, 7-inch yacht was built in western France in conjunction with Garroni Design and takes design cues from much larger megayachts in terms of natural light and blending of interior and exterior areas. Those characteristics are unmistakable upon stepping aboard.
Perhaps the most instantly recognizable feature on this vessel is her lack of side decks. Instead, passengers and crew move forward using passageways on the flybridge. This design decision makes for an unusually large cockpit, taking full advantage of the yacht’s 17-foot, 6-inch beam. The space is so big that an electrically operated curtain can be dropped down to divide the deck into two separate areas—one for more protected outdoor use, and the other allowing access to the standard hydraulic swim platform and water. There’s also an optional beach-club package, yet another megayacht touch.
The interior on the main deck also benefits from the extra width afforded by the absent side decks. Furniture in the space is weighted and modular, providing flexibility and stability. Large, electric windows to either side of a dropdown TV provide excellent views for those looking for more inspiration. Rich walnut gives the salon a feel that is at once elegant yet beachy, and calls to mind another time and era—St-Tropez in the 1970s perhaps?
The lower helm is adorned with three Raymarine screens complemented by a comfortable black-leather helm chair and excellent sightlines all around. Notably, the windshield has a reverse rake, which does a few things for the X70. For one, the added shade helps keep the interior cool in tropical climes. Secondly, the rake flushes away water much faster than a standard windshield. And thirdly, the windshield plays a key role in attaining the adventurous lines that Prestige was shooting for with this build.
For a European build in this class, the X70’s galley is noticeably different. First, it’s located amidships on the main deck. (Typically Euro builders opt for a belowdecks galley for extra privacy.) The galley’s topside location strongly hints at Prestige’s aspirations in the American market. In the same vein, the galley is also open, allowing for free-flowing conversation between the chef and the guests, another Yankee trait.
Down below, the X70 offers a four-stateroom layout highlighted by a roomy forepeak master with what Prestige calls a “European king”—it’s a tad smaller than the kings we are used to stateside. A settee to port makes an excellent place to read a book as the day winds down. Three other staterooms round out the accommodations level, including a surprisingly large amidships en suite VIP that stretches across the boat’s full beam. Two more cabins situated between the master and the VIP have twin berths to accommodate even more guests. Prestige has also made room for a crew cabin all the way aft, just forward of the swim platform.
Up on the flybridge, the X70 packs a real entertainer’s punch. Twin staircases leading up from the cockpit provide access to lofty side decks that move forward to the bow. A Kenyon grill and a sink reside in a console in the center of the deck, accompanied by an icemaker and refrigerator to starboard. The hardtop has an electric sunroof that gives passengers handy control over their vitamin D intake or shelter in dubious weather. The forward flybridge helm has twin Raymarine screens, joystick controls and faux carbon fiber accents.
With twin 1,000-hp Volvo Penta IPS1350s the X70 can reportedly hit up to 28 knots on the pins and cruise at 20 knots with a range of 240 nm. With sporty numbers like these, accompanied by handsome good looks and onboard amenities that were born for a party, it’s no wonder that hull number one made such a splash at her Ft. Lauderdale debut. It seems X really does mark the spot.
Prestige X70 Specifications:
LOA: 71’7″
Beam: 17’6″
Draft: 5’7″
Displ.: 73,634 lbs. (dry)
Fuel: 1,057 gal.
Water: 201 gal.
Power: 2/900-hp Volvo Penta IPS1200s; 2/1,000-hp Volvo Penta IPS1350s
Cruise Speed: 20 knots
Top Speed: 28 knots
