on 14 Feb 2022
The new flagship in the Prestige Yachts flybridge series, the F-Line 690, once again demonstrates the yard’s commitment to providing comfort in a stylish setting, while keeping the ethic of solid engineering and performance
One of the star attractions at the 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival was the Prestige 690, the new flagship of Prestige’s flybridge series (the F-Line).
Prestige is a quality name in the Beneteau Group, which has recently undertaken to distinguish its individual brands while maximising production support between them. Prestige was originally launched over 20 years ago to appeal to a particular client: one that appreciates fine finish, good performance and thoughtful layout while avoiding overly flashy looks and esoteric designs.
The new F-Line 690 continues the Prestige connection with Garroni Design, a partnership that has lasted since the earliest days of the brand. Even amid a current huge upswing in orders, Prestige Yachts is keeping a tight focus on maintaining its higher standard of fit and finish, for which the brand is now becoming well known.
The enormous flybridge covers over 22 square metres, and it features enough amenities to make for an entire afternoon undisturbed
Of course, a big fly deck is key to a flybridge line, and the 690 does not disappoint. On the 690 it is over 22sqm, which is generous for a yacht of this 21.5m overall length. Buyers can opt for several different types of layouts, as Prestige has done its best to allow for optimisation while keeping its production lines as efficient as possible.
The flybridge comes with multiple arrangements at the aft end: an island lounge, lounge chairs and loose furniture, or a comfy sofa. There is a proper galley with a large dining table that seats up to six with plenty of elbow room, so owner and guests can spend a day at anchor and barely feel the need to go below decks. If a fine drink, a nibble and a commanding sea view sound like the way to spend a day, then the flybridge on the 690 will be sure to please.
The flybridge helm station with adjustable seating is fully integrated into this space. Carbon-fibre helm seats with double armrests offer the driver and guests an ideal position for comfortable cruising. Moreover, there is a huge settee next to the flybridge helm, which is great for the captain while underway from one bay to another.
Even amid a huge upswing in orders, Prestige Yachts is keeping a tight focus on maintaining its higher standard of fit and finish
The main deck features nearly 360-degree views of the sea
Prestige builds upon each new yacht in its line carefully, keeping the elements that work, while always looking for refinements to the engineering and finish. The 690 builds on the old flagship, the 680, maintaining the features that make Prestige Yachts so desirable. There are large windows throughout the main saloon offering a nearly 360-degree view of the ocean. The galley straddles the main saloon and the aft cockpit, making it a social spot as well as easier to dish out the food and drinks. A drop-down window opens to make the main deck galley integrated with the aft cockpit. Drop the sunscreen that protects that aft cockpit, and you’ll get the perfect indoor-outdoor space for the après swim. And there is independent access from the saloon down to the master cabin amidships.
The bow area lounge is easily accessed via double companionways, and the main deck helm station gets its own starboard side door to access the companionway. There are sunpads and seating up front, letting a fairly large group relax together and not feel too cramped while taking in a sunset at anchor.
If a fine drink, a nibble and a commanding sea view sound like the way to spend a day, then the flybridge on the 690 will be sure to please
The aft cockpit draws on Prestige’s 20 years of design experience
Prestige may be very good at production, but they work hard not to sacrifice the fit and finish, which is one of the hallmarks of their brand. There is plentiful use of wood finish, while corners have been rounded and stainless steel is used throughout the interior.
Prestige Yachts, a brand of French boating giant Beneteau Group, with its production located in the French village of Les Herbiers in the Vendée department – famed for breeding the world’s craziest sailors – the brand turns to Italy for the look and feel of a Prestige yacht. The leatherwork onboard is by Foglizzo, and Italian builder Roda provides the stylish outdoor furnishings. Prestige may have once again turned to Garroni for its overall design, but of late the yard has also added another name in Italian design, Valentina Militerno de Romedis, who now provides the distinguishing touches to the master cabins on the X line. It is all part of Prestige’s grand plan to be the brand of understated luxury in the mid-range motor yacht segment.
On the engineering side, Prestige Yachts offers plenty of value for money. You can expect good headroom in the engine room and easy access to the key points in the engineering systems, which makes maintenance easier. The hull shape builds on the tried and tested 680.
The leatherwork onboard is by Foglizzo, while Italian builder Roda provides the stylish outdoor furnishings
The master cabin amidships enjoys private access
The new standard equipment includes the control system, called Ship Control, and a standard generator. Buyers can choose between the Volvo IPS 1200 or IPS 1350 engines, both of which offer the easy manoeuvrability and efficiency associated with pod drives. The boat cruises at 25 knots with a top speed of over 30 knots on the optional 1,000hp (IPS 1350) engines. At her cruising speed of 25 knots, the 690 has a range of 350 nautical miles on a tank of 3,450 litres, which works out to rough fuel consumption of about 250 litres per hour. For Hong Kong buyers, that works out to economical yet very comfy cruising around local destinations. For Singapore buyers, the Riau Islands become an easy destination.
The 690 comes with a crew cabin for two placed in the transom, with dedicated access from the swim platform, which lowers hydraulically into the water.
But the Prestige yard is busy, as a recent visit by Asia-Pacific Boating to the shipyard in Les Herbiers confirmed. So, if comfy cruising in understated style sounds good, it’d be wise to order now.
Technical Specifications: Prestige F-Line 690
LOA: 21.5m
Beam: 5.3m
Draught: 1.6m
Light displacement: 33,021kg
Fuel capacity: 3,450l
Water capacity: 760l
Accommodation: 8
Crew: 2
Category: B – 14 / C – 18
Engines: 2 x Volvo IPS 1200 900hp / 2 x Volvo IPS 1350 1,000hp
Cruising speed: 25kts
Concept and design: Garroni Design / JP CONCEPTS / Prestige Engineering / J&J Design