ON TEST. PRESTIGE 560: AN EXTRAORDINARY CRUISER

Among the latest creations proposed by the Prestige brand this year, the Prestige 560 features the most interesting interior layout.

With a smaller size compared to the previous 630 and 680, the newest member of the Prestige family comes into the world with the ambitious objective of rivaling its successful predecessor, the Prestige 550, already built in 140 models.

Although sharing the original exterior design of the previous model, this new cruiser features completely renovated interiors and propulsion systems, now represented by two Cummins Zeus 600 pods with integrated flaps.

What remains unchanged is the typical Italian style that the French shipyard has always chosen for its boats.

Design of this new model adopts, in fact, the latest innovations by Vittorio and Camillo Garroni and J&J Design.

The boat

With a length of 18.22 metres, the Prestige 560 is 35 centimetres longer than her predecessor. The aft swimming platform has indeed been extended while portholes have been transformed into large windows which contribute to make exterior lines sleeker and more aggressive.

Different elements outline the Mediterranean character of this boat. First of all, exterior volumes are extremely spacious, with large sun pads and wide areas totally devoted to conviviality both in the bow and the flybridge.

Although interiors have been designed for comfortable use in all seasons, even that sort of continuity between the cockpit and the living area seems to suggest the idea of a boat conceived to sail in areas with mild temperatures and enjoy direct contact with open air and nature.

Exteriors

The large aft swimming platform gives instant access to a medium-sized cockpit, furnished with a classic-style sofa positioned on the transom. As already mentioned, the value of the cockpit lies in the great accessibility to interiors through a large sliding door that leads to the galley in the inner saloon. The environment looks like a unique open space, where the galley and the cockpit seem to be the mutual extension of each other.

Lateral passages lead to the bow section and a large sun pad. In line with the choice to obtain more volume to the benefit of the living zone, the passage is just a litte more then 30 centimetres wide but, thanks to a sturdy handrail of over 70 cm, offers a really good protection.

The bow is largely occupied by the sun pad. Nevertheless, there’s enough room for maneuvering and anchorage operations.

However, what impressed us the most was the flybridge, where the innovative living arrangements of this boat find their best expression.

A staircase located in the cockpit, on the left, leads to a space consisting of three different zones. The area are all considerably spacious since the deck extends from the windshield in the bow section to the final aft edge that totally covers the underlying cockpit.

On the starboard side, a U-shaped sofa envelops a dinner table that promises pleasant dinners on the sea, especially if we consider that the fly can even count on a wet bar equipped with a sink, a refrigerator and a grill. The pilot station, served by a large seat, and an additional relaxation area on the starboard side and along the inner profile of the windshield complete the exterior layout.

Interiors

Interior layout reproduces the same number and arrangement of cabins and bathrooms of the previous model. The boat, in fact, houses two double cabins, a cabin with twin beds and two bathrooms. What has significantly changed is, however, the elegance standard along with the quality of materials and a refined taste in matching colours and woods. In line with what all the ranges of the French shipyard are experiencing, the segment of sailboats, too, is stepping forward in terms of furniture design and quality. Of course, the Prestige 560 is not an exception in this sense and offers a perfect marriage of rational space arrangement and refined elegance.

Well-furnished and perfectly arranged, the galley welcomes guests beyond the entrance door accessible from the cockpit. As already said, this environment is perceived as a space separated from the main saloon but in direct communication with it. The dinette is furnished with a sofa on the starboard side and a U-shaped one with a table on the left.

The night area is accessible through two different passages. The first, located abaft the galley, leads to the lower deck and the beautiful owner’s cabin. Positioned amidships, the latter is full-beam and features spacious volumes, cozy furniture, en-suite bathroom and shower.

The other access is located on the left of the pilot station and leads to the double Vip cabin positioned in the bow and the guest one equipped with two twin beds. The two cabins share the same bathroom.

A crew cabin is accessible from the stern.

Sea Trial

We’ve already highlighted the Mediterranean cruising character of this yacht. The two Cummins 600 hp engines with Zeus pods are totally in line with this key feature of the Prestige 560. First of all, they ensure excellent fuel consumption, with consequent greater range and considerable economic saving.

Even at full throttle, acceleration is progressive and never abrupt. In our opinion, this is a quality rather than a limit, consistent with the cruising character of the boat.

The sea trial showed us a boat with good fuel consumption, a considerable top speed of over 30 knots, easy handling and decent acceleration.

More specifically, the hull proved to be stable even in sudden tight turns, with no oscillations.

With a fuel consumption of almost 160 liters per hour, we reached a 23-knot cruising speed and started to plane in 10 seconds at 16 knots.

Very efficient is the GPS Skyhook function, a new virtual anchoring system that, thanks to an electronic compass system, keeps the boat in a static position. Well, we tested it in fresh air and it allowed us to temporarily hover in position while waiting for our turn at the filling station.

Motorization – Two 600 hp engines with Zeus pods

Sea Trial Conditions

The sea trial was carried out in the Gulf of Cannes with flat sea, no wind, five passengers on board, full water tank and fuel tank at 30%.

Technical Specifications

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