This Stunning Yacht Is the Cat’s Meow

The all-new Prestige M8 power catamaran makes at statement as perhaps the legendary marque’s most delightful design yet.

Power cats enjoy a special place among those who enjoy living life at a more relaxed pace. By blending the expansive deck space and remarkable stability of a traditional sailing catamaran with the go-anywhere-in-any-weather reliability of motorized propulsion, they represent a best of both worlds scenario ideal for lazing the days away amid the shelter of some offshore islands.

Among power cats, the new Prestige M8 surely sits at the top of its category with its brilliant design and opulent comfort. What’s key here is that this is an all-new design from the keels up. Most power cats are modifications of sailing models, and they’re constructed around handling the tremendous stress of a large central mast. It’s a design imperative for sailing but a space gobbling waste on a motor yacht. The M8 was built from the start with engines in mind, and that’s clearly reflected in its open layout and oodles of interior space.

As the new flagship for Prestige’s multihull M line, the M8 is said to deliver all the space and comfort of an 85-foot monohulled yacht, yet in a more compact footprint that’s better able to negotiate shallow waters and reach those smaller, more out of the way harbours that everyone wants most to see. We’re talking almost 280 square metres of living space here, in a yacht just under 20 metres in overall length and with a near 20-metre beam—all of it blessed with uncommon style and comfort.

 

 

 

With the M8’s catamaran design, the focus is on enjoying the main deck living space. That starts with a fully flat deck running through the cockpit and the salon, neatly blending indoor and outdoor spaces. Despite appearances, that decking is not real teak, by the way. It’s crafted from a teak replacement that’s not just a more sensible ecological choice, it’s also lighter in weight to reduce fuel consumption and improve overall handling.

From the massive, hydraulically actuated swim platform that defines the yacht’s stern, four steps up either side of the boat lead to the cockpit, where inviting loungers create the perfect spot to take in the 180-degree views and unwind in comfort with a cold, refreshing drink. As yacht cockpits go, the M8 is striking with its vast size and width, definitely creating the illusion of being aboard a far larger vessel.

But it is only indoors that the spaciousness of the M8 really becomes apparent. The cockpit leads seamlessly into an almost full-length main deck salon, with a range of seating choices for entertaining friends and family. Like the cockpit, it’s huge, offering an oasis of comfort after a day ashore exploring, shopping, or seeing the sights.

 

 

 

 

Far forward on the main deck is the primary indoor dining space, served by an adjacent galley. If desired, the galley can be repositioned on the lower level to provide more seating. In either case, Prestige wisely dispensed with the main deck helm station common on other power cats, devoting this prime real estate to owner enjoyment.

Throughout the interior, light woods, fabrics in complementary textures, and indirect lighting, all wrapped in enormous panoramic windows, create a calming space that just feels homey all at once.

Exploring further, wide passageways on either side of the salon lead forward to the bow and its oversized flat sun pad, facing lounge seats with plenty of pillows, and panoramic views that can’t be beat.

 

 

 

 

Up on the flybridge deck, an outdoor dining space for meals al fresco is offset by comfortable spots to enjoy drinks or a good book with the fresh sea air. The helm position sits far forward to the centreline of the yacht, affording the captain outstanding sightlines.

Heading below from the salon, the overnight accommodations are normally arranged in a four-stateroom configuration, each with its own private ensuite and the opulent, full beam owner’s suite located right up front. All share a common lower deck lounge in the standard layout, or a galley if preferred on the lower level. A five-stateroom arrangement is also possible to accommodate larger families.

It’s hard to believe this much space is packed into a 20-metre yacht, and that’s the genius behind the Prestige M8. For those in search of a manageable yacht that can get into those out of the way hot spots yet still provide space for the whole gang in glorious comfort, this stunning yacht really is the cat’s meow.

 

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