Princess R35
- LOA: 10.9 m (approx. 35 ft)
- Beam: 2.3 m
- Draught (foils up): 0.75 m
- Displacement: 2.4 tonnes
- Construction: full carbon fibre
- Propulsion: twin V8 engines
- Top speed: up to 50 knots
- Design and engineering: BAR Technologies and Pininfarina, Active Foil System (AFS)
The performance flagship of a tiny class
The R35 stands apart from the rest of the Princess range as the sole model in the R Class, a limited carbon-fibre sports yacht built to explore what the yard can do. At 10.9 metres it is one of the smallest boats Princess makes, yet it is by far the fastest in the range. The hull, styling and engineering were developed with America's Cup specialists BAR Technologies and Italian design house Pininfarina. The result is a day boat with genuine race-derived technology under the owner's hand. It was created to push the marque forward and to thrill whoever takes the wheel.
The R Class exists to show what carbon construction and advanced hull design can bring to a Princess. The R35 is built in strictly limited numbers, which gives it a rarity to match its performance. It carries a small cabin below for shelter and the option of an overnight. This is a halo model in every sense, and it drives like one. Nothing else in the range approaches its focus or its pace.
Carbon, foils and Pininfarina lines
The R35 is built almost entirely from carbon fibre, keeping displacement down to around 2.4 tonnes for a hull of its size. BAR Technologies engineered the hull and its Active Foil System using machine-learning optimisation, parametric modelling and advanced computational fluid dynamics. The foil steadies the boat through turns and settles the ride at speed, giving it manners that belie its pace. Pininfarina shaped the sleek, aggressive exterior that marks the R35 out from every other Princess. It looks like nothing else the yard builds.
The low, purposeful profile leaves no doubt about the boat's intent from across a marina. A compact cockpit puts the driver at the centre of the action, close to the water and the controls. Deck space is arranged for fast days out and swimming from the transom. The finish is as precise as the engineering beneath it. Every surface is drawn for speed and style.
Fully carbon, foil-assisted and styled by Pininfarina, the R35 hits 50 knots as the marque's halo day boat.
A focused cabin below
Below decks the R35 keeps things focused, with a cabin that houses a galley, a seating area that converts to a double berth and an ensuite. It is enough for shelter through the day and the option of an overnight aboard. Materials are light and modern, in keeping with the boat's technical character. The space is compact by design, since this is a performance machine first and a cruiser second. It gives a couple everything they need for a night away.
Light carries into the cabin to keep it bright and usable despite the low profile above. The layout suits a couple for a night away or a group for a day on the water. Stowage handles the essentials for a fast trip, from swimwear to provisions. The ensuite adds a level of comfort rare in a boat this focused. The interior supports the boat's role as a thrilling day yacht with genuine overnight ability.
Fifty knots on foil-assisted V8 power
The R35 is driven by twin V8 engines that push the light carbon hull to a top speed of around 50 knots. The Active Foil System works with the hull to keep the ride steady and controlled at those speeds. With foils up the draught drops to about 0.75 metres, keeping shallow anchorages open to the owner. Handling is sharp and direct, closer to a high-performance car than a typical cruiser. It rewards a driver who wants to feel every input.
The combination of low weight, big power and active foils gives the R35 a driving experience unlike anything else in the range. It accelerates hard and holds its line through fast turns without drama. The technology is race-derived and the sensation at the wheel is unmistakable. The boat feels alive at speed and secure at the same time. This is a machine built to be driven with intent.
Who the R35 is for
The R35 suits the owner who wants the most exciting, technically advanced boat Princess builds, and the rarity of a strictly limited model. It appeals to drivers who chase performance and want carbon-fibre engineering with America's Cup roots. As a day boat it is thrilling, and the compact cabin adds the option of an overnight away. Owners who already have a larger Princess often add an R35 as their high-speed toy.
It also draws collectors who value the Pininfarina styling and the halo status of the R Class. The R35 is best enjoyed by a hands-on owner-driver who wants to feel the boat work. Its blend of speed, technology and exclusivity is unmatched in the range. For the buyer who wants all three in one carbon hull, nothing else comes close.
Who it is for: The performance-focused owner-driver who wants the fastest, rarest and most technically advanced Princess, a carbon foil-assisted day boat with overnight ability.