Amarula Sun Yacht

Design & Construction

Designed around a planing GRP hull and superstructure she features a 6.06m beam and a 1.78m draft. The yacht is built over 2 decks with an internal volume of 112 GT (Gross Tonnes).

Exterior Design

Built in 2024, Amarula Sun is a Princess X80 Super Flybridge that pushes the concept further than a conventional flybridge yacht. Designed by Bernard Olesinski with exterior styling developed alongside Pininfarina, the X80 uses a raised forward superstructure and an enclosed upper deck to create substantially more internal volume than a traditional 24m (80ft) motor yacht. Princess states the design provides up to 30% more usable interior space than comparable flybridge models, and that extra volume is immediately apparent in the profile.

The yacht measures 24.4m (80ft) overall with a beam of 6.07m (19.9ft) and a draft of 1.78m (5.8ft). From the side profile, the most distinctive feature is the sweeping canopy that arcs down from the enclosed skylounge into the flybridge structure. This "S" shaped line softens the height of the upper deck while visually linking the wheelhouse, skylounge and flybridge into a single flowing form.

Glazing plays a major role in the design. A continuous band of dark glass stretches almost the entire length of the main deck, while extensive hull windows bring natural light deep into the lower accommodation. The elevated bulwarks conceal much of the deck structure from view, allowing the glazing to dominate the profile and reducing the visual mass created by the yacht's additional volume.

Unlike many flybridge yachts where the upper deck functions primarily as a helm station with seating, the Princess X80 treats the flybridge as a second entertaining deck. The super flybridge incorporates multiple seating and dining zones, a wet bar and open deck areas, while the enclosed skylounge below creates another full living space. This layered arrangement gives the yacht four distinct social areas before guests even enter the accommodation deck. 

The aft cockpit follows Princess's familiar formula with U-shaped seating, dining space and direct access to the swim platform. Below, a hydraulic bathing platform simplifies tender handling and water access, while a 500kg flybridge crane provides additional lifting capability for toys and equipment without occupying valuable deck space.

Interior Design

Amarula Sun was configured by an experienced owner and differs in several important ways from a standard Princess X80. The yacht combines Princess's Super Flybridge architecture with a specification aimed at longer stays aboard, increased self-sufficiency and reduced dependence on marina facilities.

The interior features high-gloss walnut joinery paired with Rovere oak furnishings in a satin finish. Large windows dominate the main deck and skylounge, allowing natural light to reach deep into the interior. The effect is particularly noticeable in the saloon, where floor-to-ceiling glazing creates uninterrupted views across the water from both seating areas.

The main deck is arranged around an open-plan saloon, dining area and galley. A powered screen and sliding door allow the galley to remain open to the living spaces or be enclosed when required. Granite worktops, a full-height refrigerator and freezer, wine cooler, dishwasher, icemaker and additional refrigeration capacity reflect the yacht's focus on extended cruising. According to the brokerage, refrigeration volume is almost double that found on many comparable yachts.

A key feature of the X80 concept is the enclosed upper deck. Rather than dedicating the entire upper level to navigation, Princess created a skylounge that functions as a second saloon. Amarula Sun's skylounge includes panoramic glazing, opening aft doors, a dedicated entertainment system, additional refrigeration and glazed roof panels with powered blinds. The space sits directly behind the enclosed wheelhouse, allowing guests to remain connected to navigation activities without occupying the helm itself.

The wheelhouse is unusually substantial for a yacht of this size. A central helm seat, companion seating, triple Garmin multifunction displays, radar, FLIR thermal imaging, AIS, autopilot and dedicated navigation systems support long-distance cruising. A watertight side door provides direct access to the starboard side deck from the helm, simplifying docking and line handling.

Connectivity and onboard systems also reflect the yacht's cruising brief. A Böning automation system integrates monitoring, alarms, lighting and electrical systems throughout the vessel, while CCTV cameras cover the cockpit and engine room. Dual generators, redundant air-conditioning pumps, additional freshwater pumps and extensive network connectivity further support extended operation away from shore facilities.

Accommodation

Amarula Sun accommodates up to 10 guests across five en suite staterooms and carries up to three crew in dedicated quarters aft.

The defining feature of this particular X80 is the main deck owner's suite. Positioned forward on the main deck rather than below, the cabin benefits from panoramic forward-facing windows, easy access from the saloon and greater separation from guest accommodation. This arrangement is highly sought after within the X80 range because it allows owners to live on a single level without regularly using stairs.

The owner's suite includes a large double berth, dressing area, extensive storage and a private en suite bathroom with twin washbasins. Forward glazing introduces natural light rarely found in owner cabins on yachts of this size.

Four guest cabins occupy the lower deck. A full-beam master suite remains available below deck, giving the yacht unusual flexibility depending on owner preference, while the remaining accommodation includes a forward VIP cabin, a double guest cabin and a twin guest cabin. Large hull windows bring daylight into the lower accommodation spaces and reduce the enclosed feel often associated with cabins below the waterline.

Crew accommodation is positioned aft with direct access from the transom. The layout separates operational spaces from guest areas and provides straightforward access to the engine room, machinery spaces and cockpit.

Performance & Capabilities

Motor yacht Amarula Sun has been specified with equipment aimed at extended cruising rather than short coastal use. Twin MAN V12-2000 diesel engines produce a combined 4,000hp and draw fuel from a 8,800L (2,325 gallon) tank. A sophisticated Sleipner hydraulic package powers the anchor winch, bow thruster, stern thruster and fin stabilisation system through engine-driven PTO pumps on both engines. Cross-connections allow individual systems to draw power from either engine, introducing a degree of redundancy rarely found on production yachts of this size.

Stability receives particular attention. A Seakeeper 35 gyrostabiliser works alongside Sleipner VF1350 vector fins, providing stabilisation both underway and at anchor. Together, the systems address roll motion across a wider range of operating conditions than either system alone.