Having already achieved a flawless YB 5-star score in YachtBuyer’s review program, the presentation at PBIBS marks its formal recognition alongside other top-performing production yachts.
As the last of the 2023 winners to receive its award in person, the Princess X95’s induction closes an important chapter in the Hall of Fame’s early development, reinforcing the program’s long-term structure where eligibility is based on performance, and induction follows formal presentation.
What the YachtBuyer Hall of Fame Represents
The YachtBuyer 5 Star Trophy is awarded only to yachts that deliver consistent, high-level results across a structured and independent review process. Since the program began, more than 260 production yachts have been assessed, with fewer than nine percent achieving a flawless score.
Each yacht is evaluated across six categories: Performance and Handling, Design and Build, Interior Accommodation, Helm Stations, On Deck Features, and Value for Money.
Owner-operated yachts under 24m undergo full sea trials, while larger yachts are assessed through detailed onboard analysis, technical evaluation, and comparative benchmarking. All YachtBuyer reviews are funded internally by YachtBuyer, with no advertising or commercial involvement influencing results.
Why the Princess X95 Earned a YachtBuyer 5 Star Score: Rethinking the Flybridge Format
The inducted model is the first-generation Princess X95 (2020-2023), the yacht that established the Princess X Class concept and helped define what is now widely referred to as the “super flybridge” category.
At just under 30 meters, the X95 reworked the traditional flybridge yacht format by extending both the main deck and upper deck across nearly the full length of the hull. This shift created a two-deck living arrangement with significantly increased usable space, focused on long stays onboard and owner-led cruising.
Vertical Design, Increased Usable Volume
Rather than increasing beam to gain volume, the X95 builds vertically. This creates a noticeably taller profile, but one that translates directly into usable internal space. The result is a yacht that delivers around 40 percent more interior volume and 10 percent more exterior deck space than a conventional 95-foot platform.
This approach changes how the yacht feels in use. Sightlines run through the full length of the main deck, while extensive glazing reduces any sense of enclosure. The space is not only larger, but also more open and adaptable, giving owners greater control over how each area is used.
The Upper Deck at the Center of Life On Board
The upper deck remains the defining feature. A full walkaround layout runs from bow to stern, pairing an enclosed skylounge with an expansive aft terrace and forward lounge.
This is not an additional deck in the traditional sense. It functions as a second main living area, with enough scale and privacy to operate independently from the lower deck. The skylounge connects directly to the bridge, creating a space that feels both social and operational, where owners and guests can remain close to the yacht’s running experience.
Outside, the aft terrace and stepped foredeck extend this usability further, creating multiple zones that can be used simultaneously without overlap.
A Main Deck Built Around the Owner’s Cabin
Inside, the layout centers on flexibility. The main deck can be configured with either a forward owner’s suite or a more open, social arrangement with a country kitchen and dining area.
In practice, most owners opted for the main deck cabin. Positioned forward with elevated views and deep glazing, it delivers a level of presence and separation more typical of larger yachts. Additional options such as a study, lounge, or dressing area reinforce its role as a primary living space rather than a standard cabin.
Below deck, the semi-custom approach continues with three or four-cabin layouts. The amidships VIP stands out in particular, capable of being configured with a large dressing area in place of an additional cabin, creating a second owner-level suite when required.
Control, Visibility, and Cruising Range
Performance remains in line with expectations for a yacht of this scale. Twin MAN V12 engines deliver a top speed of around 26 knots, with a wide cruising band that supports both efficient passage-making and faster transits. With a range of around 2,000 nautical miles at lower speeds, the X95 is designed for extended cruising rather than short hops between ports.
Taken together, these elements produced a yacht that stood apart during testing. The X95 reorganized how that space is used, prioritizing owner comfort, long-term livability, and multiple social zones across two full decks.
For a complete breakdown of why the Princess X95 deserves a place in the YB Hall of Fame, take a look at our in-depth review:
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BOAT TESTPrincess X95 Review (2022 Edition)
The Full 2023 YachtBuyer Hall of Fame Class
With the Princess X95 now formally presented, all Hall of Fame 2023 Winners have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Each of these yachts reached a flawless score through a clear strength in concept, execution, and real-world usability under review.
- Benetti Oasis 40M - recognized for its aft deck transformation and long-range capability, redefining how outdoor space is used on a 40m platform.
- Riva 110' Dolcevita - awarded for build precision and consistent execution across design, layout, and finish.
- Princess X80 - noted for delivering a two-deck, high-volume concept with strong performance in a 25m format.
- Riva 76' Perseo - stood out for its driving experience, build quality, and well-resolved deck.
- Absolute Navetta 75 - impressed through layout balance, internal flow, and long-range cruising comfort design.
- Pearl 72 - earned its place through smart packaging, dual owner-grade cabins, and efficient performance.
- Absolute Navetta 64 - recognized for maximizing usability and volume within a sub-20m footprint.
- Bluegame BG42 - highlighted for its versatility, range, and confident handling across multiple use cases.
- Bertram 35 Flybridge - awarded for its focus on pure capability, with a hull and layout built around performance.
Following trophy handovers over the Cannes Yachting Festival, the Monaco Yacht Show, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and boot Düsseldorf, the 2023 group spans multiple sizes and categories but shares the same outcome when under review. With the final presentation now complete, they establish an early benchmark for what a fully realized production yacht can deliver when assessed without compromise.
Why The YachtBuyer Hall of Fame Matters for Buyers
The YachtBuyer Hall of Fame is designed to give buyers a clear, independent reference point when assessing yachts across a crowded and often inconsistent market. Many purchases are made without sea trials or firsthand driving experience, increasing the importance of reliable, structured evaluation.
By focusing on real-world performance and consistency across multiple criteria, the Hall of Fame identifies yachts that have proven their capability beyond specifications or marketing claims. For buyers, it provides a long-term benchmark grounded in consistency and independent testing. For builders, it sets a clear standard for what defines a truly complete yacht.
For a complete breakdown of what the YachtBuyer Hall of Fame is and why it matters, check out the explainer video below:
The Princess X95’s induction reinforces that principle. Its design, layout, and usability were not only ambitious on paper but held up under detailed assessment, earning its place among a small group of yachts that have delivered across every category.
Interested in owning a YachtBuyer Hall of Fame yacht? View all new and used Princess X95 yachts for sale, tracked in real-time by YachtBuyer MarketWatch. We scan the entire market to ensure access to all genuine listings, saving you time. Alternatively, you can view all other Princess yachts for sale.
