Yacht Class n°39 (dec 2024/jan-feb 2025)

Prestige yacht – Beneteau Group

In its ongoing quest for improvement, Prestige, a member of the Beneteau Group, is renewing its range of flybridges F-Line, and the F5.7 demonstrates her determination to raise the bar in terms of quality and to offer well-thought-out layouts that combine ergonomics and comfort on board.

Written by : Christophe Varène – Photos : DR

Now a fully-fledged brand of the Beneteau group, Prestige Yacht is constantly expanding its range. After launching a line of catamarans, it is now renewing its largest family, the F-Line, comprising seven flybridge models ranging from 13.06 to 21.45 metres, with the F5.7 among the largest. This second generation draws on the talent of the brand’s acknowledged partners: Camillo Garroni for the exterior design, Michael Peters for the hull. To refine a line that can sometimes be imposing, the hard-top at the top of the flybridge rests on the lightest and thinnest uprights possible: the result is that, by almost disappearing from view, the profile gains in fluidity and dynamism. Small details change the perspective. To this must be added a significant work on the contrast between black and white, and the presence of large areas of glass, both on the superstructure and on the hull. The bow is also much rounder than on previous models: by widening the bow above the waterline, we gain in volume and interior comfort, without losing in marine quality.

A reasonable cruising speed of 21 knots

An outing in Beaulieu-sur-Mer will enable us to verify this axiom. At the end of the day, when this Prestige 5.7 has just arrived from the Genoa boat show, there is only a small swell on the water, barely disturbed by a slight chop. Equipped with two Volvo Penta D8 IPS800 diesels, each producing 600 hp, our boat first passes the harbour manoeuvring test: the pilot has a choice of two helm stations, on the flybridge or inside, and even, as an option, a control station with joystick and thruster placed on the starboard bulwark in the cockpit, used more for perfecting mooring to the quayside than for setting sail. Equipped with the Garmin system cameras, for a 360-degree view, the operation runs smoothly. At sea, you can either stay protected inside and enjoy the sensations of a smooth, comfortable saloon, or go up to the flybridge to feel the wind and enjoy the scenery. In both cases, the instrumentation on offer is comprehensive. Top speed is in the region of 27 knots, but for the sake of comfort and fuel economy, cruising speed should be around 21-22 knots. This gives a range of just over 210 miles, with a maximum range of 400 miles at 10 knots.

User-friendly outdoor spaces

Let’s take advantage of the return to port to discover the outdoor spaces. Embarkation, as is often the case in the Mediterranean, took place via the rear platform. Quite large, it supports a 4.40 m tender with a maximum weight of 350 kg and, when submerged, a staircase is automatically revealed on the port side. Access to the cockpit is via steps, one flight on each side secured by a gate. It features two bench seats facing each other, with a telescopic table in the middle: six guests can sit down to meals under the protection of an electric sunshade, depending on the weather. On the port side, opposite the control station already mentioned, there is a small galley. Identical side decks lead to the foredeck, most of which is occupied by a solarium, but it is also possible to create a lounge ideal for relaxing at anchor: retractable spotlights, cup holders and handrails are all there. The cockpit provides access to the flybridge, a space that is often out of sight but not without a view. On this terrace, in addition to the helm station, passengers can enjoy a solarium at the bow and a lounge at the stern with a table for six to eight people and a kitchenette equipped with a grill (or plancha), sink and fridge. The hard-top provides welcome shade, but its central section can be opened if required.

A vast master cabin

You enter the interior directly through the galley, a central space for life on board and the usual junction between outside and inside. In fact, once the aft window is raised, a small bar allows passengers to keep company with the person working in the galley. Just nearby, you enter the saloon, which is well equipped with seating (a long L-shaped bench and a sofa) and a table with extension leaves. The view of the landscape is unrestricted and, as evening falls, the ceiling is illuminated. Just behind the wheelhouse on the starboard side, a door gives direct access to the catwalk. A few steps, with a washing machine and electrical panel underneath, lead down to the lower deck, where the cabins are located. At the bow, the owner’s cabin has a light, refined and enveloping atmosphere: on a single level, it features a central double bed, a desk/hairdresser and side stowage lockers, all bathed in natural light from the deck and hull portholes, or by the well-designed lighting. The bathroom, with its twin washbasins, shower cubicle and toilet, is decorated and finished to the same high standard. Towards the stern, the first door opens onto the VIP cabin, which adopts an original angled position for the berth, optimising space and creating a feeling of volume. The designers have also positioned the spacious shower room and dressing room aft to maximise isolation from the engine compartment in the centre of the boat. A second door opens onto a cabin with two single beds, which shares its washroom with the day’s guests. Easy to use and comfortable at sea, the Prestige F5.7 is also attractive thanks to her smart, elegant, refined and functional fittings. In doing so, the manufacturer is brilliantly demonstrating its desire to move even further up the range in terms of quality, an approach that also includes the use of sourced and recyclable materials.