This new model combines luxury with function, and the versatile Prestige 680 is a winner for both her entertaining and her long distance cruising abilities. Her exterior styling is ageless, in keeping with the Prestige heritage, and she is relatively light for her size, due to smart manufacturing techniques that deliver superior strength in a lighter hull. Proprietary computer-aided design software and digitally controlled assembly processes combine to ensure that components are finished and assembled correctly the first time round. The whole boat (hull, grid and decks) is built using infusion, thus ensuring an overall light weight.

The extra large flybridge is broken up into three areas: the helm and observation seating; forward sun pad; and an L-shaped seating area aft with built-in table

XXL Flybridge

The flybridge is a large private space, which is broken up into three primary areas: the helm and observation seating; forward sun pad; and an L-shaped seating area aft with built-in table. The Prestige 680 comes standard with an overhead arch and hardtop containing a foldaway sunshade, with a set of protected teak ‘flying’ stairs with stainless steel finishes that lead the guests from the lower deck to the bridge deck.

The helm station bench provides room for two, and has a full set of gauges and navigation tools located slightly below the operator’s line of vision. To port, another dual bench seat provides space for observers, but can also fold down and extend the already spacious sun pad. A dedicated lounging/social area is located forward of the upper helm station directly below the windscreen, which provides an effective windbreak. The outdoor galley is fully equipped with a sink, ample counter space, a grill, refrigerator and a separate icemaker. The separate seating arrangement with a dining table provides the perfect alfresco entertaining area on a sunny day, and with its retractable soft-touch sunshade, it may well become the most popular spot on the boat.

The flying bridge deck extends all the way to the transom over the aft deck, providing sun and rain protection, and also allowing for a retractable vertical screen. The deck can also be enclosed for use in bad weather. While the 680 is a flush-deck motoryacht, the lower helm is on a special raised platform forward of the saloon, and this arrangement creates better visibility for the captain, and handy access to the watertight doors directly to starboard.

Easy to drive for the hands-on owner

360° Vision

Three large windows in the main saloon give guests a 360° vision while cruising, and bathe the interior in light. On entering the main saloon the galley is at the entrance and opens onto a dining area with a table that can seat 6-8 guests. A large lounge/sitting area in the middle of the yacht provides space for all the guests to enjoy a sea view. Each area has plenty of specially designed storage space, and on some models there is also a separate access from the starboard sideway that extends the saloon like a balcony with a large, glazed sliding door.

Main Saloon

The main saloon is a small step up from the galley, and features an L-shaped sofa with two additional accent chairs and a hideaway flat screen TV. A glass coffee table continues the theme of ‘open’ concept, and still leaves plenty of room for a gathering and entertaining space. The hardwood floorings flow from the galley to the saloon seamlessly, while area rugs add a sense of warmth and colour. All lighting is built into the overhead, and HVAC is run behind the moulding (invisible to the eye). Bose surround speakers continue the theme of luxurious amenities without sacrificing the breathtaking views from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Al fresco dining

Galley and Dining

In response to customer feedback, and current trends in design, Prestige Yachts went ahead and moved the galley aft. The L-shaped island creates a sense of division between the dining area and the saloon, without sacrificing an open feel. When entertaining, the aft location becomes even more ideal as it provides easy access to all four-entertainment venues: the dining area, the saloon, the seating area on the aft deck, and the stairs up to the flying bridge. The Prestige Yachts 680 has a separate dining space and table, which is a breath of fresh air compared to the usual L-shaped settees next to the helm of raised bridge deck designs. Located directly across from the galley, it adds functionality and another venue for entertaining. A glass table with a built-in bench seat to starboard maximizes seating without sacrificing space or the “open” concept.

The master suite

Master Suite

The private master suite is conveniently located down two steps adjacent to the lower helm. This arrangement is quite unusual for a motoryacht of this size, and it mimics the traditional layout plan of much larger superyachts. The master suite has a lounger to port, and a desk to starboard that also serves as a vanity. A flat screen TV on the forward bulkhead and built-in surround speakers add a touch of luxury. A walk-in closet to port and a separate head with a large shower stall, and a doublewide single sink to starboard, complete the layout. Directly above are three large windows that make the space open and bright, and at the press of a button the blackout shades close off the windows for privacy. An overhead skylight right over the head of the berth allows for stargazing from the bed. Separated from the other accommodation on the yacht, the master stateroom design creates a large measure of privacy for both the owners and their guests, and makes cruising all the more comfortable for everyone on board. It also allows guests coming back to the boat late at night more freedom to move around without waking the owners as the guest quarters have their own private entrance farther aft.

The ensuite bathroom

VIP Staterooms

A second companionway in the saloon leads to the aft staterooms, where the owner has the option of two or three separate quarters. The VIP stateroom is standard, while forward is the option of either an additional full-beam VIP stateroom, or two smaller rooms with twin berths for added functionality. The second option would be a popular one for those interested in chartering as it provides the maximum number of berths aboard. Many buyers choosing a motoryacht of this size will be travelling with friends, and with this in mind Prestige has designed the yacht to be able to accommodate three master suites so the two VIP guest couples feel pampered. While the VIP staterooms do not have overhead skylights, the staterooms feature ample lighting provided by large side windows with portholes for additional ventilation.

At the Bow

Separate lounging and socialising spaces with endless entertainment possibilities, particularly for those interested in sun tanning and fresh air, can be found at the bow of the yacht.  A forward facing bench seat can accommodate multiple people, and a sun pad with a retractable cabana-like sunshade can easily deploy during hotter afternoon hours. The wide side decks also allow free movement throughout the yacht.

Main Saloon and helm station

Aft Deck

Located off the aft swim platform, a watertight transom door leads to the crew cabin and engine room. The crew quarters are smaller in size, but adequate for sleeping and privacy. The cabin features twin berths with light through transom windows, a private head, and a washer/dryer combination. Engine access is also available through the crew cabin. Down three steps is the hydraulic swim platform that lowers into the water to create the popular ‘teak beach’ experience. The platform also provides a place for launching PWC and/or a small tender. As an added perk of having the crew quarters accessed from the swim platform, the “crew” head also serves as a day head for those enjoying the benefits of the swim platform. This alleviates the need for guests who are resting on the submerged platform from having to enter the saloon and traipse below in wet feet and bathing suits just to use the head.

Engine Room and Performance

The Prestige 680 preserves the technical attributes of the Prestige DNA by offering a Volvo IPS 1200 engine type for easy maneuverability and suitable even for cruising short-handed. The engine room is accessed from either the watertight door ahead of the crew quarters, or a hatch in the aft deck. The layout is roomy, with all areas being easily accessible. With the engines located forward and the pods well aft, there’s a better balance achieved with the weight distribution. The draft on the Prestige 680 is 5’2” (1.57 m) and this is impressive for a boat of this size. The shallow draft allows more flexible access to a wider range of cruising grounds, particularly in Asia where water depth can be a consideration. Another feature of this model is its stated displacement of just under 66,000 lbs. (19,937 kg). This has to do with her proprietary build techniques that reduce weight, while maintaining strength. The performance advantage of lighter displacement translates into smaller engines, better fuel efficiency and greater range.

For more information: www.prestige-yachts.com

Other Highlights
All living spaces on one level
360-degree panoramic views
Independent owner’s suite and guest suites
Retractable sunshades
Wide side decks
86,000 BTU Mediterranean air conditioning
Hydraulic platform
POD Joystick system

Specifications
Length Overall: 21.46m (70’4”)
Beam: 5.33m (17’5”)
Draught: 1.58m (5’2”)
Fuel Capacity: 3,450 Gal (911gal)
Water Capacity: 920L (243gal)
Engine Options: 2 x 900hp Volvo Penta IPS 1200, 2 X 900hp Volvo D-13 IPS3

Story Credits
Text by Suzy Rayment

This article was originally published in Yacht Style