[dropcap]B[/dropcap]ecause of its coastal location, on the south of Devon, England, the economy of Plymouth has traditionally been maritime, in particular in defence sector, shipbuilding and seafaring. Throughout the Industrial Revolution, it strengthened its position as commercial shipping port for the import activities from the Americas and for the export of local minerals (tin, copper, lime, china clay and arsenic) while the neighbouring town of Devonport became a strategic Royal Naval shipbuilding and dockyard town.
For over 150 years, Plymouth Gin was considered the official gin of the officers of the British Royal Navy. Whenever a new vessel was launched into the British Naval fleet, it was duly ‘commissioned’ with a bottle of Plymouth Gin. The ceremony included the presentation of a Commissioning Kit to the ship’s officers. The Kit was delivered in a beautifully crafted wooden case, built sturdily to withstand even the most arduous of sea voyages. As well as a bottle of Plymouth Gin, the case housed the barware, glassware and essential ingredients required to make the legendary Marguerite cocktail, the forefather of the modern Dry Martini.
Princess Yachts and Plymouth Gin Distillery – which has been producing Plymouth Gin since 1793 up to become the most widely distributed gin during the 1930s – have re-imagined the Commissioning Kit breathing new life into this naval tradition with the launch of a stunning Limited Edition Kit, designed to grace the interiors of the world’s greatest motor yachts. Made from Macassar Ebony wood with beautiful leathers throughout, the design of the Commissioning Kit takes inspiration from, and uses material featured within luxury Princess Yachts. Headquartered at the historic Black Friar’s Distillery in Plymouth, Plymouth Gin is an authentic super-premium gin that is distilled in artisan style from small batches in a vintage copper pot still from a recipe that dates back to 1793. Sitting just a stone’s throw from where Princess Yachts designs, develops and builds its yachts on the site of the former Royal Navy, the two brands appeal to customers that are detail-oriented and expect the finest quality from everything they purchase.
Princess Yachts prides itself on hand-finished, peerless craftsmanship that delivers timeless style – perfectly aligning with Plymouth Gin’s exceptional smoothness and enduring appeal. “We are both brands that are unique in our Plymouth origins and our dedication to craftsmanship”, said about the partnership Kiran Haslam, Marketing Director for Princess Yachts. “Just as every bottle of Plymouth Gin is crafted in the South West, in a historic setting, so too are our yachts. This special Commissioning Kit really brings our brand partnership to life, and we are already taking orders for these Kits to adorn several new yachts currently in build.”
Princess Yachts established in Plymouth over 50 years ago. Today the shipyard cover an area of over 1.1 million square feet and continues the city’s ship-building heritage employing over 2,000 people, each possessing a mastery of their skill, sometimes passed down through the generations or gained through the highly regarded apprenticeship scheme. Princess Yachts, though it epitomises the best of British manufacture, has been since 2008 part of the French investment fund L Capital 2 FCPR co-sponsored by the French luxury goods maker LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) and Groupe Arnault.
Musto, British leader brand with over 50 years of heritage in cutting-edge performance apparel, has recently partnered with Princess Yachts for the creation of a capsule collection including mesh-lined and fleece-lined water resistant jackets along with fast drying caps, and soon also polo shirts. Musto was the perfect fit for this partnership Musto’s technical excellence is confirmed by the two Royal Warrants of Appointment as suppliers of outdoor clothing to both Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.
[one_half]Princess Yachts’ partnerships also involve charity initiatives. Last August, the British yacht builder started to officially collaborate with the Marine Conservation Society, the UK charity dedicated to protecting seas, shores and wildlife. Together with the Marine Conservation Society and Seabob, Princess Yachts has initiated an awareness campaign spearheaded by the production of an illustrated children’s storybook, which aims to highlight the importance of marine conservation to a new audience with proceeds from its sale going directly to the charity.[/one_half][one_half_last]
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[one_half]At the recent Boot, the Düsseldorf Boat Show, Princess also announced the collaboration with UK world-known yacht tender manufacturer Williams Jet Tenders to produce a Princess Edition jet tender. Available across the Turbojet range, the distinctive colour scheme has been designed to compliment Princess Yachts’ models and provide customers with a uniquely styled craft.[/one_half][one_half_last]
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[/one_half][one_half_last]At the boat show Princess Yachts, which also this year has had the honour to be present with Princess 30M, the largest yacht of the show, unveiled the new style V40 along with an exceptional line-up including show debuts of the 75 Motor Yacht, Princess 49 and V58 deck saloon, Princess 68, 60, and 43.[/one_half_last]