Prestige 680S
T
he arrival of the Prestige
680 in 2015 was notable for
a number of outstanding
features – its large owner’s
bow cabin and spacious
flybridge, both very saleable strategies
in a 70ft cruiser.
Jeanneau understandably wanted to
retain these in its new edition, while
giving a sleeker and lower profile (the
680S air draft is 5m as opposed to 6.2m
on the full flybridge 680).
The opportunity to take hull number
one of this new concept out for a spin
has hence shown me how the company
has succeeded; in effect, delivering the
best of both worlds – the sleekness and
improved aesthetics of a sports coupe,
while retaining the desirable flybridge.
Achieving this hybrid design was
achieved by moving the flybridge back
aft, which has the benefit of creating
a large sunroof space to lighten the
saloon and lower helm station.
Regular design collaborators J&J
Design and Garroni Design have again
been retained for the 680S – the middle
sibling in the Prestige Yacht range that
also includes has the 750 flagship and
the entry level 630.
OWNER FORWARD
Retaining the same spacious layout as
the original 680 was another important
consideration, so you will now find
MAIN The volumes of light captured in the
saloon is a highlight.
L-R Up on the bridge, a second galley
serves guests with the best view; Underway
the 680S is efficient thanks to IPS drives;
The exposed helm is best suited to warmer
climates.
either three or four cabins, plus crew
quarters, the latter a good idea when
running a 70ft yacht to avoid owner
stress.
The layout has the owner’s suite
located up forward, using the full
height and volume of the generous bow
area, while guests get the benefit of two
full-beam double cabins midships.
Alternatively the middle cabins can
be two twin singles.
Of course, sleeping underway
could be bumpy for the owner in that
forward space, but the trade-off comes
with stern-to Med-style-mooring
which provides the bow with privacy.
APARTMENT STYLE
INTERIOR
Similar to the 750 that I sailed
previously, the 680S has an open plan
saloon that favours entertaining while
moored, rather than offshore, but
there are sturdy handrails as you pass
the portside the galley with dinette
opposite.
The aft galley location, adjoining the
stern cockpit, creates a convivial party
area once the sliding doors are opened.
The well equipped galley has an
island bench which gives plenty
storage and a handy lean-to for crew
moving around at sea.
There’s a three-ring ceramic Miele
hob, with oven-microwave beneath,
a tall 270L fridge-freezer and deep
sink along with a dishwasher, plus a
washing machine down below.
Opposite the galley is the plexiglass
dinette table, with bench seating for
four (or six at a squeeze).
The midships lounge is elevated to
enjoy those tall coachroof windows
giving panoramic views.
These near-vertical window frames
maximise volume, while having
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