The azimut 72 flybridge is a totally new boat in terms of design and the technology adopted for the construction process and materials. By Angelo Colombo
The Azimut 72 Flybridge is a totally new boat in terms of design and the technology adopted for the construction process and materials. By Angelo Colombo
THE NEW LINE OF flybridge yachts by Azimut Yachts started in 2013 with the presentation of the Azimut 80, followed by the lucky model Azimut 50 introduced in 2014. Following the new stylistic way adopted by the Italian yard for this line, the new 72 is able to make another step forward by combining elegance, functionality and a state-of-the-art construction process.
Starting from this model, all new Azimut yachts will be realised with these technologies that offer about 30% less weight than the normal process, allowing the designer to push the style toward more interior volume and surfaces. The infusion method adopted for the hull to realise a perfectly manufactured, lighter and stronger boat is combined with the superstructure and flybridge realised in carbon fibre. This is an important step forward to create a high-quality boat.
As with many other boats from Azimut Yachts, the exterior design is by the very well known Stefano Righini, who describes this project as a perfect combination between the exterior line and the big interior volume for yachts of this size.
The perfect work in the interior is by another big name in yacht design, Carlo Galeazzi, who managed the large volume and the high level of natural light from the big windows of the superstructure to create a very rational boat with very high standard of elegance.
The result is a 72 that surprised many during her world debut at the most recent Cannes Yachting Festival with the very elegant and comfortable interiors, and being able to view the sea from any part of the boat. In the saloon you can have a 360-degree view of the sea, you can look at the bow and the stern, and there is a nice sensation of feeling like you can live in this huge, comfortable space on the water.
Complex work has been done with the interior lights that offer pleasant lighting everywhere. To reduce power consumption, only LED lights are integrated into the tops and furniture. The interesting interior work by Carlo Galeazzi was helped by structural solutions that offer a new way to live aboard a 72 with more space than usual on this kind and size of boat.
Another surprising thing for a yacht this size is the huge 37sqm area of the flybridge, which is covered by a hard top made entirely with carbon fibre.
Many details are created to satisfy international markets, for example the nice space on the bow with a C-shaped sofa and small table behind a big sun pad, the double chairs at the flybridge helm, and being able to cover more than half of the flybridge plus a slide top to make that area totally open or covered.
There are four cabins for the Owner and guests for a total of 10 beds, plus 2 beds aft for the crew. The Owner’s suite is a located at mid ship and it is a full-beam cabin with central bed and large windows on each side with small opening port. The suite is equipped with a large bathroom that has an integrated and very comfortable shower.
The VIP cabin is located at the bow and it is also full-beam area, of course, smaller than the Owner’s suite, but big enough to assure total comfort and a very high level of privacy. Other two cabins are located between the VIP and the Owner suite and are both equipped with private bathrooms.
At sea, what is clear immediately is that we are aboard a boat with a very good weight balance – even with a big flybridge and top. But being light and having a perfect balance allow the yacht to handle well in any conditions.
The yard did a very good job of managing the weight, which enables the 72 Fly to sail at a maximum speed of 31 knots and cruising speed of 26kts, with two MAN CR V12 engines producing 1,400mhp each. Again, this is an interesting performance for a yacht of this size and displacement.
The reasons are the well-studied hull, selection of construction materials and the vacuum system adopted to laminate, allowing the yard to reduce and manage weight.
The hull of the new 72 Fly by Azimut is one of the most narrow in its class, although only by a few cm and in any case this doesn’t compromise the interior space or layout, but it allows the 72 to sail more efficiently.
This yacht is very easy to handle, thanks to systems that immediately offer the sensation that everything is under control – and it is real.
www.azimutyachts.com
