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Test driving the Azimut Seadeck 6 in Venice

It was a hot muggy morning at the Venice Boat Show, which made the cooling sea breeze all the more welcome as we put Azimut ’s new Seadeck 6 through her paces out in the lagoon.

The 17.5-metre vessel is the first in a series of three mild hybrid yachts, a range that will eventually include two bigger flybridge models and a culmination of Azimut’s 20-year R&D drive to reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption throughout its fleet.

Complementing the three 480 HP engines are solar panels that feed a battery pack to run the boat’s hotel load emissions -free for up to eight hours when stationary. Azimut claims this hybrid propulsion, complete with optimised hull and lightweight carbon fibre used in the superstructure, will reduce C02 emissions by up to 40 per cent over a year of average use compared to a traditional boat of similar dimensions. This is accompanied by a range of eco-focussed details throughout the yacht.

By the sounds of it, Azimut spent a lot of time refining the hull shape and this is perhaps the model's most winning feature. The Seadeck showed us how she can progress smoothly through from displacement to planing and be most fuel-efficient at brisk cruising speeds between 22 and 27 knots. “I am proud of what we did with this hull,” Iacopo Senarega, Azimut’s research project manager, told me as we gathered speed. “Of course, I'm a technician, so I'm naturally more focused on naval architecture, but I think that the range of speeds the owner or captain can choose while keeping the efficiency at the same level is impressive. Equally, the design, which reflects all this engineering work; reducing consumption, reducing emissions, and giving the owner a wonderful experience.”

The aft deck centres around what Azimut calls the ‘Fun Island’, a place “where owners can get away from their daily routine and live in total contact with the sea.” The stepped deck is fitted with eco-friendly cork that is not only great for grip, but dries quickly and doesn’t get hot like wooden decks. Cork has also been carried through on the handrail of the side decks, which is a nice touch. Fun fact: the core of the boat is made from recycled plastic, or to be more precise, from 15,000 plastic bottles.

Inside, the creamy white pared-down interiors, designed by Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez, have a sustainable theme, including carpets made from recycled plastic or fishing nets. The open-plan main saloon features both a lounging area, galley and the helm station. A floor-to-ceiling window on one side gives you uninterrupted views out to the ocean and is fitted with anti-UV glass to reduce the need for air conditioning. A glass opening in the bulwark means you can still see the sea when sitting.

Everything in the galley is super-streamlined. No ugly kit here: the compact galley has an induction hob built into a tactile Lapitec worktop with only a few buttons to indicate its presence. The sink can be hidden away, the TV flips down from the ceiling and the fridge, cupboards and oven is tucked behind a ribbed light wood facia.

Below on the lower deck, there is a three-cabin, two-bathroom arrangement. The owner’s cabin comes with a private bathroom and plenty of storage. There is decent headroom, plenty of natural light and lots of space to move around, with a sofa tucked to one side. The VIP has private access to the dayhead, and while the twin is snug with narrow single beds, it will sleep two children or adults for a short jaunt. In smaller boats, corridors can feel dark and claustrophobic but this one benefitted from a strategically placed upper deck window.

So how did the Seadeck 6 perform? Thanks to her optimised hull and, of course, her Seakeeper stabiliser, she never once sacrificed comfort over speed. Perhaps most remarkable was how quiet the boat was at top speed (around 30-32 knots), with most of the noise coming from the water underneath the hull. Despite twisting the boat around a choppy lagoon and pushing the boat from zero to full throttle in under a minute, the ride was smooth; passengers sitting on the aft deck were sheltered and there was almost no spray evident on the hull or windows when the boat finally cruised back into port.

Azimut’s marketing blurb promises that the Seadeck is a “gentle way to live the sea” and the streamlined hull, quietly understated interiors and sustainable touches go a long way to tick that box. A stylish boat that delivers what she promises - style, and substance.

AZIMUT'S SEADECK 6 LOA: 17.5 metres. CABINS: 3 + 1 crew BERTHS: 6 + 1 ENGINES: 3 x Volvo IPS 500 (380 HP); 3 x Volvo IPS 650 (580 HP) MAX SPEED: Up to 30 KN BEAM: 5.05m MATERIAL: GRP/Carbon fibre FUEL CAPACITY: 2400 L WATER CAPACITY: 590 L INTERIOR DESIGNER Matteo Thun & Antonio Rodriguez EXTERIOR STYLING Alberto Mancini

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Azimut Seadeck 6 Review (2024 Edition)

The Azimut Seadeck 6 is the first model of the first hybrid series of yachts by Azimut that promises luxury and sustainability, but will it float your eco-boat?

Azimut's Seadeck 6 promises sustainable luxury, but is luxury defined by silence while underway, your connection to the sea, or effecient performance? Alternatively, is sustainability achieved through recycled materials, efficient hull shapes, or systems powered by solar panels and batteries?

Pursuing a balance of both, the Seadeck 6 is the first model to feature their reimagined cockpit, the Azimut 'Fun Island', offering an open-plan saloon/galley with three cabins and two bathrooms below. Backed by triple IPS650 engines with a top speed of 33 knots and a mild hybrid system for silent, emission-free running at anchor, is the Seadeck 6 a welcome new breed of mid-size cruiser 

Azimut Seadeck 6 Key Facts

• Model Year 2024
• Max Speed 32 knots
• Status In Production
• Yacht Type Cruiser
• Use Type Cruising

Test & Review Video

YachtBuyer Score

In this article:

Our Verdict

Rivals to consider.

• Specification

Our Scores Explained

Performance & Handling

The hull's design aims for a smooth progression onto the plane, and it achieved this goal brilliantly. As we pushed it up to speed, those three 480hp Volvo Penta IPS650 engines showed their mettle. At speeds over 15 knots, it glides onto the plane with no discernible hump at all, and at low cruising speeds of 22 knots, the transition is incredibly smooth.

At 23 knots, the Seadeck 6 felt very comfortable and consumed about 195 liters per hour, which is impressively economical. That’s a good 60-70 liters per hour less than the Azimut Magellano 60 , which runs on twin shaft drives. The efficiency of the triple IPS setup is right up there with the Azimut 53 Fly, another IPS boat but with only two engines.

Why opt for three engines at all, you may ask. It's a good question. At this size, the design team felt the power-to-weight ratio was better with three smaller engines and with smaller legs that don't drop as deep into the water, there is less drag to contend with, too. It's not the first time they've done this either, the S range uses triple IPS in some models for much the same reason.

What’s remarkable, though, is how quiet the ride was. At cruising speed, we registered around 65 decibels — quiet for a planing boat, and especially for one with three engines. 

So what happened when we fully opened the taps? At the top speed of 32-33 knots, the sound didn't spike dramatically, and even at wide-open throttle (about 3,700 RPM), the noise stayed under 70db. Most of what you hear is the water rushing under the hull, rather than the engines themselves.

At 30 knots, the engines became a bit more audible, but not by much. Drop back to 25 knots, however, and the refinement is remarkable. This yacht isn't really designed for driver engagement — it wants to isolate you from the experience. The steering is light, typical of an IPS boat, making it easy to manoeuvre, but don’t expect dramatic turns.

The big Azimut wheel passes through your hands with ease, enabling slow, considered turns rather than sharp, agile moves. Additionally, with the Seakeeper stabilizer running, the boat remained steady,  so it’s not one you’d throw from side to side. Set your speed, and let the hull handle the rest.

Design & Build

The Azimut Seadeck 6 is the first in the new Seadeck series, a lineup that will eventually feature two larger flybridge models. Exterior design is by the longstanding Azimut collaborator Alberto Mancini with interior design by Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez. This is the first boat interior that Thun and Rodgriguez have been involved in but their experience in designing eco-resorts has informed the design and material choices on board the Seadeck 6. The decks, for instance, are covered in cork instead of the traditional teak, and the carpets are crafted from recycled fishing nets. Admirable stuff.

You can't help but notice the extensive use of glass in the saloons, offering fabulous views and a sense of openness. The Seadeck 6 boasts a surface that's 40% carbon fibre, primarily in the deck and superstructure. This clever use of lightweight materials makes the yacht approximately five tons lighter than rivals like the Pardo Endurance 60. You can see the effect in practice, making the yacht more nimble and efficient without stripping it down to a shell.

Azimut might also be a little late to the party with the whole drop-down balconies thing, but it feels like they've been biding their time to execute it perfectly. Inspired by the Benetti Oasis superyacht range, part of the same shipyard, the Seadeck 6 features a graduated step down towards the waterline. The fulcrum of this design is the amazing bathing platform, which also acts as the tender lift. 

Engine Room

You might expect, given the three engines tucked away in the Seadeck 6's engine spaces, for it to feel cramped, but it’s surprisingly spacious. This is the beauty of having three small blocks — they slot in neatly and leave plenty of room to move around. The access to the pod drives is equally impressive.

The generator is positioned conveniently right by the entrance, so it’s easy to get to. The Seakeeper is similarly well-situated, ensuring you can reach it without any hassle. They've really thought about usability here. The twin filters for each engine are also lined up perfectly, making it a simple task to switch between them if one gets blocked while you’re out on the water.

Now, if you opt for the optional hotel mode, you’ll find the battery bank access right in the cockpit hatch. Developed by Torqeedo, the system is designed so that during the day, you can run all systems, including air conditioning and Seakeeper, for about four hours. At night, this extends to eight hours without needing to fire up the generator. The batteries are housed in a steel box beneath, and all the charging apparatus is neatly arranged above.

If you decide against hotel mode, this area can be transformed into a (tight) captain’s cabin. Considering all this machinery, the space remains incredibly functional and well-organized. It’s a genuinely impressive setup. 

Interior Accommodation

In the saloon, floor-to-ceiling windows flank one side, with a cut in the bulwark so that even when seated, you’re treated to fabulous views over the water. Above, fixed glass panels create an airy, open feel. Their vanes cast a lovely pattern across the seating when the sun shines — the sort of frippery only Italians can pull off - but it would be better if they tilted to create shade. 

The TV is concealed in the ceiling and swings down to face the sofa, which is conveniently pushed to one side, offering a great flow down to the companionway forward. And should you want to dine inside, the table can double in size — though with that inviting cockpit outside, dining alfresco would be the preferred choice more often than not. Also worth mentioning is that storage isn't an afterthought, with three deep drawers beneath the helm station providing ample space and easily accessed voids beneath the saloon sofas. 

The induction cooktop is integrated into the surface, making it almost invisible. The sink, complete with a cover, can be completely hidden away when not in use, and there’s a dedicated storage spot for the sink top inside a cupboard. The fridge, tucked behind a ribbed wood-effect fascia, offers a nice size with a big freezer below, while a split cupboard reveals storage for glassware and crockery.

Everything you need is subtly stowed away but easily accessible. Behind another fascia, you’ll find a Miele oven, a pop-out drawer for cutlery, and a dishwasher. It's such a clean galley arrangement the whole thing nearly disappears when not in use and it's arranged in such a way that it connects brilliantly to both indoor and outdoor living spaces. It is a little lacking in storage, though, especially for cooking utensils and pots and pans.

The lower deck of the Azimut Seadeck 6 offers a three-cabin, two-bathroom layout that feels nice and bright. The light palette combined with ample natural light flowing from the saloon above made this a very inviting space.

Starting with the foyer, you’ll find a neatly tucked away washer/dryer — a handy feature for extended voyages. Adjacent, is a simply enormous storage area, one that is not just tall, but extends back quite a bit, making it perfect for stashing away bags and other essentials when guests are on board for longer cruises.

Owner's Cabin

The owner's cabin is located amidships and gives a beach house vibe to echo the themes seen in the saloon. The ribbed wood detailing looks lovely here and lends a welcoming feel to the room. The monotone palette is a bit restrained, but the burst of colour from the bedspreads adds some vibrancy and an owner's touch will make a big difference here.

It's spacious, with ample floor space and a generous headroom throughout. The bed is positioned to allow for views through the hull windows, which are the largest on the yacht, bathing the cabin in natural light. 

On both sides of the bed, you’ll find good-sized bedside tables, equipped with lamps and repeaters for all the switches — you can control the lighting without leaving your bed.

There's also a lovely big sofa, perfect for taking the weight off. As for storage, there's plenty of it, with massive drawers and hanging wardrobes ensuring you won’t be left needing any extra space.

The private bathroom is beautifully detailed, featuring metal-backed handles that are secured with magnet catches, so no latches stick out. These may seem like small touches but they make a difference to to the overall feeling of quality. 

The VIP cabin is located forward and the first thing you’ll notice here is the headroom.  Inside there is over 1.82m (6ft) of standing headroom.

The space around the bed is pretty good, allowing one person to get changed comfortably. Storage is plentiful with a large amount under the bed, a full-size hanging locker on one side, and a slightly smaller one on the other.

While the cabin doesn't have masses of natural light — owing to just the side ports and an escape hatch — it makes up for it with private access to the day head. This bathroom is nicely sized and features a separate shower cubicle, which it shares with the twin cabin.

This space is probably best suited for kids due to the smaller beds. However, it’s perfectly fine for adults on the odd occasion.

There’s a nice amount of storage for clothes and bags, and access to the shared bathroom across the way. The headroom is a bit hemmed by the helm station above, but lying down, it’s not an issue. Details like reading lights and repeater switches for the lighting add to the convenience, allowing you to control the ambience from your bed. There’s also a bit of natural light and an opening port for ventilation, which is always a plus.

Helm Station

Right away, you're greeted with two incredibly comfortable, fully adjustable seats. You can lean back and relax on long cruises thanks to the electric adjustments, and there's a handy footrest to take the weight off. The wheel has some adjustment too, so you can tilt it up towards yourself if needed, great for switching between standing and sitting to drive.

The helm itself is well-arranged, with twin MFDs neatly lined up in front of you, providing all the information needed at a glance. The window on the side allows for communication with your crew and ventilation. The sightlines are also great, giving you an all-round view, important considering this is the only helm station aboard the Seadeck 6. That said, there is an optional third docking station on the starboard side deck.

The bathing platform slides out and then drops down, complete with built-in stairs. It's also where you can mount the tender. When the platform is deployed, the effect is absolutely wonderful. Cork is employed for its sustainability benefits but it also makes lots of sense from a practical point of view. Cork doesn't retain heat in the same way teak does and it dries incredibly quickly. And, even when it is wet, it's very grippy. 

The space here is wonderful, especially with the balconies extending the width. There’s a lovely big sun pad, perfect for lounging, with storage tucked underneath. On the bigger Seadeck models, this area would serve as a tender garage, but on the Seadeck 6, it’s ideal for storing toys, fenders, and that sort of thing.

Another thing you'll notice when on board is that everything is orientated to face the water. The sun pad is in a prime position, complete with a sliding backrest, enabling you to perch over the water — a good touch. The dinette area is also designed thoughtfully with seating that looks out over the water, offering fabulous views. For those seeking extra shade, a pop-out sunshade offers some respite from the sun if you want to dine outside.

The table is flexible too — it folds so you can have it fully open or half-sized for more space to move around. Underneath the sun pad on either side there is a draw fridge for easy access to cold drinks without having to head back into the galley.

You'll immediately appreciate the generous width of these side decks. They're spacious and easy to move around, and another standout feature here is the cork topping, adding that nice touch of practicality.

The side decks have clip-in fenders, and without any guard rails, these fenders pop into slots dotted along the side, keeping everything uncluttered.  Azimut has even thought about natural ventilation and visibility too.

Despite there being no helm side door, a large window compensates by allowing the skipper to communicate with the crew and enjoy some fresh air. Passage forward is also a doddle, thanks to the tall sides which, despite lacking guardrails, are easy to grab onto for security.

On both sides, you’ll find practical lockers. These are interconnected, allowing longer items like canopy poles to be stowed neatly. Lined and supported by gas rams, these lockers are useful for anyone crewing the boat. The thoughtful design doesn't stop there — with pop-up lights, a drained tray for odds and ends, and large cup holders also featuring.

Up at the foredeck, you’ll notice the sun pad with easy-to-use pop-up backrests, also on gas rams. The concealed anchor arrangement here also keeps the area clean and easy to navigate during Mediterranean mooring. Additionally, twin anchor lockers provide access to the mechanism, a through-hull arrangement, making it all very user-friendly.

Has Azimut succeeded in its promise of sustainable luxury? It’s easy to dismiss this as mere tokenism, but there's a different perspective to consider here. 

The comfort provided by these sustainable features is undeniable, such as the cork decking, offering a smooth, quiet surface underfoot, or the silent running of systems at anchor making those restful moments even more enjoyable.

What we do know, however, is that the Seadeck 6 delivers on its easy living ethos, with safe, spacious side decks and a clever blend of the cockpit and saloon. Whether you buy into Azimut's sustainability ethos or not, the Seadeck 6 is a great boat and sets a high benchmark for its larger stablemates. 

Reasons to Buy

• Remarkably quiet at speed
• Easy-to-access machinery
• Cockpit balconies
• Italian designed, light-filled interior
• Sustainable cork decking

Things to Consider

• No helm side door
• Fixed glass instead of sunroof

The Azimut Seadeck 6, with its planing hull, can deliver speeds of up to 33 knots, which is quite respectable in its class. However, if raw power and top speeds are your primary focus, you might find the Wally WallyPower58 , with its great performance of up to 38 knots, more up your alley.

For those prioritising guest accommodation, the Azimut Seadeck 6 offers a well-appointed layout for up to seven guests with its three-cabin configuration. This puts it on par with rivals like the Princess V55 and Riviera 505 SUV , both of which also accommodate seven guests comfortably. The Seadeck 6’s full-beam master cabin, complete with an en-suite bathroom, hull-side windows, and a sofa, is an absolute treat. On the other hand, yachts like the Riva 56' Rivale and WallyPower58, designed for slightly smaller groups of four guests in two cabins, still offer exceptional comfort, making them ideal for shorter trips.

If performance metrics are your yardstick, the Seadeck 6 is designed for those who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, with a cruising speed of 24 knots and a top speed of 33 knots. It emphasises stability and comfort over sheer speed. In contrast, the WallyPower58 takes the crown for the fastest cruising speed at 32 knots, and it can reach a top speed of 38 knots thanks to its triple 550hp Volvo Penta D8-IPS700 engines. The Riva 56' Rivale isn’t far behind, boasting a cruising speed of 34 knots and a top speed of 38 knots.

Vanquish Yachts VQ55 Sports Line , with its shallow draft, can navigate waters that are inaccessible to deeper vessels—perfect for those hidden coves. The Riva 56' Rivale, with its emphasis on performance and efficiency, is a marvel in its own right. Meanwhile, the WallyPower58 offers unmatched raw performance, making it a thrilling choice for speed enthusiasts.

Specifications & Performance

• Builder Azimut
• Range Seadeck
• Model Seadeck 6
• Length Overall 17.5m
• Draft(full load) 1.35m
• Yacht Type (Primary) Cruiser
• Use Type (Primary) Cruising
• Cruising Speed Max Speed
• Fuel Capacity 2,400 Litres
• Fresh Water Capacity 590 Litres
• Engine Model 3x Volvo Penta IPS650

Performance Data

Azimut Seadeck 6 version 2024.

3 Test Engines Volvo Penta IPS650

• Liters Per Hour
• Liters Per Mile
•   CRUISE

Azimut Seadeck 6 Layout

The "Fun Island" opens up to significantly increase cockpit space 

If you opt for the mild hybrid option, the batteries and ancillary components replace the crew cabin 

Jack Haines

Jack is YachtBuyer's Reviews Director. He is a writer, editor and presenter with 15 years’ experience testing over 350 motorboats of all shapes and sizes, from 20ft RIBs to 120ft yachts (and even the Royal Navy Frigate HMS Sutherland ). 

More Azimut Reviews

Azimut Verve 48 Review (2023 Edition)

Azimut Magellano 60 Review (2023 Edition)

All-New Azimut 53 Review (2022 Edition)

All-New Azimut Magellano 66 Review (2023 Edition)

Azimut Grande 26M Review (2022 Edition)

Seadeck 6 competitor reviews.

Pardo GT52 Review (2022 Edition)

All-New Wally WallyPower58 Review (2022 Edition)

by Jack Haines

Reviews Director

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2022 Azimut Verve 42

• By Capt. Chris Caswell
• July 8, 2022

In motorcycle parlance, a cafe racer is a bike tricked out to look like a competition version but only flits from the pub to the bistro.

While the new Azimut Verve 42 might look like a waterborne cafe racer for jaunts from Cannes to St. Tropez carrying champers and revelers, this boat is no poseur. We discovered this while smashing through and leaping off rough seas in the Gulf Stream, which tested its construction of vinylester resin (for blister protection), plus carbon fiber in the deck and hardtop (for strength). Built to Euro classification CE Category A (winds to 45 mph, seas to 13 feet), the Verve 42 gave off nary a creak.

Testing in angry seas also proved Michael Peters ’ stepped-V ventilated hull. It landed softly on its deep-V and tracked arrow-straight.

A smaller version of Azimut’s Verve 47, the 42 could take you from Miami to Bimini (or Newport to Nantucket) for lunch and back at 50 mph, thanks to triple 450 hp Mercury Racing outboards. But who would?

Interior and Accessories

This is no spartan day cruiser, but a full-fledged yacht with a private owner’s cabin (queen-size berth), a head with a full shower stall, and a forward berth. Fully air-conditioned courtesy of the 11 kW Onan genset, there is a galley hidden behind lacquered locker doors.

You can serve your meals either in the cabin on the table that converts into a double berth, or in the cockpit on the cool table that rises electrically from flush in the sole. For water fun, the port hullside unfolds to create a beach with a swim ladder. Because the engines are aft, there is immense stowage under the cockpit.

The skipper and two friends get high-back, electrically adjustable helm seats behind a sweeping dash with twin Raymarine 15-inch monitors. The Verve 42 surprises with a cockpit-level walkway forward to the bow seating.

Thinking of the Verve 42 as just an overnighter misses the point—this boat is for long weekends (or weeks) aboard without feeling like you are roughing it. The Italians have merged a center-console (with a limited cabin) and an express cruiser (without forward seating) to create a great choice for buyers.

High Points

• Wraparound bowrider seating is a delight, with a sun pad, a dining table, and easy access via a walkway to port.
• Full stand-up shower with glass doors and a seat helps make it a true cruiser.
• Privacy door for the owner’s cabin is special, plus there’s storage in the headboard and space to dress properly.
• Good service access to systems and batteries via the cockpit floor hatches.

• Given the speed potential, more handgrips (round rather than square) in the cockpit would be appreciated.
• Considering the long-weekender capabilities, a single-burner Kenyon induction cooktop seems stingy—no boeuf bourguignon for this crew.
• Overhead buttons for various systems (lighting, windlass, wipers, etc.) look cool and aircrafty, but are a stretch for seated skippers.

Toughest Competitor

Cruisers 42 Cantius ($880,480) has IPS drives and two full cabins, with two full heads en suite. However, the forward seating is small, without a cockpit-level walkway.

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple 450 hp Mercury Racing outboards
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Revolution 4 XP 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.60:1 Fuel Load: 200 gal. Crew Weight: 1,000 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Azimut Yachts – azimutyachts.com

• More: 2022 , 40-50ft , August/September 2022 , azimut , boat tests , Boats , Cruising Boats , outboards

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Yacht Test: Azimut 55S

Boat Test #1412

If you’re going to dream, dream big  that’s what the azimut yachts 55s is all about: big dreams.

At over 56 feet, this sport yacht from Azimut offers a whole new way of experiencing the open waves, with not two but three engines that push the carbon fibre hull up to 35 knots. From the large swim platform, raise the garage door and easily launch the dinghy to explore the anchorage or go fishing at will.  Back on board, the aft deck features a large l-shaped bench up the port side that’s perfect for outdoor entertaining a family, or friends from other yachts in the anchorage. When you step through the large glass door into the cabin and you’ll notice the design is contiguous sharing a common design palette and detailing: teak flooring, sofas, and cushions. Pure class both inside and out. While you may be physically inside, you’ll feel like you’re still outside with the wraparound windows that go right from the top of the couch or counter to the ceiling and the overhead glass retractable sunroof. The flat screen TV neatly drops into a cabinet in the aft starboard corner of the cabin. At night, overhead lights brighten the space beautifully.

Beam: 15’ 7” / 4.75 m

Draft: 3’ 9” / 1.14 m

Displacement 23.22 T

Fuel: 423 gals / 1,600 L

Water: 156 gals / 590 L

Engines: 3 Volvo D6-IPS @435HP each

Max Speed: 35 knots

Cruising Speed: 30 knots

For more information Executive Yacht Canada. 1.888.237.1647 www.executiveyachts.com Or Azumut Yachts Via M.L. King 9/11 – 10051 Avigliana Torino (Italy) www.azimutyachts.com”

The main deck features two optional layout choices: a double wide sofa at the wheelhouse or two individual captains’ chairs side-by-side.  The galley is to starboard and cleverly disappears under a fold down countertop for entertaining.  A u-shaped sofa and dinette for six complete the port side. Simple, clean, and functional but elegant. Down below you’ll find three cabins with sleeping accommodations for up to six.  The master stateroom, which Azimut calls the Owners’ Cabin, is amidships and offers views out both the port and starboard side large windows. The layout features a queen island berth off to starboard and a two seater dinette to port. The dinette is perfect for your laptop, a quiet reading space or a private breakfast. The guest v-berth is forward and features an island bed. The second guest stateroom features two single beds convertible to a queen. Both guest cabins feature tons of natural light pouring in through the large windows and port-lights. No detail was spared in the heads which feature separate showers, raised vacu-flush toilets, beautiful cabinetry and modern washbasins all bathed in overhead light. While you don’t spend a lot of time onboard in here, a spacious head makes a big difference when you’re out for a week long cruise or more. There’s an additional crew cabin far up the bow just behind the anchor locker and in front of the forward guest cabin, that sleeps one and is self-contained with head, shower, sink and fold-down single bed. Power is supplied in a unique configuration by three Volvo D6-IPS 600 engines and affords a top speed of 35 knots, with a comfortable cruising speed of 30 knots. If you’re ready to stop dreaming and start living out your dreams, then a thorough review and test ride of the Azimut 55S just might be in order. By Brad Roberts

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Azimut 60 review: Serious wow factor sets this Italian flybridge apart from tough competition

• Credit: Azimut Yachts
• The saloon windows are asymmetric and only extend from floor to ceiling on the starboard side of the boat Credit: Azimut Yachts
• There is access to the cockpit from either side of the bathing platform Credit: Azimut Yachts
• Azimut says there are 44 curves within the 60’s striking interior Credit: Azimut Yachts
• Azimut’s slick digital management system means you can monitor and adjust most functions from the helm seat Credit: Azimut Yachts
• The Bedouin-style canopy offers shade over the foredeck and stows in the void below the windscreen bench Credit: Azimut Yachts
• These drawers in the master cabin are classic Salvagni, with gorgeous curved edges and tactile rounded handles. For all its stylish intent, it’s also a fine storage space. Credit: Azimut Yachts
• Stepped cabin sides make it easy to get into the bed Credit: Azimut Yachts
• Top stories

With top-class competition to contend with, can the Azimut 60’s brave interior help it edge out in front of the pack?

To be in the market in the market 
for a 60ft flybridge 
 is to be presented with some of the finest craft the world’s boatbuilders have in their stables. These boats must meet a hugely demanding list of requirements and, sitting as they do on the threshold between being owner-run and managed by a skipper and crew, their layouts must be capable of catering for both scenarios.

When you are spending upwards of €1 million, it goes without saying that a certain level of space, luxury and quality are prerequisite – but wow factor is high on the agenda too. The latter is not something that Azimut struggles with; the bold Stefano Righini exteriors are instantly recognisable and possess a style and panache that set out to challenge its more conservative rivals.

This new Azimut 60 may replace the former model of the same name but it is more than a simple refresh; this boat has a brand new hull and an interior that is as bold, brave and opinion-splitting as Righini’s avant-garde exterior.

Smooth curves

That interior is designed by Achille Salvagni, one of Italy’s most celebrated interior designers, who up until this point has mainly created interiors for boats of 80ft plus.

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His signature style includes curvaceous furniture and bold pastel colours teamed with darker, more muted timbers. Azimut says there are 44 separate curves throughout the interior and, though I can’t admit to having counted each and every one, I can well believe it.

Everything from the sofa bases to the tables and galley counters has a smoothly rounded edge, which is as distinctive as it is practical. How many modern interiors are peppered with sharp corners and hard edges that threaten to jab you at any moment if the boat takes a big impact out at sea? There is no such concern on the Azimut 60.

Article continues below…

Azimut 55 review – curvy interior gives this Italian flybridge a cutting edge

The Azimut 55 has an interior to die for but is that enough to topple such a talented crop of

£1100000

VIDEO: Princess 62 review

Clever styling, astonishing amounts of space and a host of neat details give the Princess 62 exceptional showroom appeal. So

Our test boat had the light wood option, which complemented the dark wenge floorboards and the textured synthetic floor covering used in the aft section of the saloon. It’s a good choice to use in this part of the boat because it means guests can wander into the saloon with wet feet and not worry about slipping or staining the carpet.

The use of colours, materials and textures is exquisite in its thoughtfulness and there are fine details, such as the gold bases under the saloon sofas and brass spotlights over the dinette that add a sense of occasion. It won’t appeal to all tastes but whereas rivals’ interiors err on the side of safety and depend on the owner’s touches to add verve, the Azimut’s has ready-made flair and attitude all of its own.

There is a downside however, and that’s a lack of dedicated handholds. Yes, there are fewer hard edges to knock yourself against but it’s still important to be able to hang on to something as you move through the boat at sea. Currently, the backrest of the dinette naturally falls to hand and, on our test boat, was already sporting some grubby handprints thanks to its assumed role as a handhold.

Azimut says there are 44 curves within the 60’s striking interior

Azimut has opted for an amidships galley configuration, which leaves space aft for a relaxed and welcoming lounging area, perfect for a cosy drink before bed. This puts the dinette up quite a tall step and opposite the galley, which works well in that transporting food and drinks from kitchen to table is easy.

In a bid to make the most out of the views from this raised level on the main deck, the starboard window runs from floor to ceiling and there is a cut-out in the bulwark to provide unimpeded views out over the water. Neither of these features is repeated on the port side, which may seem odd but you can only see one side of the boat at a time.

Bold design

The lower deck décor is no less ambitious. In the VIP cabin for example, the headboard is green velvet and there is a deep blue trinket box built into the surfaces either side of the bed. The reading lights are pearl-like orbs that pop out of the headboard, and gold liner peeps out from behind the hand grooves in the wardrobes.

Stepped cabin sides make it easy to get into the bed

It’s fun, almost cartoonish, but it’s functional too, like the way that you can lift the base of the bed with one hand to reveal a huge void perfect for storing empty suitcases. In fact, every bed on board lifts to reveal a lined storage area. The twin guest cabin doesn’t have an ensuite but those occupying it have use of the day heads so they needn’t share a bathroom with those in the VIP.

In the full-beam master cabin , the quirky layout is almost as interesting as Salvagni’s décor. The bed runs athwartships and is flanked by funky – and of course, curvaceous – bedside tables with large lamps seemingly hovering over them.

On the opposite side of the cabin is an oval-shaped storage unit; a signature Salvagni piece with bold, toy-chest handles disguising massively deep drawers. It dominates the space and encompasses the outlandish interior to a tee.

These drawers in the master cabin are classic Salvagni, with gorgeous curved edges and tactile rounded handles. For all its stylish intent, it’s also a fine storage space

Life under the sun

Back on deck, things may be a little more formulaic but all three outdoor entertaining spaces have been well designed. One of my favourite spots on the boat is the aft section of the flybridge where Azimut, unlike pretty much every rival out there, fits proper fixed seating to provide a comfortable elevated lounging space ideal for private drinks raised high above a bustling Med quayside.

You can opt to have a barbecue grill in this area or simply maximise the low-slung seating for group sundowners. There’s similarly clever thinking on the foredeck. There is the usual blend of seating and sunbathing space but Azimut has worked in a clever folding backrest atop the sunpads that faces back into the boat so guests can sit opposite each other for snacks and drinks around the folding table.

It’s simple but clever, as is the signature squared-off section at the very forward end of the deck, which means the area around the anchor winch and mooring gear is wider and flatter than usual, therefore safer for crew to use, and it allows for more space in the VIP cabin.

The Bedouin-style canopy offers shade over the foredeck and stows in the void below the windscreen bench

The lower helm seats are set quite high so can be a bit tricky to clamber up into, but once in the supportive chairs, the raised position and lack of blind spots means helming from the shelter of the saloon isn’t just something you do when rain stops play on the flybridge.

There is just about enough space to stand at the lower helm too, which is useful if you’re helming at night, for example, and need to have the nav gear within easy reach. Azimut likes to keep engine options simple so the 60 can be configured with either MAN i6 800s or the pair of Volvo Penta D13-900s we had fitted to our test boat.

Performance is broadly similar but you may notice the extra 200 combined horsepower when the boat is loaded with gear and blighted by mid-season growth. The Volvos are a fine match for the boat and it sweeps without fuss to 31 knots, though it does take a bit of time to get there.

Azimut’s slick digital management system means you can monitor and adjust most functions from the helm seat

Azimut’s electro-hydraulic steering takes all of the heavy lifting out of shifting the 60 from side to side and it reacts keenly to the helmsman’s inputs for a big old brute. The steering system that Azimut uses allows for increased rudder angle at slower speeds to make for a tighter turning circle but the feel and tenacity improves as speed increases.

The steering is so light as to feel lifeless at times, but this is a small price to pay for what easy work it makes of threading the Azimut 60’s 36-tonne heft about. Our boat had the optional Xenta joystick fitted. It’s a neat enough system that combines the props and thruster to go some way towards offering the same thumb-twiddling flickability of IPS.

That said, it feels dim-witted at times and, with a hefty pair of props biting into the water and thrusters fore and aft, it seems rather unnecessary. I would save the money.

On the water, the Azimut 60 goes about its business with consummate ease, ironing out the worst that albeit benign seas off Savona could offer us. It will sit at 25 knots in comfort and no doubt prove a relaxing cruiser for longer passages, though an 86db(A) reading in the cockpit at 25 knots isn’t entirely soothing and there were a few squeaks emanating from the dash that disrupted the peace.

There is access to the cockpit from either side of the bathing platform

Our verdict

The Azimut 60’s rivals are numerous and talented. The Sunseeker Manhattan 52 may be a touch smaller but it has a Motor Boat Award to its name, keen pricing and the option of shaftdrives or IPS pods. The other Brit, the Princess 62 , is gracious and charming in a way that only Princess can make a boat, and it is absolutely vast inside. The Prestige 630 possesses a novel layout and has value for money on its side.

And let’s not ignore the Azimut’s homegrown competition either: the Absolute 58 Fly is a fantastic all-rounder, festooned with excellent detailing and possessing the finest IPS dynamics in the sector.

The Azimut 60 can’t compete with the space of the Princess, versatility of the Sunseeker or the pod-drive dynamics of the Absolute, but in the style stakes it has the others licked. That interior is a major point of difference and its charm extends far beyond the initial impressions of a quick sea trial or a tour at a boat show.

It’s a boat that feels special even if you aren’t in the mood to leave the marina thanks to the work of Achille Salvagni and Azimut’s decision to give him carte blanche. If it’s wow factor you’re after, the Azimut 60 has it in spades.

Specification

LOA: 59ft 10in (18.3m) Beam: 16ft 7in (5.1m) Draught: 4ft 9in (1.46m) Fuel capacity: 616 imp gals (2,800 litres) Water capacity: 165 imp gal (750 litres) RCD Category: B for 14 people Design: Stefano Righini & Achille Salvagni Displacement: 36 tonnes (loaded) Test engines: Twin 900hp Volvo Penta D13s Top speed: 30.1 knots Cruising speed: 24 knots Range at 8 knots: 779nm Price from: €1.73m (inc VAT) Price as tested: €2.09m (inc VAT)

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Azimut Launches the Fly 62

• By Yachting Staff
• August 20, 2024

Azimut Yachts in Italy has launched the Fly 62, the eighth model in its range of Fly yachts that spans from 50 to 83 feet long.

The Fly 62—which has a length overall of 63 feet, 8 inches—is scheduled to make its public debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival, which is set for September 10-15 in France.

Azimut says this model’s key feature is a beach cockpit with a transom that opens outward, lowering a sofa and creating a sunbathing area so close to the water “that is unique for a yacht in this segment.”

Additional guest seating is in what’s considered the traditional cockpit space, with shade from the upper deck’s overhang. The upper deck also has guest relaxation areas that are in the sun and shade, in addition to yet another outdoor zone far forward on the main deck that is completely open.

Exterior design is by Alberto Mancini, with the superstructure volume increasing toward the bow. This choice allowed the beach cockpit area to be developed while maintaining overall sporty styling. Mancini also designed the new hardtop, with an eye toward what Azimut calls “hyper-modern lines” that complement the horizontal hull windows.

Interiors on the Azimut Fly 62 are by architect Fabio Fantolino, marking his second project with the shipyard. Fantolino’s goal was to create open spaces that are free of visual obstacles. Renderings from the builder show a combination of white and light neutral tones in the standard décor, with substantial glazing on the main deck that allows for broad views of the outdoors.

Power on this yacht is a pair of 900-horsepower Volvo Penta IPS1200s. Azimut says the maximum speed will be 32 knots, giving the Fly 62 plenty of oomph to cover ambitious itineraries.

Draft is 3 feet, 5 inches, which is low enough to allow for skinny-water cruising.

Azimut is expanding its offerings in Spain: The shipyard also just announced the opening of two Grande Boutiques in Spain, one in Palma de Mallorca and the other in Madrid. As part of this expansion, the locations will offer personal service to owners of Azimut’s Grande Series, which includes models from 85 to 144 feet long. “The Azimut Grande collection is experiencing a wave of great fortune in Spain,” according to the builder. “The recent delivery of a Grande trideck in the Balearics and of a Grande 27m in collaboration with Marina Estrella are testaments to this success.”

Take the next step: go to azimutyachts.com

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