Azimut 68 Flybridge Shines
Azimut Yachts continues to add to its popular Flybridge Collection with the Azimut 68 recently joining the Italian builder’s lineup.
The 68’ (20.76 m) yacht made its North America debut at the Miami International Boat Show in February after generating great during its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival. The talk was about the versatility the Azimut 68 offers thanks to the interior design by Achille Salvagni.
Main Deck Layouts
Yacht builders typically offer a one-size-fits-all approach in the 68-footer’s size range but not Azimut. The new model is available in three configurations to match the owner’s lifestyle. Options include:
Enclosed Galley Layout: The galley is tucked off to the side behind a combination of ribbed wood and plexiglass. The “Lanterna” configuration allows light throughout the main deck area while hiding the galley.
Open Galley Layout: The layout offers more open space with the galley opening directly into the dining area, which can also be converted into a second lounge zone.
Aft Galley Layout: The informal layout moves the galley to the stern, while the dining room is situated immediately entering the cockpit. The living room moves toward the bow, offering a relaxed indoor-outdoor flow.
Each configuration features long lounges, lots of windows to let in natural light and an interior with a cool retro-vibe. Some buyers might quibble with the galley placement amidships when they must carry food and drink through the salon to entertain on the aft deck. In those cases, the buyer could opt for the aft galley layout.
Azimut Delivers Belowdecks
Designer Salvagni created four stylish and colorful staterooms on the lower deck including a full-beam master suite. Taking a cue from other Azimut models, the headboard is oriented so the owner faces a long port side window. To keep from blocking the view, there is a retractable TV.
Equally luxurious is the master suite’s bathroom that is spacious with adequate headroom. Finishing touches include a stone sole and a full-height wardrobe.
Additional accommodations include a forward VIP and two guest cabins. The VIP has its own bathroom, while the port and starboard cabins share an en suite bathroom. In the stern is a crew cabin with two single beds. The Azimut 68 can sleep 10 people overnight.
The main materials used in the cabin include a pale Thai wood, mahogany accents and polished brass. The bedheads are finished in an eco-leather and wardrobes had a white lacquer finish. Salvagni made sure each room still had its own personality.
Outdoor Living
Azimut tapped Alberto Mancini to design the exterior and outdoor living space. Thanks to a sizeable interior space and galley, Mancini had to maximize the outdoor area on the 68’ (20.76 m) boat with a 17’2” (5.23 m) beam.
Sun worshipers will flock to the foredeck for the spacious lounge with unobstructed views. The facing lounge folds out to become an extra-deep facing sofa. When the sun gets too much, the area can be covered with a Bimini shade. The built-in cupholders and ice buckets only add to the pampering.
Water enthusiasts will spend their time on the hydraulic swim platform. It’s large enough to hold a small tender or watercraft, provides easy access in and out of the water. It also provides access to the crew cabin.
When not in the water, friends and family can hang out in the aft cockpit covered by the flybridge overhang. The outdoor area includes a sofa with an adjustable table. A standalone wet bar is to starboard. Large sliding doors open to allow breezes into the salon.
Flybridge Popularity
It’s easy to see why the Flybridge Collection has been so popular with buyers. It’s a great social space with 360-degree views of the water. Accessible from portside stairs, the flying bridge offers three separate social areas.
A C-shaped sofa and table are to starboard, while the main lounge connects to an aft-facing sun pad offering unobstructed views. In the forward area, the builder included a large sun pad and a twin-seat helm station. (The yacht is operated from the main deck.)
Guests won’t have to go up and down the stairs to get drinks, Azimut included an L-shaped wet bar finished with a wood trim. A hardtop with an opening carbon-fiber sunroof completes the flying bridge.
Lightweight by Design
To improve speed and fuel economy, Azimut used carbon-fiber extensively throughout the 68 including the superstructure, hard top and deck to reduce weight. P.L. Ausonio Naval Architecture designed the efficient hull, which is powered by twin 1,000-hp Volvo Penta IPS 1350 engines.
Azimut says the 68 has cruising speed of 32 mph (28 knots) on the way to a top speed of nearly 37 mph (32 knots). With its 977-gallon (3,698.35 L)fuel tank, the 68-footer has a range of 400 miles when cruising at 21 mph (18 knots).
Growing Flybridge Line
The Azimut 68 is the latest model in the Flybridge line and starts at $2.99 million. She fills a gap between 66’ and 72’ (20.11 m and 21.95 m). If Azimut continues to expand the Flybridge line, it would likely come between 72’ and 78’ (21.95 m and 23.77 m).