When Absolute Yachts was founded in the early 2000s, the company mainly produced sports boats. Today, this technologically advanced shipyard strives for more than just speed and sunbeds: Flexibility of use has become the decisive factor. Sergio Maggi, co-founder of Absolute, explains: "In the past, customers wanted something fast and glamorous and didn't really care about living on the water. Now our customers are looking for a comfortable boat on which they can receive guests and spend longer periods of time, in addition to high speed. It's no longer just about looks, but also about functionality and ease of handling." The new Navetta 62 is a condensation of all this, offering a good dose of glamour in a length of almost 19 metres.
The shipyard is located inland
Absolute's shipyard is located inland in Piacenza, Italy, and the boats are transported to their launching sites via the autostrada. The design, taking into account the height of overpasses and the width of tunnels, partly explains Absolute's lines, which emphasise volume. In addition, there are no star designers at the shipyard; all prototypes, product development and construction are carried out in-house. The philosophy is: "The external appearance is important, but the space on board is even more important." In typical Absolute style, the lines of the Navetta 62 are strictly vertical and angular-horizontal with the odd curve. The result is appealing.
Boarding the yacht from the stern and launching the tender and toys is child's play thanks to a retractable gangway and a 5.30 metre wide hydraulic platform. Compartments open at the sides to reveal a shower and water connections on one side and shore power connections on the other. A closer look reveals that one of the symmetrical stairs leading to the main deck can be folded up to give access to a crew cabin and the laundry area. The aft cabin receives plenty of air and light through a wide window with portholes, and a door in the bathroom of this cabin leads to convenient access to the engine room.
Quick-change artist
The large rear cockpit remains free and open or is fitted with clever modules that can be transformed into seating, tables, loungers or almost anything else by connecting elements together or folding parts such as armrests and backrests in or out. "The owner is free to decide which arrangement suits them best," says Maggi. The area is shaded by the overhang of the Fly and ventilated via the striking recesses in the bulwark. A stern balustrade made of toughened glass combines light and the best view. As an option, owners can choose to install a wet bar or a cleverly concealed mooring station on the starboard side. The cockpit flows seamlessly into the galley, which is located directly next to the saloon, so that both areas merge into a single space when the glass doors are wide open. Food is prepared on marble-look Corian worktops and cooked on an induction hob. An integrated hob extractor fan creates additional storage space above the hob.
An excellent ceiling height and almost floor-to-ceiling windows make the saloon bright and friendly, and soft accents such as linen curtains lend it a cosy atmosphere. Cream-coloured upholstery forms the basis of the subtle colour palette, which brings the spectacular all-round view to the fore. LED light strips mounted under the furniture, around the window frames and on the ceiling ensure even illumination at any time of day. The lounge is occupied by the living and dining areas, but is easy to walk through thanks to the clear pathways. One small detail that makes a big difference is the retractable window next to the dining area: "We designed extra-large panes that can be opened and closed like car windows so that as much fresh air as possible can flow through the boat," says Maggi. An elegant accent is the weathered oak floor, which looks good and offers excellent slip resistance even when barefoot.
Door to the walking deck
The helm station is located in the bow, behind a wooden panelling similar to that behind the galley, but is still part of the saloon. The bridge combines everything needed to control the boat's systems, including easily accessible electrical circuits. A door to the running deck helps enormously with mooring and casting off. It is an excellent arrangement for safely enjoying the almost 19 metre long boat with family, friends or minimal crew. There are three cabins on the lower deck. The owner's cabin spans the entire width of the boat and is located in the bow, just a few steps away from the helm station. "This is the area that gets the most light and the least noise," emphasises Maggi. With a centrally positioned double bed, a desk and plenty of storage space, the interior is tastefully modern with contrasting textured and smooth surfaces that offer variety to the eye. Large hull windows let in light and views and provide natural air circulation thanks to opening portholes. At the very front, the bathroom with large shower fills the full width of the hull.
The VIP cabin also extends over the full midships distance with a centrally positioned bed, desk on the starboard side and a cleverly designed bathroom on the port side. The washbasin and washstand are open to the cabin and are located under a large window that turns into a mirror at the touch of a button. What look like cabinet doors made of textured, frosted glass on either side of the washbasin lead to separate toilet and shower cubicles. As these cabins are on a lower level than the owner's and the hull windows are therefore lower down, it feels as if you can reach for the water. In a double cabin next to the VIP suite, the beds can be pushed together and the bathroom also serves as a day toilet. As the VIP quarters are at least on a par with the owner's cabin, these two cabins would be ideal for families and the master suite with its own bathroom would go to guests.
The flydeck is the crowning glory
While the interiors are elegant, luxurious and very well thought out, the Navetta line from Absolute, which includes eight other models from the 48 to the 75, focuses on spacious outdoor areas. The foredeck of the Navetta 62 is a 'this is the life' zone, equipped with a couch, table and sun pads that easily convert into a sofa - another clever way to offer flexibility and ease of use. The flydeck is the crowning glory of the 62 and is worth using from sunrise to sunset or even beyond.
Upstairs, there is the obligatory open-air helm station, C-shaped couch next to it, outdoor kitchen, bar and dining area under the hardtop. This leaves plenty of free space in the stern, which owners can arrange as they wish, sensibly using the same modular parts of the cockpit. Even the hardtop offers options: It can be fitted with retractable sections or solar panels to provide power for hotel mode. "You can drop anchor, switch off the engine and generators and enjoy the clean air and peace and quiet," says Maggi. Absolute implemented Volvo Penta's IPS pod drive early on, and the shipyard and engine manufacturer consider themselves partners. Navetta 62 owners can choose between two D13-1200 or D13-1350 engines. In both cases, they get a reliable system that combines simple operation and joystick control with lower noise levels, less vibration and reduced fuel consumption. And as the rudder propellers are mounted further aft than conventional shaft drives, this creates additional space for the extremely successful VIP suite, for example.
A wealth of details
Guests entering the Navetta 62 for the first time will be amazed by the wealth of detail and quality. If you take a closer look, you will notice the planning, technology and the wide range of intelligent solutions in a compact space. "We're no longer just talking about looks," says Maggi, "now it's about function and user-friendliness. Our customers need a boat that not only impresses on the water, but is also comfortable and sustainable." With the Navetta 62, Absolute Yachts seems to have achieved these goals. With its solid construction and well thought-out design, it is the yacht with which you can say "Andiamo" whenever you want.
Technical data
- Length over everything: 18,68 m
- Width: 5,36 m
- Displacement (full): 45 t
- Motors2 x Volvo Penta: D13-IPS1350 (2 x 735 kW)
- Fuel tank: 3.400 l
- Water tank: 780 l
- Information: Absolute Yachts
