Admittedly, an Absolute Navetta 64 is out of the budget for most water sports enthusiasts, but it's nice to dream a little. The new 20-metre yacht belongs to the mid-range of the series, which starts at 48 feet and goes up to a stately 73. The line is less aimed at beginners and more at experienced owners who set high standards in terms of comfort on board and quality.
The pleasure of ownership starts at an entry-level price of around 2.3 million euros, although this can easily be increased to over three million euros with tempting options, as was the case with our test object. We had the opportunity to test build number one, which has not yet been seen at a trade fair due to the cancellation of the 2020 Yachting Festival in Cannes.
Need more information? You will find the test of the Absolute Navetta 64 with all technical data, further measurement results and full evaluation in BOOTE issue 12/2020 from 18 October 2020 at newsstands or online in the Delius Klasing Shop.
The designers have the striking silhouette well under control with exciting curves and skilful placement of the generous window areas. Although this does not turn the stately yacht into a sporty speedster, this is unlikely to bother the discerning clientele. Rather, they will appreciate the generous amount of space on the three decks and be delighted by the excellent view through the larger-than-average windows.
There is an upholstered sofa with table in the cockpit on the main deck. There is also a work surface and storage space, as well as an optional variable privacy screen. Wide gangways on both sides lead to the foredeck with a generous cushion combination including table and sun loungers. If you walk down the wide steps to the spacious bathing platform, you will find yourself in front of the optional "Beach Club", which costs an additional 90,000 euros. The completely separate and air-conditioned cabin in the aft section offers a double lounger with sofa function and its own bathroom. By opening the wide sliding glass doors, a private bathing area is created in combination with the bathing platform.
A staircase leads from the cockpit to the flybridge. Here, too, the generous amount of space is surprising. The helmsman has an excellent view from the fully equipped open-air helm station. The panorama can also be enjoyed by other crew members thanks to the upholstered furniture on both sides. Behind this is a spacious wet bar to port and an L-shaped seating area with table to starboard, both of which are covered by the optional hardtop. There is a large open area at the rear, which can be supplemented with additional seating.
The saloon is located behind a sliding door on the main deck. A fitted galley with artificial stone worktop and full equipment is installed on the port side. Opposite is a dining table with seating. The living area with two sofas and coffee table begins in front. The helm position is located on the gallery in front. The skipper and a co-driver are seated here in bucket seats. Large multifunctional displays provide information and serve as a control centre. Crew members can join them on the upholstered sofa next to it.
Next to the steering position, a companionway leads to the lower floor. There are three double cabins here. The master cabin in the bow delights with a magnificent view through the huge windows and a double bed measuring 2.00 x 1.70 metres. The very generously proportioned bathroom is located in the bow and also leaves nothing to be desired.
Something similar awaits the occupants of the second cabin amidships, which is located on the port side. Here there is a very large window with a comparable view. The double berth is 10 cm narrower. There is also a fully equipped bathroom and plenty of storage space.
The third cabin to starboard is more cramped. Two single berths that cannot be combined are installed here. There is also a private bathroom with separate shower. Another room is used to store the washing machine, tumble dryer or hoover. There is also a crew cabin with a single berth and wet room for the skipper with separate access.
There are no compromises when it comes to safety equipment, the assembly of all components and the quality of workmanship. We can attest to absolutely flawless work in all areas. Grab handles are fitted wherever required, fire extinguishers and fire alarms are present everywhere, electric and manual bilge pumps are fitted, and installed components including supply lines or wiring are generally labelled. The control centre in the companionway for the entire electrical system is exemplary.
The handling characteristics also remain free of criticism. Manoeuvring is child's play anyway with IPS drives thanks to the joystick control, which is supplemented by a bow and stern thruster on the test boat. Thanks to the top-of-the-range engine, the acceleration capacity of nine seconds to a stable planing speed of 14.6 knots at 1750 rpm is quite sporty.
The top speed of 27.2 kn is reached after a total of 32 seconds. Between 15 and 23 knots, consumption is 12 to 13 l/sm, which, with a tank capacity of 3600 litres and deducting a 15% reserve, results in a rather meagre range for our BOOTE standard of a maximum of 255 nm.
Conclusion:The Absolute Navetta 64 impresses with its generous amount of space and very large window areas, which provide plenty of light and a marvellous view in the interior. The workmanship, equipment, safety concept and sailing characteristics are all top class. The "Beach Club" in the aft section is a special highlight, and not just when anchoring.
