Azimut currently has seven series in its programme, one of which is simply called Fly and is now being launched as a 72-foot model, alongside other Azimut innovations such as the Magellano 60 and the Verve 48, which are also celebrating their world premiere. The 22.57 metre long GRP glider with flybridge is in the upper third of the line with lengths between 50 and 83 feet. The 72 is as sporty as her sisters, with clear, angular lines by Alberto Mancini, who also designed the Fly models 53, 68 and 78. The other three were designed by Stefano Righini.
Relaxation options on board the Azimut Fly 72
The 72 has two decks plus flybridge, including four suites for eight guests. The spacious sun deck takes centre stage during the day, with a striking carbon hardtop providing shade. Right next to the high helm station, guests can stretch out on a sunbathing area for at least two people, behind which there is a dinette and opposite it an "American-style" bar equipped with a fridge. The aft area is open and can be flexibly furnished, for example with additional lounge sofas. Or you can simply leave the area free and use the bow terrace of the main deck instead to relax on the sofa and loungers.
Anyone who studies the deck layouts or even has the chance to see the 54-tonner (fully loaded) live will inevitably stop first at the open galley clad in walnut wood - of course, this is also available in a closed version with a sliding door. As in a loft, the cooking and cooling zone dominates the bright space, in this case the port side of the saloon, directly opposite the dining area with sofa bench and very comfortable, almost armchair-like chairs.
Fabio Fantolino on the interior
"The galley is the focal point of the main deck and also the first element we approached creatively," explains Fabio. "We wanted to integrate it into the living and dining area as well as possible." To achieve this, the interior design professional reached into his visual bag of tricks and arranged vertical, high-gloss lacquered slats with wooden edging on the outside in such a way that they reflect the light differently depending on the viewer's perspective and appear to change the shape of the kitchen unit. "This enlivens and illuminates the whole area," Fantolino comments on his idea.
For the designer with studios in Turin and Milan, the commission could mark a turning point in his career, as the Fly 72 is his first maritime project. He quickly realised that a yacht is much more than a villa on the water. "In a house, even empty rooms have their own weight and are necessary for balance," he says. "On a yacht, it's important to utilise every space." The biggest challenge was "downsizing", "attaching importance to every little detail".
Why the designer made which decision
Nevertheless, Fantolino has achieved what he set out to do on the Azimut Fly 72: "Our aim was to bring contemporary design into the world of superyachts." The search for and selection of materials were important steps in achieving this. "We chose walnut to create a homely ambience, while the pastel-coloured fabrics have a more maritime feel." This combination resulted in rooms that he describes as "inviting and elegant". This also applies to the four compartments on the lower deck: the master suite in the centre, the VIP suite in the bow and the double and twin cabins in between. The desire for comfort extends to every corner - right up to the helm station, where electrically adjustable armchairs are easy on the owners' backs and allow them to sit extremely relaxed on longer excursions.
A test drive through the Bay of Cannes, even before delivery, proves the good ergonomics and also what the Fly 72 has to offer in terms of performance. Firstly, the loaded passengers marvel at the good all-round visibility; only the upper cabinets in the galley could spoil the driving experience a little.
"The most economical speed"
Captain Fabio Pecazza takes over the leather-covered steering wheel on the flybridge in a good mood and accelerates swiftly to 20 knots, "the most economical speed", as he emphasises. A glance at the fuel consumption shows two times 138 litres per hour, and the two common-rail diesels from MAN, each with an output of 1044 kilowatts, are still quite economical. For Pecazza, everything on board is still fairly new, "it feels good," he says. You could cruise around the southern French coast for a while, the fuel gauge is at 64 percent and the total capacity is 5200 litres. The Raymarine plotters also show the levels for grey, black and fresh water, all in the "green zone".
When a beeping alarm sounds, some of those present look irritated. The captain clarifies: "There's water in the bilge, which is now being pumped out." We quickly reach 30 knots, the wind indicator says 10 to 15 knots. Water splashes up, the commandos are lowered and the entourage moves to the forward main deck. There, a guest grabs the steering wheel while the captain leans against the bar counter in the galley and films the spectacle. "The door to the outer deck is great," he says, pointing to the passageway next to the helmsman.
More than 15 Azimut Fly 72 sold
The yacht now reaches 23 knots again, the engines operate at 1870 revolutions per minute and consumption is twice 150 litres. "She responds really well to steering commands," we hear. The Fly 72 picks up speed strongly, the twelve cylinders are working at full load and the monitor shows almost 32 knots, plus fuel consumption of twice 274 litres of diesel and 2350 rpm. The fibreglass hull designed by Azimut and Pierluigi Ausonio Naval Architecture (P.L.A.N.A.) lies relatively calmly in the water, even when throttled back; the pitching that often occurs on yachts of this size is hardly noticeable here. Despite the choppy seas, the 5.62 metre wide construction does not rock; the Seakeeper gyro stabiliser does a great job. Everyone involved is satisfied. This is especially true for the shipyard from Avigliana near Turin, more than 15 Fly 72s have already been sold.
Technical data
- Length over everything: 22,57 m
- Width: 5,62 m
- Depth: 1,82 m
- Displacement (full): 53,5 t
- Material: GRP
- Motors: 2 x MAN CR V12
- Engine power: 2 x 1044 kW
- Speed (max.): 32 kn
- Speed (travelling): 26 kn
- Navigation: Raymarine
- Stabiliser: Seakeeper SK18
- Fuel: 5 200 l
- Water: 1100 l
- Guests: 8
- Crew: 2
- Construction: Azimuth, P.L.A.N.A.
- Exterior design: Alberto Mancini
- Interior design: Fabio Fantolino
- Class: CE "A"
- Shipyard: Azimut Yachts, 2023
- Starting price: from 3.3 million euros
Uske Berndt
Editor News & Panorama
