It’s the new Azimut 72 Flybridge Christmas Cracker

This is the 3.0 revolution of the Flybridge Collection by Azimut Yachts. In 2013 with its Azimut 80 the Italian boatyard had come up with a complete new vision of the classic flybridge model. Then, in 2014, it applied the same successful style solutions to its Azimut 50 model and today with the brand new Azimut 72 it is taking another step forward by marrying this elegant yet revolutionary style with state‐of‐the‐art construction techniques.   The 72 model combines two state‐of‐the‐art construction techniques so the WSB team have decided to take a closer look at this new arrival.

The hull and the deck are entirely made out of moulded fibreglass while the deckhouse and flybridge are made out of pure carbon fibre. This new production choice leads to a considerable reduction in weight, close to 30%, which can be exploited to obtain more extensive deck surfaces and greater internal volume, while maintaining the same displacement as its competitors in the same category.

From a general point of view, the designer Stefano Righini, sums up the design effort made on the concept for this new model: “The new 72 has been designed by researching and fulfilling certain specific objectives: achieving the greatest possible internal volumes in keeping with the ergonomic standards, emphasizing the role of light both in the main salon and below deck without sacrificing the enjoyment of the exterior spaces.

The strength of the 72 lies mainly in its capacity to marry a balanced form with the kind of style research that guarantee the best relationship between the design of the exteriors and the enjoyment of the internal spaces. A strength that draws added energy from the product’s spiritual levity alongside that of the materials used, ensured by the use of materials such as carbon fibre and the quest for the ultimate in hydrodynamic performance”.

The new Azimut 72 has been entirely designed and built in the Avigliana boatyard in collaboration with Stefano Righini, who developed the model’s general concept and the style of the exterior while Carlo Galeazzi took care of the interior design. Like every other Azimut branded Yacht, the 72 also has the clear intent of representing the model of reference for its own segment in terms of volumes, rational use of space, elegance and performance.

Two main elements have driven the project’s development: an eye for its proportions and the innovative level of the construction techniques used in order to achieve a very sporting exterior line without limiting the interior volume.   With a length of 22.60 metres and a berth of 5.60 metres, the layout includes 4 cabins, all with en suite bathrooms, one of which is the yacht’s master cabin also with en‐suite bathroom and the typical full glass vertical window openings, allowing a total of 8 guests.

The flybridge is vast, over 37 square metres, designed for maximum versatility in terms of usage. The main deck ranges out over a single level from the cockpit to the stairs leading to the lower deck, without any steps or changing levels, with an extensive relaxation area, an open space kitchen and a double seat wheelhouse. The style of the interiors, completely renovated to give this new version a very strong character, come either in bleached oak and glossy Ebony essence, or in natural heat‐treated oak essence and precious glossy Sycamore.

Careful planning of the lighting design has enabled all fixtures to be completely encased in the ceilings and furnishings. The performance of the 72 model, with two MAN V12 engines each producing 1400 HP, perfectly matches the craft’s sporting character. The cruising speed stands at 26 knots, while the top speed, according to the boatyard’s project data, reaches 31 knots. The exteriors. In his usual masterly fashion, Stefano Righini has sketched the exterior lines while maintaining the main elements of the new style process and the same remarkable proportions that he himself first introduced two years ago on Azimut 80. So this immediately leads to a large use of glass panes, both on the deckhouse with its typical lateral panoramic windows which highlight the shark fin insert on the sides of the hull on a level with the master cabin with the large horizontal window space, unbroken and without any window posts, now deployed for the guest cabins as well.

The transom has a double cockpit access stair which serves the dual purpose of simplifying boarding and increasing the storage area. This solution provides considerable locker space of over two cubic metres for the storage of lines, boat covers and fenders. Even on the 72 the vast flybridge stretches from the stern for the entire length of the cockpit, a solution that means that the truly extensive terrace area can be entirely protected from the sun. Intelligent furnishing solutions have been foreseen for this bridge such as the stern dinette, with its fold away electric table that can be transformed into a sun bed in seconds; the aft area on the other hand can be supplied with free standing sofas and reclining chairs, or equipped with a small crane for the various water toys.

Particular care has also been taken over the prow relax area with a C shaped sofa, a must have of contemporary yachting design.   The interiors. The design of the interiors is the work of Carlo Galeazzi, assisted by the technical and style departments of Azimut Yachts in order to provide the 72 boat owner with an innovative yacht in terms of layout and décor. The main deck is all on one level, with no steps breaking up its spatial flow and is conceived as an open space but with three very specific functional areas, relaxation, food and piloting. The living room entrance space is over 13 sq. m. and entirely given over to relax, with a large “C” shaped sofa faced by another sofa set along the right bulwark providing a total of 8 comfortable seats.

Both the sofas are free standing for the ultimate in comfort and luxury furnishing. In the main salon there’s space for a storage column, where the on board crystal, additional kitchen appliances and home theatre equipment can be stored so that it is readily available. In the central part of the main deck there’s the open space kitchen which is arranged on 4 sides as an island that closes off the dining area and contains a column fridge and all the necessary kitchen appliances as well as plenty of work and counter space.

The dining area is another small jewel: it boasts window space that goes from floor to ceiling which allows light to burst in and fill the room, highlighting the crystal table and the leather seating. At the prow end the wheelhouse, enhanced by two adjustable sports seats that can house two 15″ screens on which one can consult all on board and navigation information. Besides the wheelhouse there is also a comfortable dinette where one can sit and enjoy the trip or an informal meal.

One of the great innovations of this model lies in the style of the interior design, completely renewed to endow the Azimut 72 with its own very definite personality. There are two décor versions available: the first is in bleached oak combined with a new glossy ebony contrasting essence with dark chocolate leather upholstery and light satin lacquers.

Alternatively one can have natural heat‐treated oak combined with precious glossy brushed sycamore, ivory leather and light lacquers. The interiors are further enhanced by the very carefully planned lighting system that has enabled the use of designer lighting fixtures that are completely encased in the ceilings and furnishings. Below deck, the layout provides four cabins, a master, a VIP and two guest cabins, one of which is a double.

The master cabin takes up the entire beam at the centre of the boat with ample storage space and a private dinette. The en‐suite bathroom is placed aft to separate the sleeping quarters from the machine room to ensure the ultimate in soundproofing and acoustic comfort. It is enhanced by unique design elements such as the bulkhead upholstery in ivory coloured leather, the magic mirror that conceals a 40″ flat screen TV and the portals in shiny ebony essences.

What is most striking about the master bedroom is how full of light it is, a feature that is a result of Azimut’s extreme focus on innovation. Thanks to the concept of full glass window space, without window posts or interruptions, the craft owner can enjoy the surrounding nature from an unbeatable vantage point.

The VIP concept exploits the boat’s beam to the utmost thus guaranteeing large spaces and excellent storage capacity (2 full height wardrobes, shelves and lockers under the bed), precious details such as steel and glossy wood essence make the environment all the more exclusive.    Construction details. Azimut 72, the first model of the Flybridge Collection, has been built using a double technology: the hull and decks are made of moulded fibreglass while the deckhouse and the flybridge are entirely laminated in pure carbon fibre.

This construction choice has enabled the new model to reduce the weight of the superstructures by approximately 30% compared to models with the same displacement made entirely out of fibreglass.   Besides the weight reduction, the use of 100% carbon fibre has enabled the Azimut Yachts design team to obtain volumes and spaces of a boat of a higher category while maintaining the standard dislocation of a 70 foot vessel.

Azimut have delivered a welcomed addition to their flybridge family. They have encapsulated great innovations with great style, ensuring the 72 is set to win many of the Azimut faithful and some!

Azimut owner views at the ILBC and Azimut