ITALIAN MASTERPIECE
TEXT BY BARRY THOMPSON
If Renaissance artist and engineer Leonardo da Vinci was alive today he would probably have been on the design team that conceived the Azimut 62 Evolution.
There is no getting away from the artistry and craftsmanship of the Azimut 62E that makes it so very Italian. It adds yet another chapter to this nation’s rich style history. The 62E is an attention grabber, with a bold statement that makes it unique, with its high-tech engineering that combines substance with taste.
The world preview of the Azimut 62 Evolution took place at the “Boot 2007” in Duesseldorf. The boat that it replaced, the 62 was one of the shipyard’s most successful flybridge models, with over 120 units sold since 2002. New Zealand’s Azimut agent, Yachtfinders Global, delivered its first 62E earlier this year to a very happy Auckland client.
“The 62 was a fabulous boat, but what the Azimut engineers and stylists have done with the 62E has refined it even further from small design changes such as the helm wheel to radically new windows and things that only the Italians would do”, says Gary Erceg, managing director of Yachtfinders Global.
New Zealanders and Australians have been buying new Azimuts for a number of years now, with around 30 sold. Indications from both sides of the Tasman are that the brand is enjoying its own renaissance with the current interest in both flybridge and sports models stronger than ever.
“There’s something about buying Italian. Be it a Ferrari, Louis Vuitton or Prada, people like to be associated with style and quality, both of which are very much part of the culture of Azimut”, added Erceg.
The 62E is just one of fifteen in a flybridge model range that starts with the 12.14m Azimut 39E and runs right through to the 35.46m Azimut 116.
Three Cabins and Three Heads
The 62E is a three-cabin, three-ensuite boat with accommodation for six forward, plus the stern crew cabin with two more berths. While Kiwis and Australians will not generally have a crew on a vessel this size it makes a great extra cabin or another massive storage area.
It’s when you walk down into the accommodation area that you appreciate just how big this boat is. Working with a beam of over 5m the interior designer Carlo Galeazzi was able to maximise the space and provide a clever layout that is generous in all areas without compromising any.
The forward VIP cabin is brightly lit from large twin elliptical side windows that bring a certain elegance to the interior design. There is also a large circular overhead hatch with shades and bug screens. A generous amount of closets, drawers and cabinets provide space to stow your gear. The large double bed dominates the room that features a mirrored forward bulkhead and a small dressing room with hanging rail and shelves.
The VIP head and the second guest cabin head (opposite the first one) both feature a circular shower compartment with double doors and a wooden grating, plus large bulwark cabinet and a wash basin set into a deep blue solid surface vanity. The areas are surprisingly spacious and like everything on the Azimut, only the finest Italian fittings are used.
The starboard side twin-bed guest cabin, like the entire 62E, is decorated in cherrywood. The large wardrobe has an additional drawer unit to optimise the space available. The cabin offers excessive headroom and ample space separates the twin single berths.
A linen cabinet is built into the passageway leading to the owners’ stateroom, which with its independent access makes it a fully private suite. Located amidships and taking in the full beam of the boat, this area has been described as being designed to offer moments of relaxation in total privacy and tranquillity. I couldn’t have described it better.
Sunlight floods in from the broad fan style windows either side in the hull. The windows are very Italian and can now be found in a variety of styles on many of the luxury motor yachts built today. A special feature is the full dressing room with drawer and hanger units, plus the extra large en-suite with stall shower and spacious vanity and lockers. There’s also a make up counter, which can also be used as a small office area by the owner.
Cherrywood, Burl & Stainless
The beautifully appointed main deck is a careful balance of tones and textures that combine to achieve a contemporary elegance. Forward is the large helm with twin leather helm chairs and a wide easy flowing facia designed to accommodate a vast array of electronics. Tastefully engineered to provide a balance between style and practicality, the helm is another small masterpiece aboard this stunning vessel.
Matt-finish cherrywood furnishing, burlwood counters and stainless steel accents blend together in the galley and dining area. Azimut has designed a galley that is well equipped with all that is necessary to cater for your guests, with generous servery areas, four-burner hob, dishwasher, in-built fridge freezer and convection microwave. To offer the maximum in practicality, the dinner table can be split into two coffee tables by removing the extension between them.
Completely separated from the dining area, the open and well designed lower saloon will be appreciated by those who value taking time out to relax and enjoy the ambience. A U-shaped settee dominates to port and opposite is the entertainment centre, complete with pop-up TV.
Full height triple sliding rear glass doors open to the cockpit which has been designed for entertaining, with a full-width central aft settee, built-in BBQ and wide access areas to the side decks and the sunpad forward – the perfect layout for alfresco dining on a balmy summer evening. There is an uninterrupted view from the helm and galley area all the way to the transom, even when the doors are closed.
With stern berthing the norm in Europe, the 62E comes with Quick mooring winches either side and an optional Opacmare passerella. Teak is used on the cockpit sole and boarding platform.
Stairs lead to the open flybridge that is available with a soft-top bimini and clears. The layout incorporates a wide open sunbathing area, BBQ and a capable helm that duplicates many of the navigational and safety systems from below.
Aft on the cockpit roof is the tender stowage area and crane. This can also be used for sunbathing when the tender is in use.
Standard power for the 62E is a pair of Caterpillar C18s which produce a maximum speed of 33 knots and cruise of 30 knots. Sportiness and style blend to create a distinctive design. The 62E features the comfort and roomy spaces of a large motor yacht and provides excellent handling and manoeuvring. The 17° medium V, 30-tonne displacement hull follows the underwater characteristics of the new era of Azimut’s Evolution series, now well proven on oceans throughout the world.
The Azimut 62 Evolution is unquestionably another fine Italian masterpiece and one that I am sure even Leonardo would have been pleased with.
Specifications
- Model Designation: Azimut 62 Evolution
- Year Launched: 2007
- Designer: Stefano Righini
- Interior Designer: Carlo Galeazzi
- Builder: Azimut
- LOA: 19.86m
- LOH: 19.25m
- Beam: 5.06m
- Draft: 1.51m
- Displacement: 30.27 tonnes
- Max Speed: 33 knots
- Cruise Speed: 30 knots
- Construction: GRP
- Fuel Capacity: 3740 litres
- Water Capacity: 1000 litres
- Engine: 2 x Caterpillar C18 @ 1015hp each
- Base Price: $NZ3.5 million (approx)
