Azimut Yachts has met with success both stateside and in Europe with its variety of cruisers. In fact, the builder has sold more than 200 units of its Azimut 62, a model in its flybridge line, to date. Based on that reception, it expects the new Azimut 64 to attract attention.
Rather than just offer a model measuring two feet longer, Azimut has incorporated some significant changes on the 64. Construction-wise, the yacht is CE certified to Class A. CE is the European Commission, which requires recreational boats and other products conform to set legal and safety requirements. Azimut says the Class A designation allows the yacht to safely navigate in even rough seas and weather—though obviously, owners will try to avoid those at all costs. Employing materials like carbon fiber has helped stiffen the structure yet also reduce the overall weight of the yacht, which should translate into better performance and fuel consumption from the twin 1,150-hp Caterpillar engines. (Azimut has not yet released anticipated speed or range information.)
Whether you operate the yacht yourself or hire a captain, maneuvering the 64 should be simple. Azimut has installed both an Easy Docking system and Seakeeper gyro-stabilizers onboard. The docking system is intended to be intuitive and take the intimidation factor out of pulling alongside a quay or backing into a slip. The stabilizers, employed on previous Azimuts, reduce roll upwards of 80 percent, both at anchor and at sea.
Lest you forget this is an Italian-built yacht, the interior of the 64 showcases trendy pickled oak, plus plentiful use of leather on tables and other furnishings. There’s also marble, of course, notably on the galley countertop. Because the saloon and dining area are open to the helm, Azimut made clever dual use of one of the sofas. The one facing forward, toward the helm, can actually slide farther forward to be closer to the action going on there.
Below decks, the owner’s stateroom benefits from four large windows. There’s also an intimate dinette, ideal for enjoying breakfast. Even a clotheshorse will appreciate how space beneath the bed can accommodate large pieces of luggage.
Up on deck, a sunpad atop the bow and the flying bridge each let you and your guests enjoy the sun. If you want to seek shade, there’s a bimini fitted within the hardtop on the bridge. It shouldn’t get stifling even when it’s closed: Azimut wisely kept the hardtop open to each side so that air can flow through.
