116 Grande
The Azimut 101 is a 101-foot luxury flybridge yacht that was produced by the Italian yachting firm in the mid-2000s. The Azimut 101 was an innovative upgrade to the flybridge range when initially released, reducing the size of the main-deck cockpit in order to provide greater outdoor lounge space, reshaping the fiberglass superstructure to provide an unparalleled sense of lightness while indoors, and adding gel-coated paintwork to the hull for that extra dash of individuality.
The open top flybridge on this versatile yacht takes its cues from those of compact sport-bridges and features a U-shaped leather sofa with a pair of teak cocktail tables, a wet-bar station with an icemaker, sink and electric grill, as well as lounge space to the rear and a helm station at the front. One level down and the teak-lined outdoor spaces simply amaze. On the long foredeck there is a Portuguese bridge-style sofa with coffee tables fitted into the superstructure, and this faces a wide sunpad with sunbathing room for up to four. The partially sheltered aft-deck, meanwhile, hosts a transom sofa and two side sofas, an outdoor dining table and an utterly original outdoor country-style kitchen that can be substituted for more seating. The sheer size of this space makes it feel like a genuine beach club, a quality usually only found on much larger vessels. Steps on either side of the aft-deck lead you down to an enclosed swimming platform with ladder access direct into the water, as well as a transom garage large enough for a tender and a jet-ski.
Stepping inside through sliding glass doors and the Azimut interior has the feel of a green-house, with zig-zagging structural supports holding together masses of side glazing, a mullioned windshield and a retractable roof that is constructed entirely out of durable glass. With so much natural light streaming through it is just as well that the Carlo Galeazzi interiors are so stylish, as surfaces and furnishings sparkle in the sun. Cream sofas and armchairs are paired with glass tables, bronze railings, timber flooring and darkly veneered cabinets for an atmosphere that is simultaneously elegant and contemporary. The main helm station is cleverly hidden from the salon thanks to a centerpiece stand that hosts an HD TV, and it features three comfortable helm chairs lined in hand-stitched Italian leather.
Below deck there is an enclosed kitchen-galley for private food preparation that is stocked with Miele appliances and a zinc worktop. There are two full-beam, en suite master staterooms with double beds and plenty of seating, along with a pair of twins with Pullman beds for a total of 8 overnight guests. Lower deck bathrooms are a masterclass in contemporary style, boasting glass sink basins, Venetian mosaic tiles and stainless-steel fixtures. There is also a crew quarters for 3 with its own galley and head positioned towards the rear.
Top speeds of 34 knots and cruising speeds of 28 knots are achieved thanks to a pair of MTU 16V 2000 M93 engines that utilise Rolls Royce Ka Me Wa water jet propulsion technology. A full set of Raymarine control and display screens ensure confident navigation while on the move, and the use of bow thrusters and joystick steering offers that extra sense of agility.
