116 Grande
The Azimut 55 Flybridge is a 55-foot flybridge sports yacht launched by the Viareggio, Italy based firm in 2018. A classic, European exterior with smooth lines and graceful curves is the work of naval architect Stefano Righini, who has opted for an all-white GRP and vitrifying resin-paste finish for superb durability and an undeniably sporty style.
The Azimut 55’s flybridge comes with a fiberglass hard-top with a retractable sunroof for superb al fresco relaxation, and features a long, L-shaped sofa to starboard that surrounds a marble-topped dining table with teak trim. This adjoins a cocoon-style sunpad area that sits across from the port helm station, both safely protected from spray by a sloping, tinted windshield. There is also room up here for a wet-bar console and further room to the rear for a pair of loveseats. The entire flybridge is decked out in white and cream tones, from flooring and superstructure to upholstery and panels, that are redolent of a luxury villa on the isle of Santorini. One level down and you will find a sheltered, teak-lined aft deck with a U-shaped transom sofa, an extending timber coffee table and step access down to a hydraulic bathing platform. On the foredeck there is a three-pad sunbed with headrests, where guests can sunbathe to their heart’s content while sipping on cocktails.
Though crafted for lovers of the outdoors, it is the interiors, painstakingly crafted by Achille Salvagni, that have been making waves since the 55 Flybridge was launched. It will come as no surprise to anyone who aboard this yacht that the Azimut Yachts won the award for Best Interior Design at the 2018 World Yacht Trophies: curved walls, staircases, windows and cabinets combine for a free-flowing, ultra-modern feel to the salon, where you will be welcomed by recessed bronze-leaf highlights, pastel-tone upholstery, grey zebrawood walls, dark oak floors, steel fixtures and LED accent lighting. An aft galley with Miele appliances and a Dometic-brand fridge is the first thing you will encounter after entering the salon through rear sliding glass doors, before a couple of steps leads you up to a curved, U-shaped sofa to port and a loveseat to starboard. At the front of the cockpit, you will discover a comfortable lower helm station with great visibility that is equipped with Optimus EPS steering, the very latest in navigational equipment and a Zipwake Active Trim Control system.
Below deck there is space for up to six overnight guests across a full-beam, en suite owner’s stateroom, a twin berth and an en suite master V-berth to bow. There is plenty of natural light on this level thanks to single-pane widescreen windows in the owner’s stateroom, knife-insert windows towards the bow and portholes in the twin cabin. To the rear of the vessel there is a single crew quarters with its own head for those who require staff assistance on their voyages out to sea.
The Azimut 55 Flybridge is a joy to ride thanks to a V-shape keel with an aft-deadrise that slips smoothly through the water. Top speeds of around 31 knots are provided by dual MAN i6 800MHP V-drive engines, while at cruising speeds of 8 knots the yacht has a range of over 1,000 nautical miles.
