The Azimut 68S is a 68-foot sports yacht that was released to the public in 2004. A popular option on the current used and charter markets, this sleek and sporty express cruiser marries sportscar-like handling and speed with a single-level main deck built for partying. The Azimut 68S was an immediate hit with critics upon launch, bagging the prize for “Best Motoryacht under 100 foot” at the 2005 Christofle Awards as well as the title for “Best Boat of the Year over 40 feet” at the 2006 MBY Awards held in London.
While this yacht is not a flybridge model, the 68S benefits from plenty of outdoor space. On the foredeck there is a sunpad with headrests and views out across a bow with lowered bulwarks, yet the bulk of the al-fresco space aboard this vessel sits towards the aft. On the open, teak-lined aft deck you will discover a sprawling seating area with a casbah-like atmosphere thanks to a rear, four-seater sunpad with transom backrests and an attached Ottoman to the side. Adjoining this, and partially sheltered by an extending sunroof, there is an L-shaped dining sofa with a teak breakfast table as well as a starboard-side wet-bar with grill. There are port-side steps down to an extending and fully hydraulic swimming platform, as well as a transom tender garage with room for a couple of modern water toys.
Even though the main-deck internal cockpit is an enclosed hard-top, you could be forgiven for thinking that the Azimut 68S was an open-air sports cruiser at times. There are three reasons for this. Firstly, proprietary triple topside windows to port and starboard offer panoramic views and plenty of natural light. Secondly, the rear sliding glass doors neatly fold away to connect the cockpit and aft deck together as one seamless, breezy living space. And thirdly, the hard top boasts a mullioned sunroof that disappears at the touch of a button to provide 65 square feet of open sky above. Interior décor reinforces the open-plan feeling of this yacht, with wenge-wood cabinetry, oak floors, beige leather sofas and silk blinds offering a minimalist and contemporary atmosphere. To the front of the cockpit there is a raised helm station with superb visibility, a pair of comfortable piloting chairs, Raymarine electronics, a Sea Energy joystick, Hypro steering and thruster controls for an incredible driving experience. The same experience should be expected on every Azimut Yacht produced.
There are three en suite guest rooms below deck, including a twin berth, a master double stateroom to the bow and an owner’s stateroom that occupies nearly half of useable downstairs space. This full-beam, amidship room benefits from chunky, double-height mullioned windows on either side for a Manhattan loft feeling, and is large enough to host an angled, king-sized bed, its own dinette with two armchairs, full-height closets and a bathroom with glass tops and sinks. There is also a compact galley on this level, nestled into the starboard side of the vessel, that features a ceramic hob, a microwave fridge and an extractor fan.
A pair of 1300MHP MTU 12V 183 TE94 diesel inboard engines roar the Azimut 68S to top speeds in excess of 36 knots with comfortable, long-range cruising clocking in at around 23 knots.