WRITTEN BY: Rob Bowman
Jul 30, 2019 
Absolute Yachts held a press conference last week to announce the launch of the Navetta 68, the latest model in the wildly popular Navetta series. Described as a "technological innovation and functional elegance", the Absolute Navetta 68 will perfectly fit into the model line between the flagship Navetta 73 and the award-winning Navetta 58. Based on the desires to travel long distances in total comfort, burn less fuel, but also have cruising speeds in the mid-to-high 20 knot range, the Navetta line encompasses the characteristics of a "fast cruiser" with intelligent design.
Dubbed the "Queen of the Seas" by Absolute, the lines on the Navetta 68 are bold. She is sporty in the right places, but make no mistake about it, this is not the sleek, low profile yacht that normally comes out of Italy. The Navetta is foremost a cruising yacht meant for living aboard for days at a time with the capability to go much longer. Anyone who has ever travelled extensively on a yacht knows that each space must be maximized for livability and enjoyment. The Navetta 68 does just that by taking full advantage of each social area, featuring large windows wherever possible for views, light and ventiliation, as well as focusing on performance at cruising speeds.
As you can see above, the hydraulic swim platform that has become standard on all luxury yachts in today's market is wide and lowers well into the water at transom. This is not only convenient for diving, snorkeling, or boarding from a tender, but it also serves as a sandbar on a warm day to cool off without getting completely in the water. Entrance to the crews quarters, storage,and engine room is placed just above the platform and teak stairways port and starboard lead the way forward.
A setting sun means it's time for cocktails and hors d'oeurves and what perfect place than enjoying the ocean from the couch and table in your cockpit of the Navetta 68. In another thoughtful gesture, Absolute has added a retractable sun shade that extends down from the flybridge and shields the cockpit from unpleasant rays during 'Happy Hour'.
Wide walkways with handrails lead you to the bow lounge area, another social zone on the Navetta 68 that Absolute has clearly tried to take to the next level. It's easy to place an oversized sunpad on the bow and call it a day, but Absolute has tried to create an area not just for sunbathing, but extending the functionality of the cockpit. There is an oversized sunpad complete with reclining seats, an overhead canopy for shade, and multiple drink holders. Absolute could have stopped there and would have been competitive in the 65-70 luxury yacht category. But never ones to rest on their laurels, Absolute also added a U-shaped couch with a folding table that can be for cocktails or extend out to serve a full lunch.
The flybridge on the Navetta 68 has lots of open space to configure your seats, a retractable awning to shade the aft part of the bridge, and even a sunroof built into the hardtop for amazing starry night views. Seating is abundant with space around the helm, a L-shaped sofa with dining table and chairs, as well as several additional lounges towards the back. A small fridge, ice maker, and BBQ make this space on the Navetta 68 completely versatile with the ability to serve food, sunbathe, enjoy a conversation, or enjoy the panoramic views while cruising.
The interior of the Navetta 68 is light, spacious, and packs in a lot of functional seating areas for a 68 foot yacht. The galley is aft as is the formal dining area. With the cockpit doors and retractable window open, you can seat 8 guests at the dining table and an additional 4-6 at the aft cockpit table. The salon is forward behind the raised helm which is separated by a bulkhead and two sets of short stairs - one that leads up to the captain's chair and the other to the lower deck.
Normally the master stateroom is featured over the guest rooms, but the Navetta 68 has a wonderful detail in one of the guest staterooms (not the VIP). How many times have you brought multiple couples cruising and one couple has to sleep separated on twin bunks? With the push of a button, the beds in one of the Navetta 68's cabins join together so your guests can sleep comfortably.
While some features may seem small, if you're planning on spending a few weeks at a time on board your yacht it's the little things that make the difference. The lower deck of any yacht can sometimes feel dark compared to the salon because the windows aren't as large. Absolute has discovered an interesting way to add a little sunlight into the master bathroom. As you can see below, a mirror can be removed to open a hidden hull-side window.
Mirror Up:
Hidden Window Let's In Light:
Expect the Absolute Navetta 68 to turn heads and win awards, particularly around boat show season. Absolute has been phenomenal at building world-class yachts at competitive prices in the market place. As a stocking dealer for Absolute Yachts, our in-stock and on-order inventory is constantly changing. If you would like to learn what current inventory and incentives are available, please call our main office at (718) 984-7676. Stay tuned to our email newsletters and social media channels for more information on when the Absolute 68 Navetta will be available to tour.
