WRITTEN BY: Rob Bowman
Jul 08, 2019 
It's often said that building a yacht is a practice in compromises. For example, if there is a desire to have a larger engine room, then perhaps the crew's quarters is reduced in size. Every time the designing architect decides on the measurements, layout, or use of a space, it affects something, somewhere on another part of the boat. The Absolute Navetta 73, the flagship model of the luxury Italian builder, successfully blends a mix of technology, uniquely designed social areas, fuel efficiency, and accommodations suitable for long-distance travel. Where Absolute compromised on the Navetta 73 is seemingly a mystery as each space, as well as the performance of the yacht, is everything that today's buyer desires.
The Navetta 73 appeals to both the long-distance cruising enthusiast as well as the luxury motor yacht owner who prefers to entertain for the day. For potential owners who want the combination of Italian luxury with the ability to cruise long distances efficiently while having the option to hit over 20 knots, the Navetta 73 certainly checks all of the boxes. While there are many trawler-style yachts sold today that are more efficient, they generally cannot reach the 23 knot top speed that the Volvo Penta IPS 1350 1,000HP engines provide. In a recent sea trial by BoatTest.com, the Absolute Navetta 73 achieved a range of 2,811 nautical miles at a slow 5.9 knot cruise. At 8.7 knots, the range was slightly lower at 918 nautical miles which is still highly impressive for a boat of this stature and ability.
Beginning aft, Absolute Yachts did a remarkable job of taking an ordinary space on a yacht and making it functional. The swimming platform on the Navetta 73 is hydraulic and like its competitors, it can descend into the water. The teak platform is large enough though to launch a tender, but it also features trunk storage, windows into the crew cabin, as well as a stand-up shower with hot and cold water.
There are stairs leading up to the aft cockpit on either side of the transom which is almost entirely shaded thanks to the overhang from the extra-large flybridge. The cockpit is one of the core socializing areas on the Navetta 73 as it features a wonderful outdoor dining area with good seating and even better views. The cockpit features a sofa directly in front of the transom, a loveseat and chair, a large table, storage spaces, and an aft control station to help with docking.
(Seen below: The aft cockpit area of the Navetta 73.)
Absolute did a magnificent job perfecting one of the most important areas on a yacht, the flybridge. Accessed from stairs in the cockpit, the flybridge is massive and features multiple seating areas. The first is behind the helm which has two comfortable captain's chairs along with a J-shaped lounge. Directly behind that lounge is a similar J-shaped couch with 3 chairs and a table large enough for 7-8 people to dine comfortably. The hardtop features a massive sunroof which retracts at the push of a button, allowing the moonlight to create an enchanting evening.
Across from the flybridge dining table is a wet-bar and outdoor galley that eliminates the back and forth down the stairs to the main deck galley while entertaining guests. Multiple couches and sunbathing chairs line the aft section of the flybridge, but what's most noticeable is the amount of walking space between all of the furniture. "Space and light" are Absolute's motto and they certainly perfected it on the Navetta 73.
(Seen below: The flybridge layout has the space and seating to accommodate 20 people.)
(Seen below: The electronically retracting sunroof offers spectacular views of the stars at night or another place to sunbathe in the day.)
Speaking of space and light, the salon on the Navetta 73 is nothing short of spectacular. Floor-to-ceiling window panels line the salon and dining space letting in natural light and creating exceptional views. The interior color palette is light as well from the flooring to the suggested furniture to the lighting on the ceiling. All of these features work together for a vibrant, airy feeling as you enter the salon through the multi-folding aft doors.
(Seen below: The salon and dining areas are cleverly separated by the sectional ceiling spaces that subtly divide the room.)
The first impression of the galley on the Absolute 73 Navetta is that you simply don't see it. Placed forward on the other side of the bulkhead from the dining area, the galley stretches the full beam of the yacht and is equipped to handle larger meals for entertaining multiple guests. The galley was also designed with an opening side door to the side decks so that the crew can move about the yacht without disturbing the conversation. With an optional electric high-low opening bulkhead between the galley and the dining area, the design of the galley rivals those on 30 meter yachts. The sparkling white look has shown to be quite popular with owners and all drawers and appliances are flush or recessed to accentuate the clean look.
(Seen below: The galley is gorgeous and has ample counter space for cooking and entertaining.)
(Seen below: The lower deck layout of the Navetta 73.)
Heading down the stairs on the starboard side of the dining area will take you to the lower deck of the Absolute Navetta 73. While the outdoor social spaces are the most eye-catching features on this yacht, the lower deck accommodations are just as thoughtfully designed and appointed. The master stateroom and the VIP suite are almost identical in size and features as both stretch the full beam of the boat. The master is accessed through a private entrance near the inside helm and features a large, queen-sized berth, vanity center, multiple closets and storage areas, as well as an en suite bathroom with his-and-hers sinks.
Two additional guest rooms, each with their own en suite bathrooms, give the lower deck accommodations the ability to easily sleep 8 not including crew. The lower deck arrangements on the Navetta 73 are perfect for the private owner that wants to entertain, but it also lends itself to be successful in a yacht charter scenario.
(Seen below: The appointments in the master suite are stunning and the side windows offer panoramic views from the water line.)
As far as the driving experience on the Navetta 73, Power & Motor Yacht magazine recently did a sea trial. Editor Jason Wood had this to say about the ride, "I drove from the flybridge helm, which had a couple of 22-inch Garmin displays and a nice installation of the Volvo Penta components: Both joystick and binnacle were situated on an outcropping to the right of the wheel. She handled nicely, responding to steering and lever controls and heeling just a bit inboard on the sharpest turns. Absolute paid attention to the center of gravity on this boat, using those high-tech materials to distribute the weight as the design team intended." Jason also took a moment to do a video, seen below, about the Garmin Quatix 5 system on board.
If you would like to learn more about the Absolute Navetta 73, please contact our main office at (718) 984-7676 or by email at Sales@SIYachts.com. Our team has been thoroughly trained at the Absolute factory and help guide you through the process of selecting the right Absolute Yacht model for your needs.
Other articles of interest about Absolute:
Absolute Yachts Continue To Lead In Innovation With New EmpirBus Technology
The Absolute 50 Flybridge Is A Seriously Fun Cruising Yacht
Absolute 62 Fly: Where Italian Style Meets American Functionality
