Azimut 62S

I was there as the guest of the Italian Trade Commission and had the opportunity to test an Azimut 62 Flybridge cruiser on day one of a two week tour. It was a tour that would have me visit many shipyards, including the Azimut factory in Avigliana (Turin), but that first boat test really blew me away. Why? Because in those days back in Oz, we had no locally-built boats that could compete with the quality, luxury, innovation, standard of finish and performance of that Italian princess. She was magnificent in every respect. But she also cost a hell of a lot more than the Aussie offering. Thankfully, these days we now have boat builders who have stepped up to the plate and there is now price parity. However, after testing the latest Azumit 62S – ironically it was another 62-footer -- I have to say, "look out fellas, because the bar’s been lifted again".

When it comes to boat design and layout, while I wouldn’t forego the ride and performance offered by modern planing hulls, I still love the old world charm of classic wooden interiors. But it seems as I age, and continue to use my iPhone, my tastes are changing and I’ve realised that the times really are a-changing. The functional modernist design of this new Azimut 62S has a lot going for it.

For starters, there are few protrusions on this boat that you can injure yourself on if you stumble at sea. There are no gawky handles sticking out, everything fits flush and most sharp furniture points have been rounded off. The OH&S guys will love that, but think about it, it makes sense, because it does get rough out there.

Plus, more clever design puts all of this boat’s operational controls, including every emergency cut out, within easy reach of the skipper’s electrically-adjusted chair, which is a sensible step forward and one I wish all builders would take up.

But it’s not only in the design and innovation department that Azimut gets a tick in every box. Under the control of Paolo Vitelli, the privately-owned Azimut-Bennetti Group has gone from strength-to-strength. Even during the World Financial Crises, this cashed-up company was able to expand and open new facilities in Turkey, Brazil and China. It shows potential customers that this company is here to stay.

Access to the comfy crew’s quarters is on the portside of the sunpad, but because most Aussie owners will drive this boat themselves, this area is great for extra storage – although a child would probably love it down there.

The massive hydraulic swim platform will easily accommodate a PWC rack, bit it’s really not needed, because under that big cockpit sunlounge is a sizable garage. The aft cockpit also features a BBQ, icemaker, fridge and the list goes on and on. Although I had a go at the size of the aft cockpit sunlounge, but once that “bi-slide” saloon door is opened, there’s plenty of room for entertaining.

Entering the saloon from the aft cockpit is like walking into a room in one of the world’s finest hotels. The décor’s superb; it has just about every accessory any boaties could want -- pop-up TV, convertible-coffee table, plush lounges, Roman blinds, sensual lighting, great sound system, air-con, opening sunroof  --  you can’t deny the wow-factor. But Azimut hasn’t stopped there… it’s the finishing touches that really give this boat an edge. Next to the television cabinet are draws filled with exquisite Italian glasses, quality stainless knives, forks and spoons, not to mention the world-class Alessi crockery. But here’s a tip, the floors in the main saloon are highly-polished hardwood, so take care if you’re walking on them in socks and no high heels please. I never thought I’d say that.

We Aussies like to drive our boats and the helm of the 62S is a skipper’s delight. Sure, it’s got all the right gear, and then some, like the Xenta docking system, which turns first timers into pros. You can even stand on the wharf and dock your boat via your laptop -- it’s brilliant.

The lower deck houses the galley, which can be completely closed off and is fitted with the latest appliances from Gaggenau. Actually, the closed off galley’s a good idea, because you can brace against the rear wall when cooking if things get rough… it’s not always plain sailing out there.

The Azimut 62s is offered in three configurations, galley with a relaxing media room and a sofa-bed, a third cabin, or an open-plan dinette area that opens up the galley and creates another usable living space. It all depends on how much sleeping accommodation you require. I like the idea of the dinette set-up, it’s functional and makes the boat seem bigger.

The VIP bow cabin has two single beds in a vee configuration that slide together to form a double bed, an en-suite bathroom, a beauty corner and copious wardrobes and drawers. The optional third cabin has twin beds and access to the day head.

Amidships on the lower deck is the magnificent owner’s stateroom. Offset island bed, large en-suite with beautifully-made Italian fixtures and fitting, pull-out wardrobe, makeup table, owner’s safe, mood lighting, plush decor and plenty of room to move around in. And that’s before I mention the ample storage, TV, sound system, good-head height and the great natural light provided by the six massive windows on each side of the hull. It’s sophisticated, elegant and makes a statement about the owner.

Up front, the sweeping foredeck is surrounded by a high bow rail, which extends back to the aft cockpit for the added security of those making the trek to the massive bow-mounted sunpad.