May 14, 2012

Project: Azimut 55 S

A new Azimut project is always big news for the yachting community, mostly because of the advances this Italian builder brings to the design of the genre in general.  This Azimut 55 S project has been always an awaited project from my side may be since 2006, mostly because of the gap I always felt there was between the 43 and 62 of the sport series range from the known Italian yachting brand.  With the 55 S Azimut present a totally new innovative project.  What is a surprise here is that Azimut sort of returns to pod drives with this new project.  After the still in production 2005 presented 43 S, and loads of testing, research and design with the 50 and 55 flybridge models, and 62 S it was always felt that Azimut sort of distanced itself from pod drives, as none of these actually made it officially in the market.  Fast forward to now and the 55 S will be powered by triple Volvo 435hp, and IPS pods which will give a top speed of 35 knots.  On the design fronts the Azimut 55 S also breaks some molds from its predecessors we here see a near to axe bow which is in fact a more vertical steep but it gives that impression, and a forward looking settee on the fore deck, which apart traditional Gozzo, or explorer cruisers makes it the smaller yacht size to offer this.  Inside Azimut 55 S will offer the usual modern spaces coming from the Italian brand with a full beam owners stateroom, no bunk guest cabin, and queen sized berth VIP to fore.  Interesting is also the spaces offered on the main deck with a sofa which will be over seven meters in length.  Construction wise Azimut says a lot of innovation goes in to the 55 S structure, a bow reinforced with stainless steel, carbon components in all reinforcement areas plus a superstructure fully sandwiched in this material,  and crystal inserted windows which apart from being a design stance are also part of the structural integrity.  Construction of hull one is well underway, but official presentation for the new 55 S is expected in the fall of this year, think Cannes 2012.     

2 comments:

  1. Wow! I'm truly amazed on these types of yachts and how it's truecharge battery charger is on top of the line. I hope I can ride one of these beauties one day.

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