Outer Reef 640 Azure
The 640 Azure takes its design cues from the alfresco lifestyle of the Mediterranean coast.
Since their introduction in the early aughts, Outer Reef has earned a reputation as a manufacturer of robust, long-range cruisers equally at home in waters from Alaska to Argentina. Their latest launch, the 640 Azure incorporates a revised layout on a proven semi-displacement hull that looks to take full advantage of la dolce vita.
“The impetus of this model [is] to meet the needs of [those] who desire true long-range cruising, incredible entertainment spaces and a remarkable fuel range,” Outer Reef Marketing Director Tracy Hess Burgess told me. The 640 has the range covered: With 1,000 gallons of diesel on tap, she’ll see 1,000 nautical miles at 10 knots. Back off the mains to 8 knots—the Azure is offered with a pair of 476-hp Cat C9.3s—and she’ll run an estimated 1,400 nautical miles between fill-ups.
She’s as tough as her predecessors as well. Like the 630 that it shares a hull with, the Azure is built to CE Class A classification which means up to 13-foot seas and 40-knot sustained winds in open ocean conditions. Azure’s hull has been modified to give the vessel more lift at the stern to accommodate the heavier load aft, following its design brief as an entertainer par excellence.
The 640’s massive aft galley is a first for Outer Reef, the ideal complement to entertaining alfresco. This layout has been a favorite of mine and Outer Reef looks like they nailed it on the Azure—the full-height, patio-style door folds away and an electrically actuated glass window disappears to create a remarkable indoor/outdoor gathering space that should easily accommodate a dozen guests. On those blazing hot Mediterranean afternoons, close up the space, put on the air conditioning and there’s plenty of room forward at a C-shaped settee with dining table and adjacent seating area. Need a siesta? Retreat to one of three staterooms belowdecks.
Two spots I can see myself spending copious amounts of time while cruising—not including the expansive and fully equipped upper and lower helms—are the Portuguese bridge and what Outer Reef has dubbed the Bridge Viewdeck, forward of the centerline helm on the flybridge. On night watch or just for easy and safe access to the foredeck, the confidence and comfort that comes from a wellexecuted Portuguese bridge are unmatched. The latter space on the flybridge? Yet another space on board to soak in the good life.
The 640 Azure will debut at its namesake on the Côte d’Azur during September’s Cannes Yachting Festival. Pricing was not yet available at press time. — Jeff Moser