THE NEXT LEVEL

THE AZIMUT 55 IS A FLYBRIDGE YACHT WITH A NEW PLANING HULL DESIGN AND AN UBER-CHIC INTERIOR

gazing out the portside window of the Azimut 55’s full-beam master stateroom. As I stared at a turquoise sea off Savona, Italy, it was easy to understand why the builder had included the rectangular-shaped glass. ¶ Rain fell in earnest from an ominous sky, with an army of droplets landing on the yacht, but the gray-carpeted stateroom made the space feel cozy. Gray zebrawood veneers contrasted with dark oak, brass and steel accents, and fabric-covered walls, creating a contemporary ambience. Soft white LEDs instilled a warm feeling. The only thing missing was a cappuccino and a good book. ¶ That I felt so relaxed and happy on such a lousy weather day is a testament to Azimut’s skill in building boats with smart living spaces. The Azimut 55 is the latest example of the builder’s ability to use nuanced design decisions to great effect. ¶ The 55’s master is outfitted with a double berth offset at a 45-degree angle, increasing the sense of volume and floor space. There’s a four-drawer dresser under the portside window, but given the view and the fact that there are a couple of hanging lockers and underberth stowage, I would forgo the dresser for an optional settee here to take full advantage of the serene scene. The en suite head has a Tecma toilet, a stall shower, and a sink with a rosewood marble countertop. ¶ Two more staterooms include a forepeak VIP with a double berth, also kept bright with hullside glass and an overhead hatch. The VIP has an en suite head that serves as the day-head via a companionway door. Abaft and to starboard of the VIP is the third stateroom, with twin berths. Should an owner have a captain, there’s an optional cabin with a single berth abaft the engine room. Owner-operators can use the crew space for stowage. ¶ The contemporary feel of the belowdecks area carries into the salon, which has a dark oak sole contrasting dramatically with lighter-tone gray zebrawood on the cabinetry. Indirect lighting and brass strips accent the cabinetry and soften the look. Again, I felt welcomed on such a gray day. ¶ Her salon is set up for social gatherings with a sofa for two directly abaft the starboard-side helm station, which itself has two seats. Across is C-shaped seating with a fixed table, keeping

I WAS IN A TRANCE