Yacht Class n°37 (june-july-agust 2024)

By choosing Alberto Mancini as its exterior designer, Azimut knew that its new Fly, the 72, would have no trouble attracting fans of a silhouette with a strong personality. What‘s more, thanks to Fabio Fantolino, the interior is perfectly suited to family cruising. This yacht is aiming for success, and deserves it.

Texte : Alain Brousse – Photos : DR

Azimut-Benetti Group

Azimut, a highly renowned shipyard belonging to the Azimut-Benetti Group, one of the world’s leading shipbuilders, owes its success to its policy of conquest, to say the least. Its catalogue features seven brands of motor yachts from 12 to 30 metres: Seadeck, Fly, S, Grande, Magellano, Verve and Atlantis, for a total of 27 units covering the three main genres: open hard-top, sportfly and flybridge. It is in this last category that the latest model has appeared: the Fly 72 that owes her exterior styling to a designer renowned for his talent: Alberto Mancini, who never fails to respond positively to an offer to collaborate with Azimut-Benetti. The seductive silhouette of this three-decker evokes a notion of performance, and we will have the proof of that when we start with the test phase.

A pleasure to sail aboard

The Fly 72 has been designed with a traditional internal combustion engine: two 1 400 hp MAN V12 diesels and shaft drives. However, this unit has benefited from an in-depth study to save weight, thanks in particular to the use of carbon fibre. With a total thrust of 2 800 hp, the Fly 72 reached 30 knots at full throttle (2 240 rpm) during our test, which took place in fairly calm conditions. The shipyard’s technical data sheet gives a slightly higher top speed: 31 knots. The recommended cruising speed is 18.5 knots, giving a relatively good range of 350 miles. As a flybridge, this model has two control stations. Firstly, the wheelhouse on the starboard side, at the very front of the main deck, which is completely open and perfectly integrated into the décor. It offers two ergonomic armchairs and a dashboard worthy of a vessel of over 20 metres, with nothing missing. A second control station is located on the flybridge, also with two armchairs. And at this level, the view is 360 degrees.

All the cabins on the lower deck

With the sun shining during our outing aboard the F72, we are going to start by exploring the outside spaces, opening up the 40 m² flybridge, a beautiful area from which you can enjoy a 360-degree view. And how could we imagine this place without a saloon (to port), two deckchairs and a saloon aft. And to complete this description, there is a kitchenette that doubles as a bar, next to the helm station. As for the foredeck (16 m²), it had to be welcoming, with a U-shaped bench seat with a table in the centre and, of course, the inevitable solarium (3 or 4 places). Then, last but not least: there is the cockpit (20 m²), which offers a very classic layout: a lounge area with a U-shaped bench seat and a table, enough to host a meal with total protection from the roof thanks to the sunbridge terrace. Finally, the Fly 72 has the essential bathing platform, which also serves as a support for the tender (3.90 m), as the lower deck is not equipped with a garage. The interior layout is spread over two decks (main and lower), totalling 80 m². The welcoming cockpit reveals a sliding door that invites us to enter the communal space on the main deck, where the first impression is positive because of the abundance of light. This means that the glazing maximises the view outside, with the wheelhouse and galley both open. Some, however, will be free to opt for the totally partitioned galley. The “mono space” includes a relaxation area to port, in the form of a comfortable saloon with an L-shaped bench seat for 4 to 5 passengers. There is also a two-seater sofa opposite. To starboard, a table (seating for eight thanks to an L-shaped bench and four chairs) will delight lovers of succulent food, especially as the galley is opposite and awaits only chefs, if not Michelin-starred, then at least of a high standard. On Fly 72, all the cabins are on the lower deck. The owner has the largest (15 m²), located in the centre and occupying the entire width, with a large bathroom, also “full beam”. Pampered guests will be offered the VIP cabin at the very front. There is also a double and a twin cabin, both with en suite bathrooms. Finally, the captain will enjoy a 9.5 m² cabin at the stern. Every detail has been carefully thought out to ensure that this 22.57-metre yacht fulfils her mission perfectly: to be an ideal cruising yacht, preferably in magical locations. An undeniable asset that places her well within the charter fleets.