Yacht Class n°35 (dec 2023/jan-feb 2024)

Azimut-Benetti Group

The Magellano family now has its entry-level model, this 60-foot designed by Azimut and Ken Freihvok. The DNA of the range has been fully respected, with an emphasis on the livability and comfort that will make cruising a pleasure. Not to mention the Dual Mode hull, renowned for its high performance. 

Written by : Alain Brousse – Photos : DR

Within the Azimut-Benetti Group, the Azimut brand is above all a perfect example of diversity. It explores the four most popular genres: open hard-top, sportfly, flybridge and, since 2007, the “Crossover” style. So far, 25 models from 40 to 100 feet. The Magellano family, which up to now included the 66, 25m. and the 30m., is presenting an entry-level model, the 60 foot, that made her debut at the last Cannes Yachting Festival. Like her big sisters, she has a Navetta-like silhouette with a touch of Explorer. Her creators, the shipyard and the architect designer Ken Freihvok, have decided to call her “Crossover” because of her profile. 

A very convivial reception area 

As this type of boat emphasises the volume of its interior, it’s easy to imagine it, if only by looking at the high freeboard and the superstructures, which are quite massive for a boat of this size. These house the reception area, designed for relaxing, snacking, dining and steering. Once on the main deck, an open-plan galley is cleverly positioned to serve both the starboard dining area (6 guests) and the cockpit. An advantage is that it doesn’t block the view aft. This reception area, with a very comfortable U-shaped settee (6 people) to port and a lounge-like saloon to starboard, has plenty of natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic views. Forward, still to starboard, the pilot and co-pilot enjoy two ergonomic chairs. The helm station blends perfectly with Azimut’s contemporary interior design.

All the cabins on the lower deck

On the Magellano 60, all three cabins are located belowdecks. Each has its own en suite bathroom with independant shower. The owner will enjoy the largest, full-beam one located amidships. With a headroom of 2.05m, it features a king-size bed, two dressing cabinets and a two-person settee that could easily be replaced by a desk/dressing table. The VIP cabin is located forward, while the third cabin is a smaller twin. Finally, there is a cabin located aft of the lower deck with a shower-toilet area, should the owner wish to entrust the boat to a skipper.

Comfortable outdoors

Family cruising would not be possible without attractive and comfortable outdoors. The stern does not offer a beach club, but it does have a teak platform, which is partially submersible to facilitate the launch of the tender (length: 4.25 m), strapped on a cradle, as the Magellano 60 has no garage. It is also ideal for swimming. On starboard, a staircase leads to the cockpit, entirely protected by the flybridge, whose layout allows to make the most of the sea view, thanks in part to the glazed upper part of the transom. Adjacent to this saloon, the open-plan galley makes for a very pleasant mealtime. The gangways lead us to the foredeck, which is a veritable invitation to farniente. This 17 m² area is dedicated to relaxation, with an U-shaped settee facing a sofa and a table in between. This space would not be complete without the traditional sunbed for four guests. The Magellano 60 has three-decks, including a very welcoming flybridge whose aft section can either offer two L-shaped sofas with coffee tables or four deckchairs. In addition to sunbathing sessions, relaxation is also on the menu with the saloon, protected by the opening roof, offering a place for snacks or meals thanks to the kitchenette (fridge and grill). And since the weather was fine, we set sights on the flybridge helm station (two armchairs) for the navigation phase of this sea trial.

A Dual Mode hull

Like her big sisters, the Magellano 60 has a “Dual Mode” hull developed by Azimut and the architect Pier Luigi Ausonio. This semi-planing hull has been studied to offer high efficiency and, as a result, reasonable fuel consumption, with lower CO² emissions. Actually, a Magellano has even been tested with diesels running on biofuel. Azimut‘s design teams aim for ‘low emission‘. We steered this 60-foot from the flybridge where the view is unobstructed. Partially protected by a windscreen, we enjoyed the pleasure of sailing on a slightly ‘squally‘ Mediterranean sea. In these conditions, the Magellano sailed smoothly and the rare wakes we crossed had no effect on it. She has a top speed of 26.2 knots thanks to her two MAN16 diesels (2 x 730 hp), the only configuration available. The shipyard recommends a cruising speed of 20 knots for a range of 400 miles. At 10 knots, she can travel 650 miles without refuelling. At the end of the visit and sea trial, it‘s clear that this unit has qualities that make it a model with a bright future.