Azimut just introduced its new 78 Fly, the latest version of the luxury Italian builder’s carbon tech models. Azimut originally introduced the boat as a 76 Fly at the Miami boat show in February, but then added two feet to create more privacy on board for the owner and guests. The resulting 78 Fly is the first in Azimut’s flybridge line to have three Volvo IPS pod drives for performance, fuel efficiency and low noise levels.
With four cabins (plus one for crew), all with en suite heads and showers, the 78 Fly will be built with a high level of carbon fiber. Indeed, the superstructure, flybridge, hardtop and cockpit will all be made with carbon fiber, while the deck will be a hybrid of fiberglass and carbon fiber.
For all this, Azimut has relied on advanced research in the use of Carbon-Tech in yacht construction. “The 78 Fly is an ultra-innovative boat,” says Marco Valle, the Azimut CEO. It also is innovative in positioning the crew quarters on the accommodation deck all the way forward, with access to the helm and galley via interior stairways.
The owner’s master suit is midships, and accessed via a private staircase from the salon. The bed is centered, leaving lots of walking-around space, and a sofa is on the port side. A large head, with two sinks, is aft.
Two matching VIP staterooms and a smaller guest stateroom are also on the accommodation deck, but they’re all separated by hallways and extra spaces. The forward VIP could double as a master, with the bed at an angle to provide more space; the second VIP is aft a bit on the starboard side. The fourth cabin with twin berths is opposite it on the port side.
On the main deck the salon has a large L-shaped settee on the port side with a small table, then there’s another L-shaped settee forward with a larger high-low table for dining. Another sofa and the entertainment center are to starboard. The galley is forward to port, opposite the helm, which has matching helm chairs.
On the flybridge, the helm also has two matching chairs, with a large settee to starboard. In the cockpit, there’s a large U-shaped settee aft with a table and three occasional chairs. The hydraulic swim platform is large enough to hold a RIB/tender. An unusually large and luxurious lounge is on the foredeck, with four sofas/sun lounges facing fore and aft.
With its standard three 900-hp Volvo IPS1200 pod drives, the boat is expected to top out at 30 knots and cruise at 27 knots. Larger 1,000-hp Volvo IPS1350 pod drives are an upgrade.
Specs.: LOA: 77’6”; Beam: 18’10”; Draft: 3’11”; Disp.: 62 tons; Fuel: 1,321 gals.; Water: 290 gals.; Power: 3×900-hp Volvo IPS1200 pod drives. Optional: 3×1,000-hp Volvo IPS1350 pod drives.
