At last week’s Miami International Boat Show, the Italian designed and built Azimut Seadeck 7 won multiple NMMA Innovation Awards in the motoryacht, cabin cruiser and trawler categories.
Said judge Ben Stein, “The Azimut Seadeck 7 is a tour-de-force of innovative new features and refined design in a 70-footer, with an emphasis on sustainability in propulsion and materials. The open main deck floor plan makes this already sizeable yacht feel huge, and Volvo Penta’s hybrid-electric IPS propulsion system enables fully electric navigation for short distances and zero-emission hotel mode at anchor.”
In the last few years, Azimut has embraced an eco-friendly, low carbon-ethic and combined that with designs and layouts that are closely linked to the watery environment.
On the technical side, they are powering the new boats, like the Seadeck 7, with Volvo’s hybrid diesel-electric propulsion systems that allow you to run on silent electric power in and out of anchorages and marinas. Then, with the diesels engaged, you can steam quickly to your next landfall. These propulsion systems can reduce carbon emissions by up to 40%
To make this work even better, the builder is using high-tech carbon fiber and epoxy infusion technology to build the hulls and decks; this reduces weight and thus lowers the power needed for efficient running.
On the lifestyle side, they are creating wide open spaces in the cockpit, with twin fold-down balconies and a huge swim platform, that make the boat feel much larger than 70 feet. The cockpit has been reimagined as The Fun Island with spacious sun beds, open decks and ready access to the water.
To maximize the eco-friendly, close-to-nature theme, the salon has been given huge windows that fill the boat with natural light and plenty of opening ports to let the summer breeze flow through.
Azimut is creating boats for the future and imbuing them with a conscience and a style that will appeal to many a sea-going family. It is no wonder this year’s Innovation Awards judges went for it unanimously.
