on 3 Apr 2023
The Azimut S7 debuted at the 2023 Boot Düsseldorf in January, highlighting the latest in sustainability wrapped in a stylish package from the world’s biggest yacht builder
Azimut is on a mission. Under the watchful eye of heir-apparent Giovanna Vitelli, the company has been steadily reducing carbon emissions while offering clients a fun ride in ever more fashionable settings.
The new Azimut S7 is a great example of this philosophy. Start with the construction. A heavy emphasis on carbon fibre construction, particularly up top, means that the yacht is 30% lighter than a yacht built in fibreglass. The S7’s entire superstructure, from the deck up, is in carbon fibre laminate.
That lighter weight translates into fuel savings. The lightweight construction is focused on the upper-most part of the yacht, which lowers the centre of gravity. That has the effect of reducing uncomfortable rolling motion – Azimut says by as much as 15%. These are all good things, but how does the yacht perform?
The new S7 comes with three Volvo Penta D13 IPS 1050 pod drive engines (800HP/588kW) with Tier III certification, which means drastically lower emissions. Pod drives offer great manoeuvrability and performance while freeing up space in the engineering compartment.
The sleek looks, penned by Alberto Mancini, Azimut’s new muse, fit well with the statistics. The S7 has a top speed of 35 knots and very respectable cruising speed of 27 knots – plenty of punch for those wanting a thrill on the throttle. It also means owners can beat a quick retreat to the marina in case inclement weather appears on the horizon – a frequent occurrence in tropical settings.
It is no surprise that the S7 features Volvo Penta joystick controls, along with automated trim tabs. This puts owners in control of their large yachts in a way that was almost impossible 10 years ago. Not only do those automated tabs keep the yacht properly trimmed for the best hydrodynamic efficiency, they can also detect and counteract side winds while underway or even compensate for an imbalance in the weight distribution. But there is a lot more to the S7 than a gutsy performance.
Mancini created a modern, sweeping exterior that befits the high performance of the S7. It also allows for huge windows that give guests and owner a great sense of spaciousness while onboard, particularly below decks in the guest cabins. The cut-out bulwarks also work to let as much natural light (and sea views) in as possible.
The layout of the S7 has some interesting reveals about what Azimut’s designers think and are hearing from their clients. It is very common in mid-range yachts to have a galley that adjoins the aft cockpit area. Azimut has turned this on its head, keeping the galley up on the main deck but pushing it forward towards the helm station. This opens up the interior main saloon, creating a roomy place that joins well with the aft deck. Rather than trying to cram in a discrete dining area, Azimut opted for a relaxed settee space at the aft end of the main saloon with a very flexible table arrangement. It can be raised up, lowered, opened up into a dining table or partitioned into separate lounge tables. In this way, Azimut leaves more space open for easy movement around the interior and crucially, more room for those sea views.
There are more innovations down in the lower deck. Here, Azimut offers a four-cabin layout and a cabin for two crew. The master suite is amidship, as with most yachts of this size. But rather than having a centrally aligned bed, the bed on the S7 is on the port side, leaving a view of the sea through those large windows for those lounging in bed.
This uncommon layout made it possible for the Azimut designers to build a display case along the forward bulkhead complete with internal lighting. The master bathroom has a shower that features smoked glass to add a charmingly light touch to the architectural design, folding like a screen to form the opening angle of the dressing room door. Completing the sleeping area are three guest cabins, including a VIP cabin forward with a double bed and ensuite bathroom, and two doubles, one with twin beds and the other with two beds in an L-shape.
Throughout the S7, a theme of lightness in colour and tone prevails. Simple elegance is the rule. For the S7, Azimut recruited Italian creative firm Yachtique, which specialises in fabricating bright, airy interiors with fine finishes. The S7 is Yachtique’s first project with Azimut, and likely won’t be the last. According to Azimut, Yachtique worked closely with the group’s Innovation Design Hub, after working on a number of refit projects for superyachts. One interesting trick that Azimut employed was the use of strip lighting in the interior. There are four strips inlaid into the ceiling and several more positioned low around the interior. For night-time parties, these lights can be turned on or off in any number of combinations, creating a mood suitable for the moment, whether brightly lit for big parties or gently illuminated for more private occasions.
The outdoor spaces are exactly what you expect and need from a 22m sport motoryacht. The flybridge is compact but well-appointed, with a large grill and wet bar station behind the helm and enough lounge room for everyone to find a place. When the speed is up, this will be a wonderful place to enjoy the summer breeze.
On the aft deck, there is a large sun pad, rather than the customary dining table. A nice little lounge table on the port side facing aft, therefore, enjoys a wide sea view. Truly, this will be the place to start the day with a cup of coffee from the galley. Beneath the transom, Azimut has created the tender bay for a sizeable tender. The crew has discrete access to their cabin, which is located just forward of the engineering and storage space. Azimut says that its new sport yacht is meant to be a “cosy residence on the sea”. With sleek looks, stylish design, speedy performance and sustainability at its heart, owners will feel cosy on this yacht – until it’s time to hit the throttle once more!
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