Azimut 58

58azimut1 Bordering on perfection: having had the pleasure of spending a few hours in the company of the Azimut 58 flybridge, I cannot think of one thing that I dislike about this superb specimen of Italian craftsmanship. I can’t believe that only 24 hours before we set off on our Solent cruise, Southern England was covered in a blanket of snow, yet here we were leaving Hamble Point Marina under a blue sky and glorious sunshine together with a bitterly cold breeze. The Clipper Marine crew, who are UK agents for Azimut, had spent an hour or two getting rid of any surplus ice on the fl ybridge and decks and we were ready to roll. I was told by Matt Attree, director of Clipper that the ‘gizmo’ that operates the thrusters and gearboxes through a computer system had been playing games when they took delivery, but as we left the dock the system appeared to be operating satisfactorily. Could it be that technology is becoming too complex for its own good? Bow and stern thrusters are a great addition to boats of this size, but then I can’t see the point of linking them to throttles and gearboxes. Before describing the excellent performance of this 58 footer, I’ll take you on a guided tour around the craft. The approach to the foredeck from aft cockpit might be a bit of a squeeze for someone with a larger than average build as the side decks are perhaps narrower than usual, but what you lose outside you certainly gain within the deck saloon. The hull has prominent windows set on either side, and the forward windows allow light to enter the guest room which offers a choice of bed confi guration – V berth layout or the berths can be cleverly swivelled together making a decent size double. This forward cabin has an en-suite toilet shower which is entered from the guest cabin, but it’s important to ensure the second door in the bathroom is locked as the toilet-shower is also used by occupants of the twin berth cabin situated on the starboard side at the bottom of the companionway. Both forward cabins have spacious wardrobes with natural cedar interiors while a washing machine is at hand alongside the galley but enclosed by a door. A staircase from the lower deck takes you up into the magnifi cent spacious deck saloon which is also home to the galley with its low furniture on a level above the living space and facing the dining area. The décor on the test boat is very light and this together with big windows all round seems to make the area appear even larger. On entering the deck saloon through the sliding glass patio door, a modern seating area of loose-woven fabrics, and leather inserts, which seats eight in comfort is on the starboard side, complete with large Plasma screen television, while opposite is another settee layout and the well fi tted galley. As you turn to port sharply a staircase leads down to the exquisite owner’s stateroom complete with en-suite and the other set of hull windows. This area is extremely well lit thanks to the panoramic windows, and is furnished to a very high standard with cedar wood interiors and leather panelling on the headboard of the bed. Although most owners would not generally choose to sleep whilst underway, the fact that the en-suite is between the sleeping area and engine room means noise is kept to a minimum. The lower helm with full instrumentation has the wheel centrally fi tted with a sumptuous captain’s seat while to starboard is a small forward facing settee for two directly ahead of the dining area. A neat touch is two circular electrically operated windows that allow fresh air into the cabin. When underway, and with the deck saloon door in the closed position, the noise level in the saloon is remarkably low. The builders have installed the engines farther aft than would be expected yet have still used traditional shafts. Aft of the cockpit, entry to the basic crew accommodation is reached through a hatch below the wide cockpit seat, and a door in the transom leads onto a wide bathing platform. Climbing the staircase onto the flybridge reveals a sun-worshippers paradise. One can’t help being impressed by the spacious, cleverly planned expanse of seating, sun beds and alfresco galley. An owner can entertain at least ten guests in complete comfort while the helmsman sits in his own domain with clear all-round vision overlooking the sun-bathing area on the foredeck. Hopefully, you now have a good idea about what to expect in terms of creature comforts when you climb aboard the Azimut 58, but how does it perform? The standard boat is fitted with two MAN 800hp R6 diesels, and they are installed under the aft cockpit floor. From the flybridge the noise is virtually just a hum in the background, even when the throttles are turned up. In terms of weight our boat had seven people aboard and carrying about half full tanks. Although sea conditions were relatively calm the craft was quickly onto the plane for a boat of 28 tons. The top speed is around 32 knots, but during our voyage around Southampton Waters and the Solent as far as Portsmouth, we sat at a steady 24 knots, and although Azimut suggest a 28 knot cruising speed, of which we reached several times, the most economic speed would be around 24 knots. We cruised up the Media River to the Folly Inn for lunch and with a low tide the Azimut still had 3 foot under its keel as the river narrowed. A look of apprehension appeared on the face of Matt Attree as he approached the Folly Inn’s mooring pontoon as he was about to use the ‘all singing, all dancing’ thrusters. The blip that originally had given him a fright had apparently sorted itself out, and we enjoyed a perfect landing. After a delightful lunch it was back to Hamble Point and by now the chill factor was beginning to take its toll as everyone moved into the deck saloon. With the trim tabs slightly lowered the bow dropped enough to offer perfect forward vision, and this had little effect on speed. Everything that is required to drive this craft, i.e. steering, throttle, gear change, is finger light and precise. Although it is not normally recommended to turn the wheel hard over at speed (unless a submarine surfaced right in front of you) I did put the boat into a tight turn, and although speed decreased somewhat, it handled the manoeuvre with ease. As far as I’m concerned, Azimut 58 is as near to perfection as you can get in a craft of this size. Without wishing to appear ungrateful to the Clipper Marine crew, the only thing that could have impressed me more is to test the vessel under a hot Mediterranean sun, and maybe anchor up in a sheltered sandy cove where that glass of champagne would go down even better. 58azimut2